SUGAR SHORTAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1920, Page 4

SUGAR SHORTAGE

DOMESTIC SUPPLIES AVAILABLE. [PISB. PRESS ASSOCIATION. COPYRIGHT. ) WELLINGTON, Jan. 19. A statemnt regarding the sugar shoi tage was made public by. the Prime Minister this afternoon. It states that since January 1, iho Board of Trade has been associated with the Colonial Sugar Company in the allocation of available supplies. The Board’s representative found the refinery working at high pressure. It is stated that no stocks of refined sugar are being held by the Company. Immediately the refinery process was finished the sugar was despatched for distribution.

The allocation of domestic supplies is stated to be on a population basis, but the supplies available for the groceis are at present insufficient to permit them to fill orders for bag lots. A reasonable allocation cannot be made unless the grocers limit their sales to parcels, say to last the consumer *Ol a week. Cabinet’s instructions to restrict sup, plies for breweries and sugar boiling industries were put into operation on the 13th inst, whereby it is hoped to meet the fruit preserving and jam manufacturing operations. This, however, is only possible if a reasonable economy in the use of sugar for other purposes is exercised by all parties. Arrangements have "been made with the Union Company to provide special shipping facilities for table supplies to be sent to the South Island. There are indications that if the demands are made within reason, the condition will be normal in a few weeks.