COST OF LIVING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17934, 30 October 1918, Page 7

COST OF LIVING.

OFFICIAL STATISTICS. JA HINT FOR FARMERS. [FItOM OUR CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, October 28. The cost of living increases are clearly set out in the September abstract just issued by the. Government Statistician. There are some queer curves in eomo of the necessaries of life, and clso some unexplainablo variations, such, for instance, as cheaper meat at "Wellington. Another point of interest is /that rents have actually declined in some centres during the war, but any cause for thankfulness on this score is overweighted by the heavy' increases in other directions. The Statistical Department in making comparisons has adopted an index number representing a pre-war average on all commodities. This figure is 1000, and by it all , increases or decreases are recorded. Judged by this index, the increases up to date uro set out as follow :

It has always been admitted that Ohristchurch is tho best place for rents, and the advantage would be more marked if on& could appraise the extra value of residential properties in Ohristchurch. The average figures are given by the Statistician as follows:

The amount required at June, 1918, to purchase a sovereign's worth over pre-war period, varies as follows:

Auck- AviolHng- Christ- Dunland. ton. church, earn. Groceries 1451 1538 1333 1445 Dairy produce 1517 1520 1343 1474 Meat 1570 1464 1535 1499 Rent 968 1332 872 879

Threa to Nine Kooms. Auckland . 17s 2d Wellington . 233 8d Christchuich . 15s Gd Dvmedin . 16a 7d

Auckland • . 80a 2d Wellington « , . 30b 2*d . 28s Id Christchurch , Dunedin • . 29s 4Jd