COST OF LIVING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3212, 6 October 1915, Page 5

COST OF LIVING.

SOME INTERESTING FIGURES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, September 30. An interesting compilation showing the manner in which the cost of living has increased since the outbreak of war has been prepared by the Government Statistician. The statistician has based his calculation on the assumed average household consumption in the four centres of the common articles of food during one week. This food, which would have cost 19s Sjd in July, 1914, would have cost 20s 2-|d in October, 21s 9d in January, 22s 4d in April, 22s lOd in July, and 22s ll|d in August; or an increase as compared with July, 1914, of 16.49 per cent. Going more closely into details, the statistician finds that, compared with July, 1914, there have been the following increases in the prices of various foodstuffs in the different cities: Bread. —Auckland, 25.06 per cent.; Wellington, 42.91; Christchurch, 18.82; Dunedin, 42.91. Groceries excluding bread). —Auckland, 15.26 per cent.; Wellington, 14.86; Christchurch, 10.80; Dunedin, 11.97. Dairy Produce. —Auckland, 13.10 per cent.; Wellington, 8.25; Christchurch, 11.33; Dunedin, 10.23. Meat.—'Auckland, 4.69 per cent.; Wellington, 7.43; Christchurch, 15.42; Dunedin, 8.90.