36. According to an index constructed at the Statistical Office, wholesale prices in the Colony showed a general average decline of 2.0% in 1939, as compared with 1938, and 2.4% as compared with 1937. The foodstuff group increased by 2.5% in 1939 as compared with 1938, and decreased by 1.0% as compared with 1937; the textile group decreased by 8.5% in 1939 as compared with 1938, and 9.8% as compared with 1937; metals and minerals group decreased by 1.6% as compared with 1938, and 0.8% as compared with 1937; the miscellaneous group decreased by 1.1% as compared with 1938, and increased by 1.2% as compared with 1937.
Conclusion,
37. It will be obvious from this report that 1939 has been a very busy year for all members of this department. Some reflection of the increase in routine duties is to be found in the record net revenue of $12,508,468 collected during the year, while the outbreak of war and the appointment of the Superintendent of Imports and Exports as Controller of Trade have necessitated the assumption of additional work in connexion with the prevention of enemy trading and the control of specified exports.
April, 1940.
E. W. HAMILTON,
Superintendent of Imports & Exports.