AUSTRALIAN SUGAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21117, 26 February 1932, Page 12

AUSTRALIAN SUGAR.

Sir, —Tlio thanks of your readers are duo to you for pointing out that tlio price of sugar in Australia, being almost [double what it. is in New Zealand, is ! duo to the policy of successive Federal Governments for many yours past in fixing tlio price of cane at ligures which are reported to have been very favourable to tho growers, but tho price of tho raw sugar makes no difference to the company, as its remuneration is fixed by the Federal Government, and 1 think I am correct in saying that the total charge for refining and marketing tlio sugar is only about 26s a ton. Jf tho Commonwealth Government eoascd assisting the giewers, as well as removed tho embargo on the importation of sugar, and granted the very moderate protection which tlio New Zealand tariff gives tho industry, the company would presumably import raw sugar from Cuba and sell tlio refined product in Australia at about tlio price ruling hero, but tho infiuenco of cano growers in Northern Queensland has been strong enough to prevent any great change in policy. When I made inquiries in Australia two or threo years ago J was told that without tho bounty Northern Queensland would be depopulated. As you point out, the application of scientific methods and unusually capable management have had much to do with (he company's success. As tho institution has been connected with this Dominion for so many years, may I be allowed t.o say that manufacturers and others who have had dealings, with tho Sugar Company for so long have nothing but praiso for the strictly fair treatment its clients receive. .Observer.