SUGAR RATION ABOLITION NEAR?

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22663, 14 June 1948, Page 6

SUGAR RATION ABOLITION NEAR?

The announcement that un added ration of 81b of sugar is to be available for the current month, on surrender of coupon Y2B, is likely to be welcomed by the housewives for itself alone, since consumption of sugar in cooking, and other household activities is always high in the colder months of the year. More significant, however, is the indication given in trade circles thai the supply position with regard to sugar has improved to an extent which makes the removal of rationing probable. Gisborne members of the Master Grocers’ Federation have had advice that the supplies of sugar from abroad are now so good that only the question of deliveries throughout the Dominion, and particularly to the South Island, justifies a continuance of control through the rationing system. The federation has taken steps to prevent a buying rush which night develop from the sudden removal of the Government control on sales of sugar and other items of staple food. It recently made representations to the Minister of Supply, suggesting that as the supply position became better the monthly rations should be extended gradually. This would ensure that any temporary set-back in deliveries could be taken care of without prejudicing the position for any group- of con sumers.

The present move to extend the current month's ration by 3lb per household is regarded as being in line with the federation’s proposals. If the improvement in the over-all supply position continues for a month or two there is every prospect of abolition of rationing of sugar as well as tea