RISING PRICES.

Evening Star, Issue 22620, 12 April 1937, Page 12

RISING PRICES.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir, —It is quite obvious that the public are being prepared for a very sharp rise in the prices of commodities. One wonders if the absence of the leaders of the Government has anything to do with the intensification of the preparation at the moment. Certainly some increases had to bo looked for, and were justified, but let us try and justify a storekeeper charging Is 5d per lb for bacon. On current market quotations for pigs bacon is worth Is 2d per lb, no more. Again, take the supposed 100 per cent, increase in the price of hides, to justify a 2s 6d a pair rise in the price of boots and shoes. In the first place, account sales of hides will show an increase of barely 46 per cent, since last September, not 100 per cent. Even with the price of hides at the supposed 100 per cent, increase will any rights thinking person accept the 2s 6d a pair rise in the price of boots and shoes as justified? I think not. Again, take the recent rise in admission charges to Auckland picture houses. Returns show attendance increases of 40 per cent, in 12 months. Add to this the 25 per cent, increase in admission charges inflicted upon picture patrons, and we ask Was the increase justified? To-night’s_issue of the ‘ Star ’ gives readers the information that dairy companies pay the farmers 9d per gallon for milk. On that price could the recent increase to 6d a quart to householders be justified by the companies? Again, I think not. Waiting for news of the next increase,— I am, etc., Watchful. April 10. _