PRICE PROSPECTS

Grey River Argus, 21 December 1920, Page 5

PRICE PROSPECTS

Lat^Jy the head of one of the largcat importing and- retail soit goou.'' houses in Canterbury venturci. the opinion that there was no real foundation for the wave of pessimism which appeared to be sweeping over the Dominion at present. Naturally the vendors of goods are inclined to deny n slump is coming, as the sooner it starts the worse for those of them who arc most in the know, and who may want to get more time to prepare for it. But N this soft goods dealer tjircw cold water on the talk about the excess of imports over exports. "This," he said, "has been described in some quarters as an "avalanche of imports.' Bui, so far as tho soft goods trade is concerned, it is my opinion that tunexcess will be consumed within r period of six months. I do not think, although I have no direct evidence to support this stateemnt, that the ex>,es& ox imports is caus*"l so much D\ what may be called the shipment oi back orders as by the premature, oi punctual, delivery of indents given \u the past six or 12 months. No.douDi a set-back in prices can bo created by a misunderstanding of the position by the buying public." No doubt tnai 5s the point. If the public "bog in'" and buy it will postpone the drop till somebody cuts inand cuts under the dealers who have imported at the older prices. This deaier said: "To my knowledge certain lines of cotton goods, and flannels, have increased m price •luring the last few weeks. Indeed, 1 am not aware of any manufacturer in the Old Country who will accept orders, for forward delivery at any price less than that ruling at the present time. " He explained [manufacturers were look\ng to the day whoa Germans, ltu!ians, and other haTd-up Continental yuopies began to buy. If they hold ,>a till then, they may have to anticipate fashions somewhat. "To my oiind," he said, "that is the crux oi •he whole position. We all know there >* nothing like the world-wide demand vi the buying markets to-day us in pre-war aays, and it seems to me that inasmuch as sooner or later trade must r>o re-oponed with" certain. of those nations who are not able to buy to-cay, it in a matter of sheer impossibility that the prices of gencrar commodities nan suffer any permanent relapse." 'Chat word "relapse" is rather iliuminating. Lower prices in. the eyes of this dealer in fancy goods are as it were a disease; hence it they come a will be something out of the normal! tie also remarked: — "Believe me, the uatural law of supply and demand canuot be ignored or done away with, and until porduction overtakes crcmand the prices cannot maintain a lower level. To my mind, it «is a most unfortunate thing /that (the minds of the poople should be so impressed by rumours of a sudden all-round fall in prices. Some of these .rumours have uo foundation in fact. Again, people are apt to pay too much attention to a cabled report of a fall m the price of raw cotton. A week or two ago a big drop was reported. The very next day were were advised that certain cotton goods had risen some 20 per ccut. on the London market." But what docs that prove? Simply a combine! And here is the same old talo to conclude: — ''Let everyone assist if tie can by production in promoting the industry and trade of this country, and all will be well. I am satisfied that if everyone will do his or her part as a citizen of the Dominion, and at tlie same time — and I include the Government — exercise reasonable economy, ! thero is no reason whatever why we should look to any set-back in- the prosperous times that this Dominion has so fortunately experienced, and for which I often feel that we are not sufficiently thankful." If he can't assist, howover, i.e., if a wealthy icier or an idle worHer, he can — well, do the other things, so lon gas prices keep up!

A. E. Kilgour's guide to gift givers. i —Fountain Pens, 3/6, 7/6, 13/6 20/-, ' 25/- to 40/-. Case Pipes, 45/-; Pocket Wallets, .6/6, 10/-, 15/- 20/-, to 35/-; Cigarette Cases, 4/6, to 30/-; Safety Razors, 13/6 to 25/- each: Gents Military Brushes, 22/6, 30/- to 45/-; Tobacco Pouches, 6/6, to 25/- each; Gents Dressing Cases, 25/- to 90/; Gents Purses, 2/- to 7/6 each; Suit Cases 22/6, 25/6, 30/, 37/6 to 90/ each; Pen Knives, 1/- to 7/6; Cigarette Holders, 2/6 to 7/6; Meccano Sets, 9/6, 10/6, 17/6 to 32/6; Tie Boxes, 4/6 to 7/fi each; Collar Boxes, 4/6 to 17/0 each; Writing Cases, 17/6, 25/-, 30/- to 90/ each; Gents Reliable Watches, 15/ each; Gloves and Handkerchiefs, r -»xe.s 3/6 to 25/- each; Jewel Cases, 4/G, 6 10/-, 15/- to 45/- each; Ladies' Solid Leather Hand-bags, 12/6, 27/6, to 15/-; Ladies' Black Hand-bags, 6/6, 10/6, 15/-, 17/6, 22/6 to 45/- each; L 921 Suede Calendars, 3/6, -±/6, .to 5/6 each; Suede Bags, large range, 7/6, 12/6 to 22/6 each; Ash Trays, 1/-, 2/-, to 12/6 each; Suede Autograph Albums, 4/6, 6/6, 7/6, 12/6 to 25/-; Photo Albums, 4/6 to 12/6 each; Doulton Ware, Cups and Saucers, Flower Bowls, Tea Sets, etc.; Music Cases, 4 >% 1/Q to 22/6. Shop direct with A, 3. Kilgour, Bookseller, Stationer, Piano, Gramophone and Music Dealer. The Shop for Presents and Prizes. — Advt.