DEAR VEGETABLES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 7, 6 December 1926, Page 10

DEAR VEGETABLES.

HIGH PRICES IN SYDNEY. EIGHTEENPENCE FOR CABBAGE. SYDNEY, Nov. 24. While the cause of the extraordinary shortage of vegetables in the metropolis just now is, primarily,-the dry season, there is a lurking suspicion in some quarters that many growers are holding back supplies as far as possible in order to reap the advantage of the increased demand at Christmas time. Whatever the cause, or causes, extraordinarily high prices ai'e ruling. Cabbages, for instance, which in normal seasons are 6d or 7d each, are now being retailed at Is 6d and 2s fid each. French beans have soared from about fid a pound to about Is 2d a pound. Spinach, which three or four weeks ago could bo bought at Id a bunch, is bringing fid. Beetroot is another luxury. For green peas from lOd to Is a pound is being asked, when ordinarily they bring about 3d. Many housewives have fallen back on dried peas, but some of the suburban shopkeepers, quick to detect the demand for them, have shot up the price even of dried peas. One feels that he is an epicure if lie eats even the humble carrots and parsnips at present prices. It is the same with potatoes , and everything else. The outlook for vegetarians is almost tragic. Perhaps _ they will discover the edible qualities of grass, or even of meat, if things go on as they are.