N.Z. LIKE FAIRYLAND AFTER BRITAIN

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 14618, 11 March 1948, Page 5

N.Z. LIKE FAIRYLAND AFTER BRITAIN

INDIVIDUAL FOOD PARCELS GREATLY APPRECIATED

TRIBULATIONS OF BRITISH PEOPLE

New Zealand is like a fairyland after Britain, in the opinion of Mr E. Page, Tokomaru Bay, who has just returned .after 12 months in London. Mr Page feels that he cannot let the opportunity pass of telling people how much individual food parcels are appreciated. New Zealanders have no idea ot what it is like when the parcels are received—and how they break the monotony of the rations. He urges that as many parcels as possiole should be sent, especially ones containing fats. . Telling of some of the tribulations of the British people, Mr Page said that no one could adequately visualise the position just by riding the papers; it was necessary* to see for yourself. , , , The children looked undened and the adults anaemic. Last winter had been very serious, with 30cwt. ot coal, including half coke, the year’s allowance. Wocd was unprocurable. Meagre rations,—one rasher of bacon, 2oz of cheese, 1 pint of milk per week, and the ever-present lack of fats in everything—contributed to the general discomfort. Cakes were for sale, but they did not contallt was possible to get meals at hotels at exorbitant prices, although he had had a meal at the Trocadero restaurant for ss, but was, told that if he had soup he could not have a bread roll. v . Tobacco was 4s an ounce, . and cigarettes 3s 8d for 20 On the bllck market eggs could be bought for 12s 6d a dozen. Rabbits cost 15s and hares oOs each. A dinner would often consist ot only lettuce and tomatoes. • And there were the eternal queues.