Shortage Of Sugar Supplies Felt By Whakatane Grocers

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 52, 11 February 1949, Page 5

Shortage Of Sugar Supplies Felt By Whakatane Grocers

Like most other centres in the North Island there is a very bad shortage of sugar at Whakatane and at present grocers can give no indication when the position is likely to improve. It is, however, considered to be only temporary. The main reason for the shortage, according to one grocer, was the delay by the Government over the alteration in the price. of sugar. When the price was changed grocers did not know whether they were to be, compensated for any loss they may incur. The Government did not inform them what the position was likely to be, so that most N grocers j all over the country refrained from placing any orders. *

When the matter was finally j cleared the factories closed three weeks over Christmas and j production was lost. When, orders ! were finally placed the factories could not cope with the demand, thus creating the present shortage. ! Supplies are being rationed to merchants .who have the same to retailers. Finally, of course, the consumer, namely the public, are rationed and it will continue until the demand can be satisfied. While the position appears serious, grocers stressed the fact yesterday, that it was only temporary. There was no need for anyone to indulge in large scale buying and to hoard supplies. Rationing was only being done to let everyone have a chance of obtaining some sugar.