SUGAR SUPPLIES.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16030, 22 January 1920, Page 7

SUGAR SUPPLIES.

MODIFIED RATIONING SYSTEM.

WHAT THE G OTERNM ENT IS DOING.

A statement in regard to the short, age of sugar was made by the Prime Minister (Mr Massey) recently. The statement is as follows: “Since January Ist an officer of the Board of Trade has been associated with the Colonial Sugar Refining Companyin the allocation of available supplies of sugar among consumers generally, with, a view to securing an equitable distribution throughout the Dominion. The Board's representative found that the sugar refinery was working at high pressure, and that the whole of the manufactured product was either in transit to the consumers or being loaded, into lighters alongside the company's wharf. No stocks of refined sugar held by tbe company, nor have they held any stocks for some time. Immediately the refining process was completed the sugar was dispatched for distribution.

■‘The allocation for domestic purposes is strictly on a- population basis, l>nt in the wide and scattered country districts it may be a week or so before they will receive the supplies to which they are entitled. The supplies available for grocers at present are insufficient to permit of their filling orders for bag' lots. A reasonable allocation cannot bo made unless grocers limit their sales to reasonably small parcels, say, sufficient to supply tlie customer for one week. At present this mast bo loft to the discretion of the grocer, consideration being given to the fart that jam making operations are in full awing in many households. "Cabinet recently decided that fop the purpose of increasing the supplies for household and jam manufacturing purposes, tlie allotment for breweries and sugar-boiling industries should be restricted. This instruction was put into operation on the 12th instant, a proportionate reduction in the supplies for the industries named being made from that date. It is hoped by this means to further meet the position so far as fruit-preserving and jam-manufacturing operations arc concerned, but it is only possible if reasonable economy in 11m n«e of sugar for other purposes is exorcised by all parties. One of the difficulties of distribution in tlie South Island is the uncertainty of coastal fhi]>ping. To overcome this the Union Steam, Ship Company has been requested to provide, special shipping facilities, and the Monowai and the Mokoia, and possibly another vessel, will bo available to carry supplies for the South Island. A representative of tlie Union Company is conferring with the Hoard of Trade regarding Iho possibility of providing additional tonnage. •'‘Householders who are in possession of reasonable, Mipplies for immediate requirements would greatly assist by voluntarily refraining from purchasing further supplies for tlie present. 'JTiere. axe indications that tbo position shows a considerable improvement recently, and if demands arc made within reason there is every prospect that in a few weeks the conditions will return to normal. The Colonial Sugar Company has in eight fair supplies of the raw material for immediate requirements.”