SUGAR PRODUCTION BY C.S.R.

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29366, 19 November 1960, Page 15

SUGAR PRODUCTION BY C.S.R.

Rise In Australia, Drop In Fiji

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) MELBOURNE, November 18.

The Colonial Sugar Refining Company, Ltd., expects its Australian naw sugar production to rise by 3 per cent, in the 1960 season, but Fiji operations seem certain to result in a financial toss.

The general manager (Dr. J. Vernon) states this in a report on activities for the half-year to September 30.

Production of the company’s sevten Australian mills should rise by 3 per cenit. to 297,000 tons of raw sugar in 1960. Total output of all Australian mills is expected to rise by 80,000 tons to 1,330,000 tons. Outlook for next year’s crop is satisfactory, but will deteriorate if rain does not fall soon. Dr. Vernon says. Production in Fiji, where C.S.R. owns four mills, is likely to be about 150,000 tons of raw sugar instead of 199:000 tons. Low Production Because of low production and the unsatisfactory price for cane, operations seem certain to result in a loss. Fiji’s normal quota level of 199,000 tons, however, is expected to be increased for the 1.960 calendar year by about 28,000 tons. Sales of sugar products in New Zealand rose by 3 per cent., to 52,300 tons.

Sugar packets are expected to be marketed in New Zealand by about the middle pf next year. Reviewing the company’s extensive building interests, Dr. Vernon said that all lines continue to sell satisfactorily, although rising costs are giving concern.