FLOUR SHORTAGE

Evening Star, Issue 19290, 1 July 1926, Page 11

FLOUR SHORTAGE

PRICE OF BREAD NO IMMEDIATE RISE [Special to tub ‘Star.’] CHRISTCHURCH, June 30. The looming flour shortage and the effect that the impending closing down of mills would have on the price of bread were tho subject of an interview with a leading city haker this afternoon. The somewhat gloomy outlook was dispelled by the optimism of the baker, who believes that bread will not increase in price for some time at least. “There is no cause for alarm over tho outlook,” the baker said. “We are certainly not holding much of a stock of flour. A few of us harm enough to carry over a mouth, but I think wo have an understanding with tho millers by which wo will bo supplied with all the flour wo need. Tho millers will see us through.”

“ Does this mean that in tho event of flour shortage in New Zealand the millers will import stocks from Australia ?” “It does. It means also that we are going to get flour if it has to corno from Canada.”

“The importation of flour will mean an increase in the price of broad, will it not?” “I don’t think so. As I understand tbo position at present, the millers are going to continue tbeir supplies to tbo bakers at tbo existing price.. How they are going to manage if they are compelled to import stocks 1 do not know. This means that there will bo no immediate rise in tho price of bread. That is to say, bread will remain at its present rate on sale for at least a month. What will_ happen beyond then I am not in a position to say.” “Will there bo any difficulty in importing flour?” “No, there should be no difficulty in that way if previous years are anything to go on.” “You are quite optimistic about the situation then?” “.Yes. The bakers have the satisfaction of knowing that the market will not he left hare of flour, and they are confident that there will bo no shortage. Supplies will continue at tho existing prices, and broad will be retailed at its usual price.”