SHORTAGE IN RICE THROUGHOUT ORIENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1919, Page 4

SHORTAGE IN RICE THROUGHOUT ORIENT.

(From Yokohama correspondence.) The rice supply of Japan is thought to be adequate until this year’s crop is placed upon the market, though prices are higher than last year and the government has announced that it will import large quantities in order to reduce prices. There is a tendency to withhold stocks from sale because of the high (prices ijn Saigon, the scarcity in the Phillipines and reports of embargoes by Tiam and Tonking. The rice market in the Phillipines was very active in July, with sharp rises in price, especially in Siagon rice, which is uitable for export to Europe and the United States as it is of superior quality and polished. Com was also very active owing to the small offerings. Flour was hrm, though the supply was less than the demands, although all grades were offered. Copra prices continue to advance with a good market for all grades, while cocoanut oil was steady, in apite of the number of oil mills which have been erected re-

cently. Meats and cattle remained firm, though the supply was sufficient for the local demands. Weekly price quotations are being' received from Manila. The rice crop of French Indo-China will permit the export next year of only 540,000 tons, compared with 1,400,000 tons this year. The higher prices however, resulting from the scarcity due to bad harvests throughout the Far East, will give the planters adequate returns.

The crop failures in the Far East are causing grave anxiety in British North Borneo, and the prices of Siamese rice is more than three times as high ajs two years ago. The shortage is even now so acute that a food controller has been appointed. The Government conducts the import of rice through agents, and the laborers in the estates have been rationed. The rents of all lands planted with rice have been temporarily reduced, the government has agreed to buy all surplus rice at a fixed price for two years, employers are required to plant approved foodstuffs, and a campaign is under way to encourage the use of substitutes and stimulate planting foodstuffs of all kinds. The price of tapioca has been advancing in both Singapore and Penang, Straits (Settlements, a s a result of large purchases, and no reduction is anticipated in the near future. The produc-

tion of sago continues normal, but the demand has exceeded the supply and prices have advanced with tapioca.