IMPORTED GOODS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 March 1939, Page 6

IMPORTED GOODS

SUPPLIES IN SOME CLASSES DWINDLING. TINNED AND OTHER PROVISIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH. This Day. Provision merchants and grocers in Christchurch are already feeling the first effects of import restrictions, slocks in several lines having dwindled away almost to vanishing point. The worst effects will not, bo felt for another two or three months. Australian lines mostly arc affected in the shortages now developing. The chief of these is rice, supplies of which are drawn from Australia and the East. 'At this time last year rice stocks were heavy and small orders were placed. Consequently, in putting in current orders the quotas have been substantially below normal. Requirements in Australian cereals, too. are becoming short. Loaf sugar, which is not made in New Zealand, is practically finished. Tinned asparagus, imported coffee essence and tinned goods such as baked beans, spaghetti and soups, white vinegar and other commodities are also nearing an end. There is still a good supply of tinned fruits, for there was a fair carry-over from last season. The peak demand will not be reached until next summer and the shortage, with a 66 2-3 per cent, reduction, will be felt then. Tho same position applies to imported salmon. British Columbia supplies have been cut down by half, but tho carry-over is sufficient to meet tho demand till the latter pari of this year.