BRITISH PROBLEMS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 962, 12 March 1917, Page 8

BRITISH PROBLEMS.

FOODSTUFF PRICES. FIXED BY CONTROLLER. LONDON, March 9. The Produce Exchange has fixed the following maximum wholesale prices for the ensuing fortnight:— Butter — Per cwt. New Zealand and Danish .. 221/Australian, Dutch, Irish, and English 218/Argentine 211/Choesc — English 105/Canadian 102/United States 160/Lard 140/Irish bacon 140/Rctaii prices have not been f xed, but the Food 'Controller will take drastic, action if anyone is found making excessive profits. SHORTAGE OF POTATOES. REMARKABLE SCENES. Australian and N.Z. Gable Association. (Received March 12, 9 a.m.) LONDON, March 11.

The shortage of potatoes has caused remarkable scenes in the poorer London districts. Large queues waited outside the greengrocers' shops, and many considered themselves lucky if they secured a couple of pounds. WHEAT FROM CANADA. . BIG GOVERNMENT PURCHASE. Jteuter's Telegrams. (Received March 12, 9.25 a.m.) OTTAWA, March 11. The British Government is negotiating for the purchase of Canada's 1917 wheat crop. It is expected that the deal will be completed on Tuesday, the price being probably llper buchel. FATS AND OILS. UNDER STATE CONTROL. A. and K. 7.. Cable Assamalian and Rculer. LONDON, March 9. The Official Press Bureau stales that the Minister of Munitions is assuming control of all fats, oils, and oil seeds and their products, including oil-cake, soap, margarine, excluding butter, .lard, and essential oils.

ECONOMY IN PETROL. MUST BE OBSERVED. A. ami K.Z. Cable Association and Renter. LONDON, March 10. The Oflicial Press Bureau announces that with a view to saving import tonnage, owing to the considerable increase in the consumption of petrol and its substitutes, owners of motor vessels are warned that the monthly quantity of petrol and its substitutes used must not exceed the quantity of motor spirit authorised to be purchased.