SUGAR SHORTAGE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 9154, 31 May 1915, Page 8

SUGAR SHORTAGE.

SEVERE CRITICISM OF SUGAR COMPANY. (R-rvjem-d May 31, 10.30 a.m.) Sy'DiSEl r, May 81. Air W. M. Hughes (Federal Attor-noy.-Generiil), in a lengthy statement to the-'Press, covering the sugar posilion,• ...suites- that arrangements have been made ivith the Colonial .Sugar Company to import sufficient to cover the shortage. This wiil be sold at x. per ton, the import duty of £6 per ton being suspended. -

He deflare.s that the Colonial Sugar Company has secured control of the market, jyrevented all effective- competition, made- huge profits, and built up great assets, which are hidden from the public scrutiny by means of ingenious methods. It has swallowed the lion's share of a great Australian industry, and treated the grower, distributor, and consumer with contemptuous indifference. It knew of tho impending shortage as none, else knew or could have known, and neither took steps to meet it or disclose information until tbf> price had risen and opportunities for freight became still more restricted. Then, when the community was, :us it thought, helpless, it spoke. It. assumed an air of great concern, and offered to come to the. relief of the people, provided it could be assured of its profits. Had the public been notified, arrangements could have been made for meeting the shortage on much more advantageous terms.

Mr Hughes nlieges that six days before the company notified Mr Holmaii of a shortage, it'exported 3000-tons to Ciinada.

Mr Xnox (managing director of tho company) promises to reply to Mr Htighes's statement.