THE CHRISTMAS TABLE

Evening Star, Issue 17542, 23 December 1920, Page 9

THE CHRISTMAS TABLE

MARKET WELL SUPPLIED. A DEARER CHRISTMAS PUDDING. The high cost of living does not diminish the Christmas appetite, and on .the festive day the tables of rich and poor alike are laden with os bountiful a supply of luxuries as the householder’s purse can allow. The housewife whose income is average will probably find, however, that she . must unwillingly economise in her purchases, and that requests, like Oliver Twist’s, for “more” will not need to be ~?2 uell f-. Christmas supplies are, on the whole, fairly plentiful, and traders so far report a busy time. In the ingredients which go to the timehonored Christmas pudding there will be found an increase in price all round of almost 50 per cent., as compared with prewar days, as will bo seen from the followings—Flour, pre-war price 2d a lb, ’ ra * s his Bd, now Is 4d; currants 6d, now Is; sultanas 7d, now Is 4d; almonds Is 3d, now 2s 6d; eggs from Is a dozen, now 2s 2d; sugar 3id a lb, now ; syrup 8d a 21b tin, now Is; peri Is a lb, now 2s 2d; spice 2Ad a packet, now 34d. Of vegetables there is an abundant supply, and no one should go short. New potatoes of excellent quality are on sale .at from 2J)d to 3d a lb. Cabbages and cauliflowers are also plentiful, but fairly dear, the best costing anything up to Is. The market is well supplied with Melbourne onions, which are slightly cheaper than last year. Green peas, which may bo bought at 4d to 6d a lb, are also plentiful, and prices are expected to come down a little before the end of the week. Cherries are selling at from Is 6d to 2s a lb, but it is probable this price will recede during the next few days. Strawberries are scarce and dear. Rananas are scarce, on account of a shipment from Wellington arriving too late for the Christmas trade; but there will probably .be a good supply for New Year. Apples are slightly cheaper, owing to many growers having held on too long. Tomatoes are available at from 2s to 2s 6d a lb. The confectionery business is brisk, the most important feature being that local manufactures, as against the imported sweets, are coming into much more favor this year. American, Canadian, and English varieties are very expensive, and while it may be said they are of first-class quality the locally manufactured goods have shown a decided improvement. Hams, which before the war cost about Is 3d per lb, are now selling at 2s a lb, and traders report quite as many sales as usual. At the Burnside sales yesterday phenomenal prices were paid for lamb, but while the price to the public will be fairly high the butchers win not be found to be unreasonable in asking about a shilling a lb. Mutton is being sold at lOd a lb and 10id for forequarters, while beef is offered at Is 2d for rump steak and from 8d to lid for roasts.