The School For Practical Economics.
On the Family Budget.

The average distance which the Railway Department has to haul the wheat and flour consigned to its care is 63 miles, and the classified rate per ton for goods of this description conveyed the average distance is 11/- (although the average receipt is somewhat less). Assuming that the 2 lbs. of flour which goes to the making of the usual loaf had to be carried twice—once in the form of wheat, and again in the shape of flour, the freight payable would be 4/2240 × 11/-, or practically 1/4d.

This fact gives point to the following story from a recent exchange:—

Teacher: “Willie, a loaf of bread now costs sixpence. Of this, the Railway receives one farthing for hauling the wheat to the mills and the flour to the bakery. Now tell the class, how much would a loaf of bread cost if the Railway hauled the wheat and flour for nothing?”

Willie: “Sixpence.”

Teacher: “Correct, go up top.”