WAR'S EFFECTS

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 3340, 8 September 1917, Page 4

WAR'S EFFECTS

SfiME TRADE TOPICS

RESTAUK-ANT INCREASES

Reference, was mado at Messrs. Lyons's annual meeting to the enormous difficulties in which the war has involved the catering business. The directors submitted the following facts: From June. 1914, to June, 1915. the general rise in the price of foodstuffs was 45 per cent. By the end of April, 1910. this had grown to 55 per cent., and at the end of April last it had reached the enormous figure of 97 per cent, increase. Between June. 1914, and tho oresent date, meat alone had advanced 140 per cent, in price, -whilst butter and milk had gone up 80 per cent, and 100 per cent, respectively, so that thoso three items alone meant an increased cost per annum to the company of £'300,000. TOBACCO TRADE PROBLEMS. One of the highest authorities in the trade recently stated that the .stocks of tobacco in this country (England) were at the present time very low, about fourteen months at the' present rate of consumption, and that, owing to the shipping difficulties, it was impossible to allow more than two months' or two months' and a half furl her supplies to come in. The military authorities had told them. a s business men, they must prepare for the war lasting over another two years, and that, in those circumstance!?, it. was obvious, if those stocks were to last out. the most rigid economy must be exercised and the present rate of consumption kept down. They had compulsory restriction of output, but only to a limited extent, and the output would soon have to lie cnsiderably further restricted and the clearance of manufactures reduced. CHOCOLATE FAMINE. A conference has taken place at the Houso of Commons between a number of.M.P.s and retail confectioners regarding the shortage of chocolate, owing to the restrictions in the supply of sugar. It was suggested that the ban on foreign imported chocolate should be removed, or the cocoa beans should be exported to Switzerland, where, sugar is obtainable, and there manufactured into chocolates, and re-imported. The position was said to be critical, the only alternative being to close, down. It was stated that the confectioners.,of the United Kingdom number over 100,000 and that the supplies of SViss chocolate are cut off.

DANISH HORSES. According to official inforinatioft, Denmark exported annually to Germany before the war an average .of about 28,000 horses. In 1914 95,338 were exported, of which 80,000 were exported after the outbreak of war. but before an export prohibition was imposed. In 1915. no horses were exported to Germany; in 1916, 16,000 horses; in 1917 up to June 17 about 7000 horses. MERCUROPHEN. A powerful antiseptic compound has .been discovered by three investigators of the dermatological research laboratories of Philadelphia's polyciynic hospital. The compound lis called liiercurophen. Use of the invention has been offered to the Army and Navy, and is free to the world. Mercurophen is a compound of mercury with a complex prieliol group. The discovery is the result of several years' labour. The new antiseptic is less poisonous than bichloride of mercury, and is declared to be from 30 to 50 times stronger in its germ-killing properties. Some of these mercurophen tablets have been sent to France, and aro being tested in American hospitals there. The drug is particularly.adapted to U6o in first aid dressing by using the gauze compresses which have been soaked in a solution previously. These may be carried by each soldier in an antiseptic envelope.

DROUGHT IN BEER. The labourers of England demand their beer, and the shortage of this beverage in munition areas and docks is reported to have an important bearing on. the present "unrest." The Daily Mail says that the possibility ol a beer famine is causing great anxiety to the Government. The Liquor Control Board, of which Lord d'Abernon is chairman, has no power to distribute available supplies or fix prices, and some more complete scheme of control has to be devised without committing the nation to immediate purchase or the payment of heavy compensation. It is considered that present prices demanded from the public are exorbitant. Brewers are charging retailers 40 to 50 per cent, more per barrel than,they are charging for the s.'ime beer supplied to the Army; and the retailers are a further profit. Moreover, many brewers are producing a beer of lighter gravity in order to augment their output from tho restricted sn.niWv of malt and su'iar. This beer costs Icsk to brew buf no corresponding reduction is made in the pric ENEMY BANKS SOLD. The premises of the three leading German banks in the city—the Deutsche Bank, the Disconto Gesellschuft and the, Dresdner Bank—have passed into the hands* of English banking companies. Bidding for the premises occupied by the Deutsche Bank started at £140,000,. and rose by bids of £10,000 to £200,000, at which figure they passed into the hands of Messrs. Barclay's, Lombard street. The premises, whioli Inive been occupied by the Deutsche Bank for the past 30 years, hold a commanding position in Lombard street, and lie at the back of the present site of Messrs. Barclay's bunk. The building, which is mainly freehold, was originally erected for the City Club. The Disconto Gcsell--u-haft, Cornliill, passed into the hands of Lloyd's, for £38,000, and 1 ho i Dresdner Bank, Old Broad street, was I purchased by the London City and Midland Bank for £12,000. STANDARD CLOTHS. '

An experiment is being tried in tho textile industries for the production of "standard cloths."' The object is to produce cloths available for suitings and flannel goods and iinderclothii:;.•;, and manufactured at fixed prices that shall be within the reach of the very ixior. A range of fabrics will be produced which, by being standardised, will be available at a fixed price. The idea of the promoters of the scheme is to save the working classes from the profiteer in the matter of their clothes. Flannel manufacturers have already done something towards bringing out; certain flannels at fixed prices, and the; makers of plain cloths for suitings have fixed standard prices. j WOLFRAM, LEAD, AND ZINC. ! Tho development of tho mineral resources of the United Kingdom is likely to lead to far-reaching results.j Steps arc being taken to control and; extend wolfram mines, from wiheh it' is expected to produce a home supply' of tungsten powder, that essential ingredient in the manufacture of highspeed steel. A complete survey of thei lead resources of the country is being carried out. Action is also being taken with regard to the production of zinc. A sulphur pyrites mine has also been acquired, and certain low-grade; copper deposits of considerable extent and promise are being carefully watched, with a view of giving assistance in their working. In the course of its immediate operations the De-i'-irtnieut is gaining valuable informa-i lion which will allow i' to offer future: -uggestions as to the prospect of the; liriinial base metal industry of the: t'nited Kingdom.