SUGAR SUPPLIES

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1921, Page 3

SUGAR SUPPLIES

Last Friday’s Christchurch “Press” 'says;—Sugar supplies are causing the retailers considerable anxiety, and a number of grocers will he out of stock again before the next consignment comes down. There have also been’ complaints that whilst some grocers in country townships can get only sufficient sugar to give their clients, say, 1211) at a time, some larger retailers in Christchurch and neighbourhood can send out bag lots to customers in country districts. If such is the ease—and we ate assured it is—then it is evident that the system of distribution of sugar between the large centres and the country needs amending. Consignments of -sugar going to country stations by rail appear to he carefully noted by more people than the consignee, and in some towns it is common knowledge "’hat s»mar has come in, and who it is for. We think .the Railway Department should, as much as possible, prevent one person knowing what another receives. Small supplies of Java sugar are due to land per Manuka, now on her way from Sydney. These will he very welcome, hut owing to the high cost tins shipment will he dearer than Auckland sugar. Quotations for Java sugar, issuer! this week on behalf of a Java house, show a rise of £lO a ton over prices quoted three or four weeks ago. Just More Christmas aibles were received quoting Java sugar at prices ruling from £33 upwards, but as it was a »tnct stipulation that the buyer was to provide an irrevocable sight credit against shipment, apparently no business was done. To obtain a sight credit on Java is practically an impossibility m the present state of the world’s finance. Cabled enquiries for Java sugar from Sydney show that the price ther is equal to £sl per ton landed in Christchurch. The latest advices show that the bottom fell out of the Java sugar market, but it very quickly recovered and is firming up. The quotations issued this week (reference to ahove) will mean a landed cost of about £47 to £49 after allowing for exchange, shipping ohalrges, and railage. This is for March shipment from Java due here in May, and is subject to confirmation by the sellers. It is subject Jo freight being available. , The, indications now are that the long hoped for reliof \v importations of Java sugar is not going to he to the extent anticipated, and the temporary drop in price was mainly due to the collapse of one or two large sugar concerns in that countt a It looks as if the position has again lighted itself, firmer markets consequently resulting. A matter of much concern to the trade and public generally is the information now to hand that no extra provision can be made in the neat - future of the jam season Nothing definite (regarding increasing allocations can be given, but jt is qude ; probable that no extra quantity to j what is at present distributed will he available for the jam season.