TREND OF PRICES.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 January 1921, Page 10

TREND OF PRICES.

A MERCHANT’S OPINION. “The reports which appear in the Press from time to time concerning the reductions that are being made m the price of goods are not always reliable,' remarked. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson to an Eltham Argus representative; in tact, in many instances they are entirely mis : leading* and inaccurate. There are practically as many increases taking place in manufacturers’ prices as there are decreases. For instance, the price of cement has just increased considerably, also that of all brushware and English crockery. As a further instance of the misleading character of the prices quoted in some papers, it was stated some time ago that the price of benzine had fallen 10s per case. This was absolutely incorrect. There has been no reduction in any of the well-known brands. Big Tree benzine —counting leakage losses is costing 40s per case landed in Eltham, and is being sold here at 425. It is satisfactory *to note in this connection, however, that, supplies are now coming to hand more regnlarly than previously Another thing that, tends to keep prices up is the continued difficulty merchants are experiencing in obtaining supplies. Agents' notified me to-day that garden hose ordered in April, 1910, was still unprocurable: slashers ordered in September, 1918, they were still unable to obtain delivery of; and in respect to some carpenters’ tools ordered- from the wellknown firm of Marples and Sons on February 28, 1916, the agents were still unable to promise delivery. In the case of many other orders too numerous to mention, agents report that they are unable to make any definite promise of delivery yet, and in some cases would not forecast the possible dtfte of delivery. . “It is also becoming increasingly ditfieult to jlo business with English and American houses on account of the credit restrictions and constantly increasing exchange charges,” concluded Mr Wilkinson, “all of which tends to increase the price of commodities. Please do not think that am trying to boost prices; it is not to my advantage to do so. What I want is low prices, small profits and a quick turnover. T have merely been trying to point out to you the fallacy of the reports of reductions ' and imßsndina reductions in prices.”