RESERVE SUPPLIES EXHAUSTED

Southland Times, Issue 25692, 29 June 1943, Page 4

RESERVE SUPPLIES EXHAUSTED

TOBACCO POSITION NOT LIKELY TO IMPROVE

An opinion on the causes of the tobacco shortage was given yesterday by a tobacconist who has just returned from Christchurch, where he investigated the position with traders in that city. He said that ever since the import restrictions were introduced tobacconists had to a certain extent been relying on reserve stocks to fill requirements, and the effect of the restrictions on the importation of tobacco and cigarettes was now becoming apparent as the reserve supply had been exhausted. Normally, before the import restrictions came into force, 7,000,0001 b of tobacco was imported to New Zealand annually, but the amount had then been reduced to 3,000,0001 b. In the last 18 months shipments had been very irregular. Generally the wholesale merchant received advice about the arrival of tobacco at least seven days before the shipment was due, but lately the wholesaler could give no definite advice on further shipments. Supplies available for civilian use varied from month to month because of the variation in quantities required by the armed forces, and it was not likely that the position would improve to any considerable extent until after the war. Many persons were under the belief that shopkeepers were withholding supplies, but their suspicions were groundless. Certainly one or two dealers had “come to light” with better stocks after the Budget was introduced, but most dealers, both wholesale and retail, had exhausted their supplies in the meantime. It was hoped that small supplies would be available some time next month.