SUPPLY OF SUGAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 May 1922, Page 4

SUPPLY OF SUGAR.

A RESTRICTED OUTPUT. STEPS TO AVOID SHORTAGE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Referring, this morning, to the p ofl i' tion of sugar supplies, the Minister for Industries and Commerce stated that the present contract between the Government and the Colonial Sugar Refining Company terminated on July 31 next. “The arrangements during the past year,” said Mr. Lee, “have in all respects been satisfactory and a regular, and a plentiful supply of high-grade sugar has been maintained, while financial results have involved no encroachment on the Consolidated Fund, and, at the same time, the price has compared favorably with, imported sugar, thus enabling New Zealanders to continue to enjoy the cheapest sugar in the world. The present stocks of sugar at Chelsea will probably be sufficient to meet the Dominion’s needs until the end of August. “Labor troubles in Fiji for some time past have adversely affected the sugar industry, with the result that the crop for the coming season is exceedingly problematical. On present indications, it is fairly certain it will barely exceed 50 per cent, of the normal output, and as Fiji is New Zealand’s main source of supply, the future position is decidedly uncertain.

“It is not desirable that there should be a shortage immediately following the termination of the Government’s contract with the sugar company, and, to avoid this, an arrangement has been effected whereby sufficient supplies will be secured to meet the Dominion’s needs until the end of October. This arrangement will obviate any dislocation of the trades dependent on sugar for at least three months from the expiry of the contract.