VEGETABLES SCARCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 147, 1 April 1944, Page 4

VEGETABLES SCARCE.

WARNING G-IVEN IN SYDNEY. (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright.) SYDNEY, March 25. Many tons of vegetables will he diverted from the civilian market because supplies under contracts for the forces have fallen below expectations. A spokesman for Commonwealth Food Control said that less than half the 2529 tons of vegetables which New South Wales growers had contracted to supply in February was received, chiefly because of unfavourable seasonal conditions. There was a shortage of 1-15;’. tons in supplies forwarded on contract, and vegetables available for civilian consumption would consequently he reduced by that amount.

The outlook for winter vegetables in Sydney was so poor that every householder should sow or plant out crops, said an official of the Department of Agriculture. The long dry spoil had affected every vegetable crop, some so severely that there was no hope ol anything liUe adequate supplies for civilians being available in the coming months. Carrots might not yield more than 20 per cent, of what had been hoped for. Small imports only from Tasmania and Victoria could be expected.

The potato position was equally serious. Latest estimates of production on the Southern Tableland —one of the main growing centres —showed a. probable falling-off of 75 per cent. Cabbages had also suffered badly from seasonal conditions, and production would lie extremely short. Tomatoes would continue scarce for months.

The dry autumn had played havoc will) Hie pea crops, French beans were also certain to be in short supply.