RISE IN SUGAR PRICE

Grey River Argus, 11 August 1937, Page 7

RISE IN SUGAR PRICE

Before Jam Making WHAT IS THE REASON? [Per Press Association], AUCKLAND, August 10. A departmental investigation into the costs of production of sugar, to determine whether the prices are reasonable, is at present being undertaken, according to advice received by the Auckland Executive of the Farmers’ Union7“from Hon. .D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Industries ahd Commerce. The Minister’s statement was in reply to a complaint by tne Union of the seasonal increases made in the price of sugar immediately preceding the jam making and fruit preserving period. Information was sought as to whether any preventative action could be taken under any existing legislation. The Minister explained that a preliminary report had been furnished to him, showing the prices ruling nuring the past five years, together with the rates for raw sugar during that period The wholesale price of sugai in New Zealand and the raw sugar price showed a remarkable correspondence, and he was informed that it was the policy\of thei..Golonial Sugar Refining Company, Limited, to vary the wholesale rates in accordance with the price for the raw product. . ~ “So far, there has been no indication that, immediately prior to the jam making and fruit preserving season any increase was deliberately made in the wholesale price,” Mr. Sullivan added. “It may be, however, that this period coincides with a seasonal ihcrease in the price of raw sugar. But, as I have statea, a full investigation is being made, and the whole position will be thoroughly examined from every point of view.”