CREAM FOR CHRISTMAS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27265, 16 December 1949, Page 6

CREAM FOR CHRISTMAS

Restrictions To Be Relaxed PERIOD OF FOUR WEEKS PA WELLINGTON, Dec. 15. Relaxation of the restrictions on cream sales during the Christmas and New Year period was announced today by the Minister of Supply, Mr Bowden. The relaxation will operate from December 19 to January 15 (inclusive!. Mr Bowden said that the Government appreciated that, in view of the comparatively short notice it was possible to give, some problems might arise in the actual distribution to consumers, but he felt that it was a concession which could reasonably be extended and that in practice vendors would be able to arrange supplies and distribution in a manner which would enable them to supply most of their customers who wished to buy cream. “ The Government asks that the dairy companies, milk vendors and others concerned should regard it as a point of honour to maintain supplies of whole milk—in other words, not to divert the usual supply of milk to the production of cream.” said the Minister. "Neither should the manufacture of butter be reduced in order that cream should be available. This should be obviated, as supplies of milk ordinarily used for schools are not so used at the present time. The enjoyment of this relaxation is also made possible by the great increase in dairy production, for which the thanks of the people should be extended to the dairy farmers of New Zealand.” 'The Minister emphasised that it should be understood that after the expiry of the relaxation period the restrictions would be reimposed and steps taken to ensure strict enforcement of the regulations. "It appears that in some districts the regulations have been substantially disregarded, and it is not right that people in those areas should enjoy advantages over people in other districts, where the regulations are enforced,” said the Minister. “The Government will keep the matter under constant review with the idea of lifting the restrictions altogether when the supply position enables that to be done without detriment to Britain’s position. From inquiries, the Government is satisfied that the flow of butter to Britain will not be reduced by this temporary relaxation.”