EGGS ARE NOW AT LUXURY PRICES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18144, 2 May 1927, Page 7

EGGS ARE NOW AT LUXURY PRICES.

NO INCREASE IN FLOUR PRICES YET. Eggs arc now at luxury prices." Last week they were being retailed as high as 3s 6d a dozen for guaranteed fresh first grade. It seems probable that the present high prices will be maintained for a while yet. The quantity of eggs coming forward is very small, and it is not nearly equal to the demand, in spite of the fact that the demand has fallen off to a marked degree on account of the increased cost- Besides the local demand eggs are also being inquired for from the North Island, where, the shortage appears to be even morfc acute than it is here. It is stated that last week in Wellington fresh eggs were being retailed as high as 4s a dozen. The pullets this year are later than usual in starting to lay, and this is said to be one of the main reasons for the present acute shortage of eggs. Flour. Last week it was announced that the millers intended to raise the price of flour as from May 1. This increase was to be made in connection with the agreement arrived at between the millers’ and the wheat growers’ representa- j tives with regard to the price of wheat. 1 The growers wished to be paid Gs a bushel f.o.b. for their wheat, but -the millers contended that they could not pay this figure unless the price of flour was raised. The increase that was to have been brought into force at the beginning of this month was to have been tried as an experiment for two months, tc* see if the millers could successfully compete with Australian flour at the higher prices. However, from inquiries made this morning, it was learnt that no definite decision with regard to putting up the price of flour had been arrived at, owing to the fact that there are some details in connection with the price of wheat agreement still to be settled. It is possible that an announcement with regard to the prica of flour will be made in a day or two. Vegetables and Fruit. Cabbages cost 9d and Is each, cauliflowers 4d and Gd each, celery 6d and Sd a bunch, spinach 4d a bunch, lettuces 6d each, pie melons for jam 51b for Is, pumpkins and marrows 2d a lb. Onions are still very cheap at 61b for Is or 6d a string. Tomatoes cost 31b, 41b and 51b for Is, quinces 6d a lb, bananas 6, S, 10 and 12 for Is, American Qranges 3 for Is, grapes 2s, 2s 6d and 3s a lb, Cox’s orange apples 31b for Is 3dj> Jonathan and Delicious apples 31b for Is 3d, peaches (the last of the season) 9d a lb, grape fruit Gd each, chestnuts 6d a lb, lemons 5 for Is, pears 31b for Is. Fish. Owing to the rough weather experienced towards the end of last week there was a marked shortage of fresh 1 fish to-day- However, ip is expected that there will be an improvement in the supplies this week. There was no fresh groper to be had to-day. Following are some prices a lb: —Ling Sd, tre- - valli lOd, gurnet lOd, soles Is 3d and flounders Is 6d. Oysters are in plentiful supply and there are also good supplies of smoked fish available. Baking- Powder. There have been no important L changes in grocery prices recently. But- > ter remains steady at late rates. Owing f to the increased cost of cream of tar--1 tar an increase in the price of baking powder is practically certain.