THE PRICE OF FLOUR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8942, 30 May 1907, Page 3

THE PRICE OF FLOUR.

COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS. Tli© local bakers have not yet aaiived at any definite decision regarding the rumoured further increaso in the price of bread, but there seems to be little doubt that 7d will ba the ruling price for the- four pound loaf during the winter unices the price of flour declines. . The bakers state that a rise of 30s in the price of flour sine© May 13 oaimot be balanced by an increase of Id on the four pound loaf, and that they must raise the price further in order to secure a fair return for themselves. The consumer is, of t course, indignant, and it is evident, /from conversation at tie street corners and in the tramcars that the average man thinks that someone is fleecing him. "The figures look ail right, and I dare say the price of flour corresponds with the price of wheat," said one man speaking to a reporter, "but who ha© put up the price of -wheat? The millers have done it. "We- have plenty of wheat in New Zealand for our own needs, but, because there has been speculation in America and a shortage in Australia, out prices are raised. Remember, that New Zealand has practically ceased to export wheat. The millers are taking advantage of the duty on imported flour, and are taking the very last penny that they can without raising the prices to the level at which importation become® passible. In fact, the millers, as has been ' said again and again, are a trust, and the consumers wall obtain relief only when the State interferes, a© it did in connection with, the coal trade." The sudden rises in tlie price of tho staple article of food has had the result of making the general public realise that there is a duty on flour, and m likely to strengthen the demand that the duty should bo removed. "The present system," said ;v citizen this morning, " means that v;e in New Zealand are paying for our flour the high Australian price, caused by the shortage in the Commonwealth, plus the duty, plus the freight. That is what it comes to, however the millers may explain the position."