THE SUGAR SUPPLY

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3013, 26 February 1917, Page 10

THE SUGAR SUPPLY

MIPLE STOCKS IN AUCKLAND. "An erroneous impression has been created m tho south," says the Auckland "Star" of Wednesday, "through the publication in a Christchurcli newspaper last Saturday of an alleged telegram sent by the Colonial Sugar Company to a local firm in Christchurch, stating: 'In view of tho uncertainty of vessels loading, only orders booked todat© aro dispatched. Wo must decline to receive any further orders.' The paper goes on to .say that no.more sugar can be obtained, which is calculated' to create a panic. As a matter of fact the company telegraphed to_ its agents: 'In view of the uncertainty of vessels loading, until orders booked to date are dispatched, must decline receive further orders, etc.' At this stage tho company's unexecuted orders were close on 2000 tons, and amongst these were several duplications of orders for the same storekeepers. There had been no steamor on the berth for the south since February 10, which caused the congestion of orders. "'To remove the wrong impression thus created,' Mr. Philson states, 'I may say that we. loaded the Monowai on Tuesday night up to 10 p.m. with 350 tons, which was all she could take. Had there been time we could have given her 1500 tons. On. Wednesday we are loading the Te Anau with 850 tons, and the Tarawera and Arahura on Saturday with 450 tons, which is tho utmost space they will allot. We are sorry to note the result of the unavoidable delay in execution of customers' orders, but this is due to lack of shipping facilities, a circumstance for which we are not responsible, and 1 of which the public are fully aware. They and we are dependent upon tlio Union Company to do all that is possible to meet tho situation with tho limited means at their disposal. The public may rest satisfied that wo liave ample stocks of refined and raw sugar to meet the normal requirements of tho Dominion.' "