Nogales International

PHOENIX, Ariz., Nov. 17.- (U.P.)-The cost of living in Arizona, mathematically, has been decreased a fraction over 16 per cent during the last year, and the wage earner's pay increased a similar amount.

This assertion comes from the statehouse and is based on the increased purchasing value of the dollar today as compared with October, 1929.

Statistics show Arizona's state purchasing office can buy with each dollar of state funds a little over 16 cents more at the present time than it could in October last year. The figures also show the taxpayer's dollar is rolling more than 16 per cent further than last year.

This reduction in living was looked on by state officials as beneficial to the state this winter.

"It will aid in attracting winter visitors," said Merton Martenson, secretary of the board of directors of the state institutions who purchases supplies for the insane asylum, penitentiary, boys' and girls industrial schools.

The reason for the reduction is lowered commodity prices. In checking purchases of 1929 with supplies bought for delivery next month, there was a noticeable decline.

Although the state buys in quantity prices, it was pointed out the same situation is usually reflected in the retail markets.

As an example of the decrease it was shown that in 1929, 100 pounds of sugar cost $6.03, while the price at present is $5. A marked reduction was also shown in beans purchased by the 100 pounds. In 1929 the cost was $7.40, in 1930, $5.98.

Only in a few instances were the prices the same as last year. In general a marked decline prevailed.

Some of the other comparative prices were:

Flour, soft, $2.85, 1929, $3.55; hard, $2.60; 1929, $3.65; potatoes, $3.00, 1929, $3.35; rolled oats, $2.96, 1929 $3.40; laundry soap, $3.00, 1929, $3.00; toilet soap, $2.80, 1929, $3.00.

Cheese 24 3-4 cents per pound, 1929, 27 cents; beef, 11.4 cents per pound, 1929, 16.5 cents.

Lard 10.5 cents per pound, 1929 11 cents. There was an increase of approximately 2 cents in the price of salt pork over the 1929 quotation.

Fuel oil dropped from $1.89 to $1.57.

These prices appeared to reflect the trend of living in the state as compared to a year ago, and there was indications of a further decline it was pointed out.