BISCUITS FOR ARMY

Evening Star, Issue 23862, 17 April 1941, Page 6

BISCUITS FOR ARMY

CONTRACTS LET FOR 9,000 TONS FANCY LINES FOR PUBLIC WILL GO OFF MARKET [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, April 17. Contracts involving the manufacture of between 8,000 and 9,000 tons of army biscuits have been accepted by eight New Zealand manufacturers, involving a cost of approximate £1,000,(X)0. Altogether, 12,000 tons were asked for, and it was stated that, provided the unions and the Government would agree to the working hours for girls being extended in the industry, the full quantity asked for, and more, could be supplied. This large order will doubtless affect the manufacture for domestic consumption, and many fancy lines will go off the market. . Mr J. O’Connor, general manager of Bycrofts Ltd., Auckland, reviewing the position to-day, said that when consumers found that they were unable to purchase all the varieties they were accustomed to, they would realise that they were making a further contribution to the war effort. A restricted list of popular selling lines would be maintained, and he saw no reason why the retail price should advance. The service biscuits will consist of two parts wheatmeal and one part flour, and will contain only 4 per cent, of moisture, compared with the 9 per cent, in ordinary biscuits. For every two 801 b sack of flour there will he IBlb of sugar and 151 b of milk powder. The other ingredients will include soda, salt, and ammonia. They will be wrapped in greaseproof paper in 6oa packets, 50 packets going to the tin, and two tins to the case. For every hundred tons of biscuits there will be required 45,000 tons super-feet pi mis insiguis, worth £SOO. Large quantities of tinplate will be required. 12,000 tins being needed for every hundred tons of biscuits. The labour problem Joes not appear to be serious, as hands released from biscuit-making for the domestic market will be engaged for the manufacture and wrapping of the service bissnits. No indications have been given of their destination, but all consignments will go to Wellington.