GROCERS ARE DISAPPOINTED

Chronicle (Levin), 13 October 1949, Page 6

GROCERS ARE DISAPPOINTED

WELLINGTON, Oct. 12. The Wellington Master Grocers' Association is disappointed that the rationing of butter has not been abolish"ed, said the president of the association (Mr. M. S. Mackie) today. "The association is naturally gratified by the announcement that the butter ration. is to be increased to 8oz. a week," he said, "but at the same time is disappointed that the Government still consider that rationing is necessary. "Figures in tlie pogsession of the association indicate itliat the people of New Zealand have been required to accept a verv much greater reduction in the eonsumption of edible fats tlian have the people of Brtain, nnd it had been lioped that by this time tlie drive for increased production would liave vielded suffieient to supply tlie additional 13,000 tons of butter .tliat would be necessary for local con- | sumption if rationing were abolished. I "Whilst grocers share with all other New Zealanders a profound admiration for tlie people of Britain and a xlesire to lielp tliem," continued Mr. Alackie, "thev are naturally disappointed at tlie continued retention of a wartime restriction which imposes on tliem a vast amount of. additional work for which they receive no recoinpense whqtever. "Few people would relish after a strenuous. week 's work, the prospect of sitting down at the weekend and-YPiQpnt-, ing several hundred minute butter coupons with the prospect of a criminal prosecution to follow if the coupons do not balance, but this is just what rationing mea-ns to the grocer and his desire to see its abolition can therefore ■ be understood. ' '