PRICE OF BREAD

Otago Witness, Issue 3443, 9 March 1920, Page 28

PRICE OF BREAD

WELLINGTON, March 2.

The Prime Minister conferred with the members of the Board of Trade and some of the departmental officers regarding the price of flour and bread. He informed a Dominion reporter afterwards that the matter had been considered at great length, and certain decisions had been reached. These decisions would have to be referred to Cabinet for approval, and in the meantime he could make no announcement as to the prices. There is reason to believe that the increase of 2d in the price of the 41b loaf announced on Saturday will not be confirmed, and that flour will not advance in price to the extent already reported—that is to say, £3 per ton. The continuance of the Government subsidy on flour may be necessary in order to keep the prices down. The announcement of the prices made from Christchurch at the end of last week was premature. The final decision rests with Cabinet, which has not yet had an opportunity of considering the details. .

Mr Massey stated that the Government was taking action to prevent holders of wheat and flour from making unfair profits when the _ new price came into operation. A complaint has been made in the South Island that millers are likely to benefit very largely by the changes' now under consideration.