The Wanganui Chronicle MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1939. AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND PRICES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 36, 13 February 1939, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1939. AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND PRICES

drawing comparisons between Australia and New Zealand Mr. Sullivan made the same mistake as he did when he compared the grocery prices in New Zealand in November, 1937, and November, 1938. In that case he left out the fact that the high price of new potatoes had caused the .1937 index number to jump up. When dealing with the Australian figures he omitted to mention that the groceries group index had shown a rise, not because of any economic factor but because of drought, conditions. Taking the latest Australian figures, however, it is to be seen that, despite drought conditions, the cost, of living has remained remarkably steady in the Commonwealth, For instance, the Sydney wholesale price index stood at 166 in December, 1937, and at 164 at the end of last year. The Commonwealth Statistician’s food and groceries index stood at 85.9 in December, .1937, and at 91.0 last December, but the full cost of living index showed a smaller advance of only 2.2 per cent. The comparisons of movements indulged in by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, however, docs not give the true position. Calculated on the basis of 1930 it is to be found that, the cost of living index stood at 96.1 in February of last year in New Zealand, but at only 90.8 in Australia; in August the New Zealand index stood at 96.9 and the Australian at 92.9. When the long distances over which goods have to be hauled in Australia are taken into consideration it is to be seen that the. Australian position is very satisfactory as compared with New Zealand, and when the comparision is fairly made leaves very little for the Government of New Zealand upon which to congratulate itself.