WIDESPREAD BLACK MARKET IN CREAM

Wanganui Chronicle, 27 December 1947, Page 2

WIDESPREAD BLACK MARKET IN CREAM

PROSECUTIONS PENDING Christchurch, Dec. 23. A number of Christchurch persons will be prosecuted following week-end inquiri >s into a widespread black market in cream, made by members of the staff of the Food and Rationing Controller, who were advised that more than 4COO gallons of cream were being supplied illegally to Christchurch residents each month, it was announced to-day by the controller, Mr. A. J. Costelloe Black marketeers have also been flouting the Price Tribunal's figure of Is 2d a half pint by selling cream at prices ranging from Is 3d to Is 9d a half pint. “The success of the department’s action to uncover the black marketeers is probably attributable in no small measure to the work of the Aid for Britain Committee, which has been giving widespread publicity to the racket,” said Mr. Costelloe. “Investigations are proceeding and further customers and vendors taking part in illegal cream sales will find themselves the subjects of legal action when caught."

Mr. Costelloe said he believed the cream rationing as it existed in other centres did not operate in Christchurch. Because the supply of milk for city consumption was more centralised in Auckland and Wellington, the problem of illegal cream sales in those cities did not arise to any extent. In Christchurch, however, milk supplies were sold by individual vendors.