BAKERS INCREASE PRICES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17213, 15 July 1919, Page 8

BAKERS INCREASE PRICES.

CAKES AND SMALL GOODS. EFFECT ON TEA SHOPS. The price of cakes and bakers' small goods generally was increased yesterday. The extent of the increase varies considerably, the most important being a 50 per cent, rise in several of the penny lines. Cakes formerly retailed at la a dozen will now cost la 4d per dozen, or l£d each. Small apple pies have risen from 2d to 3d, dish meat pies from 3d to 4d, 7d scones, tarts and calces to Bd, and the minimum price of block cake from lOd to Is a pound. Small Ad bun loaves will remain at the same price as previously. ' The increase has been decided upon by the master bakers, one of whom stated yesterday that, owing to the greatly increased cost of ingredients, such as sugar, eggs, and butter, and also of labour, an increase was essential. The question of decreasing the size of the cakes, tarts, etc.. as an alternative to raising the price had been considered, he said, but it had been decided that if such a course were adopted the cost of new appliances would be greater than the saving effected. The effect of the new schedule upon the prices at tea shops remains in doubt. Some managers are of opinion that a slight decrease in (the quantity sold for each order would be preferable to an increase in the charge.