FOR HOUSEHOLD USE.
SEVERAL LINES HARDEN. A REVIEW OF THE POS^ION. Probably in no> other line of business is variation in price such ia. feature as the operations of the. men engaged m supplying the ordinary every day wants of the people, the general grocer and storekeeper. The number .of such lines is very large and they are culled from many parts of the world", and in each of these countries there is likely to be difficulties and problems affecting the various peoples and in consequence having an influence on the conditions under which these goods are grow or manufactured. The man, therefore, who supplies the householder has his business affected by all these local difficulties, and in buying he has to watch foreign markets very carefully or to endeavour to get reliable and prompt, and if possible, advanced advice as to their operation and their probable effect, so that, if possible, he may foresee and obtain the best terms possible and so be able to pass on some of that advantage to. his customers and thereby increase his business. Successful buying undoubtedly is the keystone of good business. It is interesting to record for the inforamtion of readers some of rhe variations in conditions oi articles in common, or more or less everyday .use. This has been given in the Star from time to time and will !be continued regularly in the’ future. Late advices show that potatoes are not so. plentiful as usual and that the position has been affected seriously by the dry spell of the latter part of last year. It is certain that prices will harden materially and reports have it that growers, who made contracts with buyers at a moderate figure, would be glad to be able to get out of the bargain. Tea is said to be firming very fast. Although the Ceylon production was good, considerably above that of recent months, the supply from India has nos been so good, with the result that demand has strengthened and the prices show a tendency to be higher. Alter the first of the direct shipments have been executed the Smyrna fig market is taken care of throughout, the rest of the year by shipments from London. This year, however, these shipments have so fiir proved very unsatisfactory, and, in consequence, quite ai number of orders have been rejected, owing to the quality’ being unsound. This has made a Ann market, and 281’bi bags are already quoted at substantial advances! on opening rates, nad it is anticipated that owing to the preset- position local stocks will be very short. Sockeyer salmon, a tinned fish which is very popular in many homes and: lor which there is always a good demand, is; going to he dear, according to importers. This will be so, it is expected, with the better grades especially. Another household line which is largely used is evaporated fruits, especially peaches and apricots, and in these also- another rise, in’* addition to that recorded a short time since, is very probably. -And prunes are to be included in this category. On the other hand there appears to be a probability of prices beng subject to a, fall in tinned fruits. Raisins are very dear and seem likely to rise still further. This is a household article that naturally is used a great deal, though not so much as at a later period of the year. With, regard to coffee, the new Indian seaiison’s article showed a slightrise of about 21 per cent on opening rates for the Februarv-March shipment. There is little change in other grades and generally prices have been ■steady at! a, firm rate. Wheat, it is expected, will show the result of the free market* after a time, but at present the retail price is pretty high, its course will be wached* with interest as the- position develops. The increased duty on imported flour is imposed in order to prevent dumping of Australian flour, said to- have been carried on in order to high prices in Australia. It would seem regrettable that some form, of agreement could not. be arranged with the Commonwealth. Though in these and a few other cases the prices have increased or iseem likely to- rise, the general: range of values has been fairly even and in favour of the householder.
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Bibliographic details
Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 6 February 1926, Page 4
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724FOR HOUSEHOLD USE. Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 6 February 1926, Page 4
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