50 years ago

THE Spectator’s quarterly consumer price index survey reveals that grocery prices in Hamilton have risen to an all-time high. Since January 1971, when the index was first established, the price of groceries in Hamilton has risen by 32.7 per cent! Coles New World Supermarket was included on this week’s survey for the first time. The other five main grocery stores included are Thomsons, Tom the Cheap, Nancarrows, Permewans and Discount House. Taken over 22 items the total cost for the six stores ranged from $11.48 to $12.58. September’s index stands at 132.7, with an average cost of $12.05, which is 16.5 per cent up on the average three months ago of $10.34.