Rising tea prices and angry housewives a ‘serious national problem’ for PM Bob Menzies in 1954

SHOPPERS were panic-buying tea this week in 1954 while Premier Tom Playford was imploring the federal government to increase the tea subsidy to offset the rising price.

Four croquet players enjoy a cup of tea after a tournament in Mount Gambier in 1962. Source: Arthur Studios. State Library of SA BRG347/2267

SHOPPERS were panic-buying tea this week in 1954 while Premier Tom Playford was imploring the federal government to increase the tea subsidy to offset the rising price.

In Question Time, Mr Playford told the House he had “wired the Commonwealth”, arguing that wages were frozen but the price of tea was heading out of reach of those on low incomes.

He asked for immediate action to provide a higher subsidy and said his counterparts in NSW and Victoria were doing the same.

The Australian Labor Party described the soaring tea price as “a serious national problem” and the Housewives Association planned to protest to the federal government.

The looming crisis was front-page news in The Advertiser, which quoted Prime Minister Robert Menzies as telling federal parliament tea was still the “cheapest drink”.

Three women stop for a tea break, circa 1935. Photographer RP Nicholas. Source: State Library of SA PRG1435-3-41

The Tea Importation Board was about to increase the price to merchants by one shilling and seven pence a pound.

The weekday price of the newspaper then was four pence.

Fearing tea would soon cost seven shillings and sixpence a pound, consumers were lined up before some shops even opened.

How The Advertiser reported on the tea crisis that occupied Premier Tom Playford and Prime Minister Bob Menzies this week in 1954. The story appeared on Page 1 of The Advertiser, Oct 20 1954.

A spokesman for one store said the buying had been “terrific” all day, beginning at 8.30am, The Advertiser reported.

“Our stocks are very low now and if we have another day like this tomorrow there will be nothing left,” he said.

Housewives Association state president Mrs MJ Scott said housewives would be “up in arms” if the price were to rise.