THE SUGAR STRIKE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 31, 31 July 1911, Page 5

THE SUGAR STRIKE

THE INCREASE IN PRIC:. j REPEALING THE DUTY ON IMPORTED SUGAR. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. ■ Melbourne, July 2!). Mr. Hughes announced that he would not have the slightest hesitation in repealing the Customs duty on sugar at the earliest possible moment as a solution of the Queensland trouble. He was not speaking for himself alone in the declaration. Referring to the increased price of sugar, Mr. Hughes declared that there were other monopolies in Australia, hut none of them would have the unblushing effrontery to declare their price in the daily papers in this callous and indecent fashion. People were simply expected to pay and look pleasant. The Government imposed a duty of £6 a ton in order to encourage white labor, not to increase the dividends of the sugar company. If the strike continued the company would sell their stocks, which were ample, at an increased rate; but by reason of such conduct the reason for the imposition of the duty would cease. Sydney, July 28. Cane-cutters at the Hardwood Mill, Grafton, have struck for increased pay for loading punts, also for more rations. THE DUTY ON SUGAR. Received 31, 1.10 a.m. Melbourne, July 30. Mr. Tudor says that Mr. Hughes' statement regarding the abolition of the duty on sugar is practically what he told the strikers at Bundaberg. Grocers are increasing sugar by a farthing a pound. The Sugar Company has refused to supply sugar for export. All available supplies are required locally.