THE CHRISTMAS DINNER.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 September 1920, Page 4

THE CHRISTMAS DINNER.

20 COST MORE THAN EVER, ALL DELICACIES DJEABER. "Owing to the continued rise in food prices the average working class family's weekly budget will be 8s 6d mora this Christmas than for the Christmas of 1919."—Mr. C. A. MoCurdy (Food Controller) speaking at a grocer*' exhibition in London. The above statement, which appeared in yesterday's cables, led a Daily News reporter to make enquiries regarding the prospects in Taranaki for the Christmas trade, and though it cannot be estimated yet just what twenty shillings will buy this coming Christmas, it is evident that everything which goes to make up the delicacies of the festive season is going to be dearer. Shoppers last Christmas encountered higher prices than ever before, and there is no consolation in the faet which; now seems evident that 1920 will see a still dearer season. Many of the most important articles which are employed by the housewife in the preparation of the Christmas dinner, puddings, cakes', and other delicacies in the culinary department, show considerable increases. In fact, dearer prices and limited stocks would appear to summarise th« position. While hams show a steady rise in cost there will probably be a shortage of this line. It is certain poultry, wliich'isv always in demand at Christmas, will be difficult to procure, as the increasing ; price of poultry feed has affected the industry considerably. Flour shows an increase of 6s on the 2001b bag,'and a still greater advance is recorded in the case of sugar, namely, from 16s9d to tts fld on a io%..bag. Numerous. other items Are affected to a lesser degree. Here is a list giving a compEr*th» statement of the .market quotswna for last Christmas and quotations now ruling:— 1919 1920 *N s. d. s. d. Almonds, per lb '. 2'6 3 0 Baking powder, per lb 111 2 0 Biscuits per lb, advance- — '■— ' 8 Cornflour, per lb ...... • 9 1 0 Cheese, per lb , 'lO 18 Currants, per lb 10 10 Sultanas, per lb 10 12 Seeded raisins, per lb. 'lO 14 Flour, 2001b bag / 33 6 38 fl Jelly chrystals, pkt. .. 3' 0 Jam, lib tin ..•.'. 6 9 Jam, 21b jar5'......... 10 2.0 Milk, tin 9 1 1 Sugar, 701b bag .■ lo 9 32 6 Tea, per lb ». 2 0 3 0 Tinned fruit, 21b tins .. 17 2 0 Lemon peel, per lb .... 1 8 19