THE EMPIRE EXHIBITION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18953, 29 August 1923, Page 7

THE EMPIRE EXHIBITION

THE CATERERS CONCERNED. LIMITATION TO EMPIRE PRODUCTS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, August 28. (Received Aug. 28, at 8.50 p.m.) The Australian decision to limit the catering at the Empire Exhibition to British products has created consternation among intending caterers. It is understood that all the other dominions were willing to allow caterers to supply French champagne, Havana cigars, and similar goods unless acceptable dominion substitutes were obtainable. The tenders are held up pending consultation among the principal caterers. The Australian Press Association is authoritatively informed that the Exhibition controllers regard Australia’s decision as conclusive, notwithstanding the views of the other dominions, because unless the dominions unanimously agree to vary the original understanding to limit the catering to Empire products the Board of Control must rigidly exclude foreign products.—A. and - N.Z. Cable. ■ A London message dated August 10 said: It is understood that leading British caterers axe not tendering in connection with the British Empire Exhibition because the conditions restrict the tenderers to Empire products. The caterers state that the public will demand the option of ordering foreign specialities such as French champagne and Havana cigars, which represent the caterer’s principal sources of profit. Without these and similar foreign articles the caterers ivould be dependent upon staple foods and liquors of Empire origin, affording . the narrowest margin of profit. It is pointed out that the caterers are responsible for the initial outlay in fitting out the dining rooms, installing the cookers and general equipment, and providing the cooking and waiting services, probably involving an expenditure of many thousands. Therefore they hesitate to tender if they are to be prohibited from supplying profitable articles.