IMPORT CONTROL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 128, 13 March 1939, Page 6

IMPORT CONTROL

PROVISION TRADE AFFECTED.* SHORTAGE IN SEVERAL LINES. POSITION IN CHRISTCHURCH. (Per Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Provision merchants and grocers' in Christchurch are already Reeling the first effects of the import restrictions, .stocks in several lines having dwindled away almost to vanishing point. The worst effects will not be .felt for another two or three months. Australian lines are mostly affected in the shortages now developing. The chief of these is rice, supplies of which arc drawn from Australia and the East. This time last year the stocks of rice were heavy and small orders Were placed consequently in putting in the current orders. The quotas have been substantially below normal requirements. Australian cereals, too, are becoming short. Loaf sugar, which is not made in New Zealand, is practically finished. Tinned asparagus, imported coffee essence, and tinned goods such as baked beans, spaghetti and soups, white vinegar and other commodities, are also nearing an end. There is still a good supply of tinned fruits, for there was a fair carry-over from last season. The peak demand will not bo reached until next summer, and the shortage, with a reduction of 66 2-3 per cent., will he felt. Then the same position applies to imported salmon. British Columbia supplies have been cut down by half, but the carry-over is sufficient to meet the demand till the latter part of this year.