THE SUGAR SITUATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLIV, Issue 9876, 25 July 1923, Page 8

THE SUGAR SITUATION.

RATIONING STILL IN VOGUE. Sugar is still being ratiorieuT There are some merchants who are of opinion that the time has arrived when the Government should give up control and allow free competition. It has been suggested that this might result in the Colonial Sugar Company closing down the works in New Zealand. Replying to this argument a southern morcliant pointed out recently that in the old days, prior to the Colonjpl Sugar Company starting operations in New Zealand, there was no such thing as a shortage of sugar. The bulk- of supplies camo from Mauritius, and the quality was quite equal, if not superior, to- what was being, received to-day. The methods of distribution have also eome in for criticism, and* it is stated that in some places one firm, cannot got supplies a# all, while another firm can get more thou it wants. One thing to the credit of the Colonial Sugar Company-,.-according- to some opinions, was thatit had supplied New Zealand with the cheapest sugar in the world during recent but the threat of the company to dose operations in New Zealand is not- taken seriously. It is contended that- if the duty is taken loff sugar immediately find the price (for supplies obtained outside New Zealand was such that it could compete successfully against the Colonial.-* Sugar Company, it is very probable theA importers would still deal with thfF-com-pany, While supplies were available from- outside sources- aif a satisfactory price- the company-' would be more likely to give its clients better ccPditions khan obtain at present.