BOARD OF TRADE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18352, 9 March 1920, Page 7

BOARD OF TRADE.

SUGAR DISTRIBUTION. PRICES OF COTTON THREAD. [Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 8. The Central Benzine Committee held its first meeting to-day to consider ways of meeting the acute shortage. If reasonable demands are made on the committee the supply in sight will he sufficient. Noav that the personnel of the committee to deal with profiteering has been announced, complaints may be lodged in the four centres. The Government wishes it known that complaints may still be made through the agency of the Labour Department or the secretaries of oach tribunal or the secretary of the Board of Trade. Tire board has completed its organisation for the equitable distribution of sugar. The soherne provides that a retailer shall draw his supplies from one merohant only, and merchants must arrange between themselves as to the poreon from whom a supply Bhall in future bo drawn by those who previously dealt with more than one merchant.

The Board of Trade recently made investigations into the increase ia the price of cotton thread, and reports that prices are practically controlled from outsile the Dominion. There is a central selling agency in Glasgow, with a branch in Noav Zealand, which virtually is the selling organisation of the cotton combine. No cl ire (it or distinct profits are made by the Now Zealand jjranch, since there is no question of purchase by it. The recent increase in prioes was advised by a cable message from the central agency on February 16. All orders for immediate delivery in tho firm’s hands before the receipt of tho cablegram Avero executed at the old prices. Orders received since and orders for delivery after the 16th were filled at the new prices, Avhich average an increase of about 2o per cent. On tho main selling lino, ordinary sewing cotton in 200yard reels, the increase Avns from 52s to 78s per gross. The Board of Trade is considering tho question of any Increase in prices of stocks in hand or held on the water in transit for New Zealand.