ON THE DOWN-GRADE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 34, 19 November 1943, Page 4

ON THE DOWN-GRADE.

PRO&UfcfION OF FOODSTUFFS. POSITION IN THE DOMINION. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The Dominion Executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union directs public attention to the recent statement of Baron Woolton (then Food Controller in Britain) when he said that indications clearly pointed to a gener- ■ al world shortage of foodstuffs within a measurable period of time. The Executive considers it its duty to publicly state that the production of foodstuffs in New Zealand is on the down grade. The reasons ai’e partly climatic, partly material, and partly psy- , chological. Nothing cain be done on the first point, which is the smallest factor. The second point is covered by the shortage of fertiliser and the shortage of other farm requirements and the shortage of efficient and permanent labour. These things have intensified the effects of the unfavourable climatic conditions in the last 12 or 16 months. In regard to the third point the farming community appears to be suffering from a feeling of frustration. They and their womenfolk have put the maximum into their contribution to the war effort, but these efforts are being nullified by inefficient administration, by vacillation and by inability to appreciate the essential requirements of the production of food. As regards dairy farming the call for manpower for the fighting services has resulted in women being largely responsible for carrying on the industry. In many cases these woman have been subjected to the double strain of maintaining their homes and carrying on farm work and some are breaking down. •