SHORTAGE OF FLOUR.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18365, 24 April 1925, Page 16

SHORTAGE OF FLOUR.

GISBORNE'S PREDICAMENT*

(special to "ihe puss.")

GISBORNE, April ,23

Gisborno, stated a produce importer this afternoon, is experiencing the greatest shortage of flour'it has had for some time, and the position is becomincr serious. This was due, to the exceptionally "long time, taken by -the produce 1 steamer in; bringing -supply to >Gisbbrne from. southern, ports, and importers were placed in an awkward position on accouiit. of., a large of- their- supplies being left behmd in the south, ™ - only, * very • minted amount of> space, was available in tne vessel. At the present time bakers. : hare only a, few days'. supply on If W, and one leading baker was unable'.to make his bread this morning as he had not a bag of flour in his store. in other .instances bakers have • been chasing 1501b bags- of ■ flour ■■ to ;kcep them going until the arrival of, tin© steamer on her next trip. . A : most unusual sight' was >ntne«ett on the wharf. this morning • when the lighters were being discharged, lne carters for the vaiious bakers -were all fighting to secure the flour ■as it cania out of the boats, as the hulk .of[the bakers had not enough floiir to : bak© to-morrow's bread. It was a case or first come first served, and-the carters had to struggle hard to secure the supplies. _ The importer -went on to state that tho delay of the produce (vessel was not the eoie cause of the shortage, as difficulty was also being experienced, in obtaining supplies from the millers! themselves, especially the v.oll-known brands that bakers are' in the habit of purchasing.. Another merchant received a telegram from his. suppliers; to-day stating, that, they could not quote for supplies by tlie; next trip of the Kamo owing to no space being available.