CAUSES OF THE INCREASE 175 



On the other hand, imported goods are lower than 

 they were during 1 890-1 899. Mine products have 

 only slightly increased, and if coal be excluded they 

 are below the average. Sugar was only half the 

 price it commanded in 1895, and tea was reduced 

 from 2s. 6d. to 3^. gd. per lb. to from is. o^d. to 

 IS. 8d. per lb. 



These reductions have been regarded as an 

 inadequate set-off against the inflated value of more 

 important commodities. Bread has increased 46 per 

 cent, wheat 75 per cent., and flour 60 per cent., house 

 rental 25 to 30 per cent, clothing 25 per cent. 

 Wages have advanced meanwhile, but not in 

 sufficient proportion to balance the more costly 

 housekeeping account. 



The matter has been ventilated in the Press during 

 the current year, and the acuteness of the discussion 

 has been indicated in such pointed questions as the 

 following : Why is meat double the price of twenty- 

 five years ago ? Why are eggs 300 per cent, higher ? 

 Why is good butter a luxury for the few ? Why are 

 other necessaries so inflated in price } Can anything 

 be done to check the upward tendency .-' Are there 

 not unnatural causes at work which are responsible 

 for these conditions ? Does the law of supply and 

 demand sufficiently explain the phenomenal increase 

 in the cost of living ^ 



The answers of experts and Government officials 

 vary, but on the whole give a fair statement of the 



