FOOD IN AUSTRALIA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 32, 17 November 1943, Page 3

FOOD IN AUSTRALIA.

WARNING OF SHORTAGE. LESS PRODUCTION OF FOOD (Special Australian Correspondent N Z.P.A.) (Rec. 9.20 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The increasing effect of the war demands is being felt on the- Australian food front. Foods likely to be in scant supply, even before the end of this year, include meat (particularly pork), poultry, eggs, dried fruits, jams, preserves, and some vegetables. Supplies of milk are expected to be restricted in the New Y"ear. A possible shortage of wh§at in New South Wales may lead to the- introduction of a standardised loaf in this State. Warnings of these impending scarcities of food have been given by the Commonwealth Agricultural Authority whose contentions are largely supported by*.statistical analysis of Australia’s production of food and the demands upon it. A survey of 40,000 vegetable farms reveals that owing to shortages of labour and material the production next season will be' below the official target by 56,000 acres —representing about one-quarter of. Australia’s output of vegetables in any pre-war year.

Additional rationing in the New Year has been forecast by the chairman of the Rationing Commission (Mr Coles). It has not been disclosed what, commodities will be affected, but it has been stated officially that the rationing of meat, which is to begin in January, will be only part of the restrictions to be imposed. Other items of food may be included.