BUTTER AND SUGAR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 299, 27 May 1915, Page 4

BUTTER AND SUGAR.

THE POSITION" IX AUSTRALIA. ?F~. CAUSE OF SMALL SUPPLY. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received May 28, 7.30' p.m. Sydney, May 2(1 Disgruntled butter buyers declare butter is being secretly stored because merchants expect the Government, to advance the price. There in more truth in the claim that curtailment is due to early winter conditions lessening thi> cream production. The- weather lately lias been very cold. AN INCREASE IN PRICE. Received May 2(i, 0 p.m. Sydney, May 26. The Commodities Commission has favorably replied to the trade request for a further increase in the price of butter. The advance will bo fixed later. ACTION BY THE GOVERNMENT. Received May 20, 0 p.m. Melbourne, May 28. In concction with the threatened sugar shortage, a special Gazette under the War Precautions Act has been issued giving the widest possible powers to officers in the Attorney-General's Department to inquire into matters relating to the sugar question, including a right to search and impound documents and arrest if necessary. Replying to questions in the House, Mr. Hughes said the Government was bound to ensure the supply of vital foodstuffs. It was alleged by the big combines that there would be a shortage of sugar at the present juncture. No question was of more vital importance. Tlib Government had exercised its powers and taken steps to ensure an adequate supply. SUGAR COMPANY'S STATEMENT. ———— Received May 2(S, 10 p.m. Sydney, May 26. In a letter published in the press today, Mr. Knox, general manager of the Colonial Sugar C-ompany, says: "In reference to the threatened sugar shortage, it will bo of interest to the public to know that the authorities arc attempting to stop us from obtaining supplies from Java by preventing the despatch of cables there. On the 20th we received an offer of sugar, and on the same dat* replied accepting as far lis sugar available for .Tulv is concerned. We again cabled a reply, but got no answer. Wo can only assume it was also held back." Ho concludes: "It would be interesting to know if the object was to bring about a shortage, which we wished to prevent." Questioned in the House, Mr. Hughes said it was not true that the Government refused to allow Mr. Knox to get Java supplies.