CHRISTMAS GOODS

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 December 1923, Page 6

CHRISTMAS GOODS

PROSPECTS AND PRICES. Notwithstanding the dispute which has held up several coal mines in the district for the past three months, Greymouth grocers expect that the coming Christmas season will be very good from the trading point of view; in fact, had all the mines been working, the Christmas season would probably have been a record for business. Grocers stated to-day that seasonable goods have arrived much earlier than usual this year, and all lines, with the exception of hams, are in ample supply. There is likely to be a shortage of hams just before Christmas, as the supply is smaller this year, owing to the demand from Australia and the better prices realised there. One grocer stated that some firms'had already sold out. It was difficult to judge the demand for hams, as many people delayed placing their orders until the last moment. The prices ruling are 1/5 and 1/6 per lb, according to the brand of the hams. All the necessary ingredients for the Christmas cake and pudding are in good supply, and muscatels, almonds, crystallised cherries, currants, raisins, icing sugar, etc., are available. They have all arrived early this year, including Australian and Californian fruits, which are usually late. The grocer ascribed the early arrival of goods to the fact that steamers are running regularly. “How about prices?” he was asked. “They are practically on a par with those of previous years.” “Is much material coming through the Otira tunnel?” "The bulk of Christmas goods arrive at Wellington,” he replied, “and it is then forwarded to Greymouth by sea. Of course, the tunnel charges are pretty high for many lines, and as a result it is not so generally used as might be the case were freights more favourable.” He went on to say that new potatoes were now available, but the quality was not of the best. The greater portion of the supply was coming from Auckland. The first crop was usually affected by blight. Coasters with a “sweet tooth” will not be disappointed this year, as it is stated that stocks of biscuits, lollies, etc., are now in town, to do their part in promoting a merry Christmas. “Business has been brisk during the past week or two,” continued the grocer, “and we are getting as many orders as we can handle. The prospects are for a very good Christmas, although the mining trouble, with the consequent loss in wages, is bound to exercise an adverse effect to a certain extent, as the spending powers of people indirectly concerned, such as the wharf labourers, is reduced.” “I expect a good Christmas,” said another grocer. He pointed out about 30 hams, which he said were all that remained of a consignment of 150. Another 50 were due to arrive but he expected that there would be a shortage of hams at Greymouth this Christmas. Figs and muscatels would arrive next week, but full stocks of currants, raisins, tinned and pie fruits and other seasonable lines had already come to hand. Prices showed a general drop, with the exception of hams, which were dearer this year owing to the limited supply. Best quality hams were selling at 1/6 per lb., but he understood that the price at Auckland had been as high as 1/9 per lb., and was now 1/7 and 1/8. “We have plenty of wines, spirits and beer to see us through,” he said, adding that there was a good demand for Christmas hampers. He went on to talk interestingly concerning various brands and prices, and stated that he sold very little champagne now, compared with previous years. This is not surprising, considering the H.C.L., for no man can live a champagne life on a beer income, without meeting trouble very ly"Yes, the mining trouble is affecting business to a certain extent. The spending power of many people who are working is decreased by contributions made to those unemployed, added to which there is a general feeling of unrest, and speculation as to what will happen next. Under such circumstances, people hold on to their money as long as possible. The prospects are not by any means favourable for a resumption of work at the mines before Christmas. Of course, the holiday excursion fares will bring many visitors to the Coast from all over the Dominion, and some, if not all, classes of business will benefit thereby.” He added that business this week was rather quiet, but this was in all probability the calm before the storm.

“We do not notice much difference, except at Blackball,” said another grocer, referring to the effects of the mining dispute. “I think things will be all right for Christmas.” He also mentioned the early arrival of goods this year, and said that there was usually a terrible muddle just before Christmas when goods arrived late. This would now be avoided. The prices of nearly all lines had dropped, particularly Australian and Californian tinned fruits. He stated that the two countries were at present competing for trade. Australia, he said, had lost the English market, through sending Home inferior fruit. The English people had refused to take any more of it. A big tight for the market was being made, and prices would probably rise again shortly. Hams were selling very fast, and people who wanted them for Christmas should get in early. His firm had sold out last year, and bigger stocks were then held. Better prices could now be secured in Australia, and many hams had gone there this year. @ Summed up, the general opinion of traders seems to be optimistic©regarding Christmas prospects, and stocks are fairly large. The decrease in prices should ensure brisk business. The early arrival of goods gives no excuse for delay in making purchases, and the habit of leaving shopping until Christmas Eve should be avoided, so that there will be no unnecessary rush. Early shopping will mean greater satisfaction to both buyer and seller.