WHY THE STAFF OF LIFE IS DEAR.

Lake County Press, Issue 976, 22 August 1901, Page 2

WHY THE STAFF OF LIFE IS DEAR.

Is the Premier aware that an organised and powerful monopoly for “ regulating ” the sale of flour exists in this colony? Does he, does Parliament, know that this syndicate have succeeded in getting into the ring all the mills in the colony save two in Timaru and three or four in Auckland, and that it controls the output of thirty-six mills under one management? Does the Premier, does Parliament, know that within the last day or two flour has been put up £1 per ton in price? Does the Premier, does Parliament, recognise that this last addition to the, burdens of have been absolutely oossib’^^^BKMo ring, but for the,- duty of upon flour? This is which ought also to be taken in Parliament, because verv strooff pressure is being brought to bear by the syndicate to induce the half-dozen mills still outside to join with them. A little inquiry ih Wellington in the right quarter- will enable every member of the House who wishes to know the facts to get at the truth, apd to satisfy himself that the recent advance of one-sixth in the price of flour is not due to scarcity of wheat, but to the operations of a ring' assisted by the fact that' flour imported has to pay a duty of over £1 per ton. —Napier ‘ Telegraph.’