GROCERS’ HEAD COMMENTS ON SUPPLIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22971, 14 June 1949, Page 6

GROCERS’ HEAD COMMENTS ON SUPPLIES

N.Z. LINES MORE PLENTIFUL

Supplies of most local grocery lines are gradually reaching prewar levels, but only limited quanti-

tics of imported brands are avail-

able, according lo the president of the Gisborne Master Grocers’ Asso-

ciation, Mr. G. J. Gregory.

“Some New Zealand manufacturers, owing to labour difficulties, are handicapped by staff shortages and this applies particularly to manufacturers of such lines as matches, tobacco and cigarettes, sugar and syrup,” he said. ".[regularity of shipping has the effect of limiting stocks pf such commodities as potatoes, cereals, breakfast food', and some brands of tea and biscuits, at certain times. Though stocks 01 lines are good at the moment, it is very difficult for grocers to gauge their requirements until the next boat arrives." Referring to sago and tapioca importations. Mr. Gregory says that these are sufficient to meet normal demands, but there might be qccasions when stocks are limited. This would occur between one shipment and the next. Match Shortage Continues

Commenting on the dearth of match stocks locally, he says that, though licenses for importations from the United Kingdom have been issued, stocks from this country are not expected for some weeks.. Mr. Gregory says that there are indications that the availability of sugar and syrup commodities is improving and the supply should bo back to normal within the next few weeks.

“As the New Zealand production of tinned fruit is not sufficient to meet the home markets we are dependent on imports of Australian fruit to bridge the gap.” continued Mr. Gregory. “Present indications are that reduced quantities will be imported this year. However, there are limited stocks of New Zealand fruit available at the moment. Dried Fruit Crops Fail

“The latest report from Australia on dried fruit is that, owing to the failure of the crop, there will be reduced exports of this line this year. This will limit the quantity available on the New Zealand market. There are good stocks of sultanas." “Though there arc reasonable supplies of herrings in the tinned lish line, sardines are scarce, while salmon is unprocurable.”