THE SUGAR SHORTAGE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1718, 8 January 1920, Page 5

THE SUGAR SHORTAGE.

UNLIKELY TO BECOME MORE ACUTE.

POOR PROSPECTS FOR THE HOME JAM MAKER.

Tho manager of a largo grocery establishment in Pafmerston North was approached l,v a "Standard" reporter to-day in reference to tho shortage of sugar that has existed for some time past. "As a matter of fact 1 think Palmerston North townspeople are better treated than-residents in'other places, remarked the manager. "In this.town most of tho shops allow regular customers six to twelve pounds a week according to the size of the family requirements, whereas in Wellington a customer is, 1 beliove, limited to two pounds a. week and in Auckland four _ "Of course the worst feature of the affair at this time of the year is tho restrictions that the shortage places on the making ol jam and preserves in the home. Numbers of families anxious to make jam of the plums, which are now so plentiful and cheap, often become slightly _ annoyed at their requests for extra supplies of sugar having to be refused. But, unpleasant as the refusal is, it is absolutely necessary in order to conserve the limited supplies and to apportion the sugar on an equitable, basis. "It is some six months now since we sold a whole bag of sugar, but we have managed fairly well so far. At present it does not seem that the shortage will become any more acute. The recent conference with the Trade Commissioners when an arrangement was come to that homes should be supplied first, and essential industries second, will result in stabilising the supply. "The retail grocer does not deal directly with the producer, but has to obtain his supply through the wholesale channels. Up to the present the, amount that would be forthcoming was always uncertain. If a firm applied for five tons and received one ton or a ton and a-half it had to accept the miantity on the understanding that it was tho amount allowable and that tho order for tho balance would be cancolled. "On tho whole, except for tho annoyance to jam makers, tho position, though unsatisfactory, has one saving grace. It will not become worse even if an immediate improvement does not manifest itself."