COST OF LIVING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18413, 20 May 1920, Page 5

COST OF LIVING.

POSITION IN BRITAIN. FURTHER INCREASES EXPECTED. By Telegraph— Press Association—Copyright. A. and N Z Cable Association and Router. LONDON. May 17. Tim “Labour Gazette” states that retail prices, including food, clothing, fuel, light and rent on Mav 1 wore about jAt per cent above the figures ruling m 1914. The Food Cont’roller’s statistics relating to food show an increase of 146 per cent. Ho says that the United Kingdom’s food prices have risen loss than those of France, Italy and Sweden, and are not much in excess of those oQ the United States. He adds" that tho present level, undoubtedly is a matter of serious concern. Tlie Food Controller concludes that prices in the coming summer will reach a very high level, owing to the cost of importable food, tho partial removal of the bread subsidy, and the increased „ price of sugar and potatoes.

PRICE CUTTING IN AMERICA. (Received May 20, 1.5 a.m.) WASHINGTON, May 17. Thirty-four cities throughout the country report price-cutting of 20 to 50 per cent of all merchandise, even including automobiles, resulting in a considerable reduction in tho cost of living. Freight congestion, tight money and lessened buying are assigned as the causes for this reduction.