DEMAND FOR SUGAR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2087, 7 February 1920, Page 3

DEMAND FOR SUGAR.

NO HOARDING BY DEALERS, ■ CHAIRMAN OR BOARD 01'’ TRADE'S STATEMENT. in a statement made la - the pro*s in Auckland on tAednosday, Mi’A\. ,(i. M'Donald, chairman of the Board of Trade, staled that the returns of the deliveries of relined sugar by the Colonial Sugar Company to merchants, manufacturers, and other customers during 1010 totalled 50, Hit) tons, an increase of 50(1 tons over the deliveries of 1018. Possible the larger population due to the rot timing - soldiers hist, year would account - for an increase in consumption, he said, but alter making due allowance lor tins factor there did not appear to be arty apparent explanation for the acute, shortage which, it had boon stated, had existed. The Board of Trade was satisfied that there had not been any hoarding on the part or either wholesale or retail dealers, or on the part of hoarding had taken place those responsible must be householders who had accumulated stocks in anticipation of a rise in price. That there was at present no warrant for any such anticipation was shown h.V the recent statement by the Prime Minister that the existing arrangement in respect - to price would remain in force until June next. 1 his would be the-position unless something happened in the interval to interfere with the transportation of raw sugar from Pip to New Zealand. , One of the reasons for the recent exceptional demand for sugar, in Mr M’Dona Id's opinion, is to be found in the cessation of the arrivals of small quantities of sugar from other countries, and also the cessation of the importation of jiims, chocolates, and other foods. This had led to an increased demand for sugar in the Dominion, and the limited capacity of the Chelsea works had made an elasticity of supply impossible. A mention of the supply of sugar to breweries elicited the remark-by Mr M’Donald that at present neither breweries nor various classes of trade comprised Within the designation of sugarboiling were receiving tbeir normal supplies of retined sugar,, but Bitty were deriving relief from deliveries of raw sugar, which were suitable for most requirements in such industries. This supply of raw sugar was in no way prejudicial to the interests of ordinary consumers. “The - ob ject of the control of the distribution of sugar by the Board of Trade." said Mr M’Donald, “has been to make as much retined sugar as possible available to householders for domestic requirements and for the jam making season. As far as we are in a position to judge, the jaqi makers, both - factories and householders arc in a better position to-day than they were a month ago. Until the present period of exceptional demand for sugar for jam is over it will not be possible, unless in exceptional circumstances, for householders to obtain big lots, - ’