THE FIG LEAF.

Northern Advocate, 8 January 1920, Page 4

THE FIG LEAF.

WHAT IT COSTS TO-DAY

THREE TIMES THE PRE-WAR

PRICE

Further details of the increased cost of living of a large section of tlv workers in England were obtained by a Daily News representative recently. The investigation arose out of the claim by many raiHwaymen that the Labor Gazette estimate of an increase of 116 per cent, in the general level of retail prices since 1914 did not accurately represent their pre-war and present purchasing power.

The following figures were given by a large retail firm of clothiers and outfitters, which made a specialty of catering for workers. The prices quoted are limited to workers who in 1914 earned, roughly, from 18s to

25s a week: —

Men's suits, ready made—l9l4, 30s; .to-day, U. Men's boots—l9l4, 10s; to-day! 30s. Men's caps—l9l4, 61d to Is; to-day, Is 6d to 2s 6d. Mens shirts—l9l4, 2s lid to 3s 6d; to-day, 6s lid to 7s lid. Men's cotton merino pants and vests —1914, 2s lid; to-day, 5s lid to 7s lid. Men's socks, 19lV 63d to BJd; to-day, Is lid to 2s Gd. Men's felt hats—l9l4, 2s 6(1 to 3s (id; to-day, 6s 6d to 7s 6d. Mm's linen collars—l9l4, 4id; today, Is .'i:'(l. Dungaree overalls— 1914, 2s lid to -is 11(1; to-day, 10s lid to 12s. Youths' suits —1914, 24s to 255; to-day, 37s to 425. Boys' suits (five to eight years)—l9l4, 4s lid to 12s lid; to-day, 18s to 30s. Boots (boys)—l9l4. 4s lid to 7s J Id; to-day, 13s Gd to 16s 6d. Boots (youths)—l9l4, 6s lid to 9s 1

to-day, 15s 6d to 235; boys' and youths' caps—l9l4, GJd to Is; today, Is 6d to 2s Gd. Boys' and youths' collars—l9l4 ( 4id; to-day, 7£d. Boys' and youths' ties —1914, 6d; to-day, l s 3id.

Many of the prices quoted at present it was explained, are for inferior qualities of goods, compared with 1914. "Women's, girls', and child ren's clothing," said a member of the firm, "are 200 per cent above prewar prices and millinery has risen about 100 per cent. Calico and flannelette, which used to sell at from 2Ud to 10: id a yard, is now ls lid a yard. An infants' outfit which formerly cost £1, is now about £3.

"The result is that many people are buying less, because they cannot afford 'the present prices. Others have got into the clutches of 'tally' men and women. These who used to buy their clothes by instalments had the articles laid aside for them until payments were complete. To-day, it takes too long to pay off 'lay by" article instalments. Hence, the 'tally' men and women have stepped in, and by tempting poorer people by letting them have the goods on payment of a first instalment, they are able to charge them 50 to 100 per cent higher prices to cover their own costs and losses from bad debts."