LOCAL PRICES FOR NECESSARIES.

Temuka Leader, Volume I, Issue 78, 14 September 1878, Page 2

LOCAL PRICES FOR NECESSARIES.

(to the editor of the temuka leader.) Paterfainihases may be divided into various classes, according as they are stern, grave, dignified, portly, inflexible, contemplative, gay, mercurial, happy, homely, cheerful, rich, pool, &c., but to whatever class or variety they may belong, the monthly advent of butchers’, bakers’, store bills, &c., is never looked upon as a fitting occasion for the manifestation of joy. Now hearken unto me, ye paterfamiliases and materfamiliases of Temuka, and I will try to demonstrate to you that, at any rate for one commodity, viz., bread, you are paying a higher price, than is paid elsewhere. The following calculation will show the profit that must, be made by our local bakers ; —• If I am not mistaken, flour can be obtained for LH 5s per ton, or about 11s l|d per ctvt. That is per lb l£d, nearly. Now, every house-keeper knows that the 41b loaf does not contain lour, pounds of flour, as the water used in making bread forms no inconsiderable item in the weight of the loaf. When I allow 5d then as the price it costs a baker to make a four pound loaf, I think I am well within the mark. Of course a single loaf could not be made for that sum, but when a large batch is made at a time, the case is different. I will, however, bring forward a few facts in support of my statement that we are overcharged for this indespensable article of diet. In Ashburton the four pound loaf is Bd, in Dunedin 6d, in Timaru 7d, 'in'''Christchurch fid, delivered at the house. I think it is evident "from,the above remarks that if tradesmen in other places can make a fair profit by selling an M article at fid, ceteris paribus, tradesmen here must he making an undue profit,by selling the same article at 9d, for that is r . the price of the four pound loaf in Temuka. V, This is a matter which presses, especially hard on poor men with large families, and I hope some movement may he speedily made by those interested, to sift the matter thorough!''.—l am, &c., Boiled Paste.