THE PRICE OF SUGAR.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2124, 16 May 1922, Page 5

THE PRICE OF SUGAR.

BRIGHTENING OF TRADE. A recent Press Association message from Auckland stated that the grocers in that city had reduced the price of sugar to 4id per pound from yesterday. Discussing the subject with retailers of Palmerston North yesterday a "Manawatu Times" representative learned that there are no prospects as far as could be seen at the present time at least, of a reduction locally in the price of this much-used commodity. None of our informants had had any advice regarding a cut in the price of sugar, and the* were of the opinion that the reduction would only apply to the city of Auckland. One local grocer contended chat Auckland could well afford to reduce the price, for it had in its favour the sea port, which consequently meant that it had no railway charges, it was further ascertained that it cost the. local grocers 3d per lb or about £6 per ton to land sugar in their stores in Palmerston North.from the port of Auckland. "When all expenses have been paid," said one informant, "we make a profit of less than 5 per cent, so I consider that our price of ud per lb is reasonable, considering the circumstances;' 1 •■ it was- further stated that it would cost a little less to land sugar in ■ Palmerston North from Wellington, :but it was pointed out that the local supplies came from Auckland. "A reduction in wages was aiso mentioned in the message," stated our representative. "Are the local grocers following the Auckland retailers example in this matter?" No, was the prompt answer to this question, "we find that there is no immediate necessity for a decrease in this direction, for at present the trade is «-ood. During the past few months there had been a! decided improvement in trade generally., and as long as this state of affairs continues wages will not be: reduced. ine brightening up in trade was attributed to the increased price of butterfat The good bonuses received by the farmers In consequence, had induced them to buy more freely.