CHEAPER SUGAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 December 1920, Page 1

CHEAPER SUGAR.

JAVA SUPI ’LIES COMING

java sugar is likely to reach New Zealand. about the end of next mouth and this, ii is said, "ill be retailed at a price lower than that charge! for the sugar now being distributed, under the auspices of the Government, by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company. Several Christchurch merchants have received quotations from Java for sugar to lie shipped in January and Fcbru apy. ’Phese quotations show a distinct .drop on previous rates, and it is considered that such sugar would retail at Id per "lb. less than the present niaxijnum fixed prices.. This does not apply to sugar non. oll the water from -Jsvvg, which is expected to come to hand next month. This bears a much higher landed cost, find will probably be sold at HI pe)' lb- above, present Retail prices. Tfie fact that a drop has taken plaice in Java is interpreted, to mean that stocks there are very lnrgc. so that it is possible that importations will lie heavy. Under the. circumstances, will the Government reduce its prices to meet this competition when it developes? Up fortunately, this cheapcjf sugar cannot arrive in time to meet the de-

niaiid for jam-making. It is expected that, once the jam-making demand lias been met, there is likely to he little further hoarding cf supplies on the part of householders, in view of the possibility of cheaper sugar. _ These importations will receive every support from the Department of Trade and Coninipr.co, according to the secretary, Mr J. W. Collins, who is in Auckland on departmental business.. “We welcome anything that will increase the available supply,” said MeCojijns. “As tho existing supply is inadequate we cannot give grocers or shipping people or consumers generally what they require; hence we welcome any new source of supply, and to encourage merchants to secure it we leave them a free hand in its disposal when they have got it.” Java sugar, it seems, is not of the very highest, made, and therefore cannot be used for certain trade requirements where the first grades alone are suitable*. But for ordinary domestic purposes it is excellent. It is understood a- decrease has taken place in ! price at Java that have a. favourable effect on future cargoes shipped thence to New Zealand.