CREAM FOR CHRISTMASNEW YEAR HOLIDAYS

Wanganui Chronicle, 16 December 1949, Page 6

CREAM FOR CHRISTMASNEW YEAR HOLIDAYS

Restrictions Will Be Reimposed Later

WELLINGTON, Yesterday (PA).— The relaxation of restrictions on cream sales during the Christmas and New Year period was announced today by the Minister of Supply, Mr. Bowden. The relxation , 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 wish to buy cream. “The Government asks that 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 originally 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 uffiich the thanks of the people should be extended to the dairy farmers of New Zealand.” TO BE REIMPOSED

The Minister emphasised that it should be understood that after the expiry of the relaxation period the restrictions on the sale of cream 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 was 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.”

The Price Tribunal rate for cream is 7d for a quarter-pint, Is 2d for halfpint 2s 4d for a pint, and 17s 8d for gallon quantities.

The prices quoted above are according to Price Tribunal order for the current period to the South Taranaki Milk Board, and are the retail prices chargeable to consumers for cream delivered. “We are all in readiness T to meet the public demand,” said Mr. W. L. Garrett, proprietor of the Hawera milk treating depot. . There were ample stocks of containers for the supply of cream to vendors on orders received.