SAVING FOOD

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24869, 8 May 1946, Page 8

SAVING FOOD

VOLUNTARY SYSTEM HELD BEST STATEMENT”BY famine COMMITTEE (PA) WELLINGTON, May 7. “The decision to save food for Britain by voluntary methods as one of the many approaches being - made to the present food emergency was arrived at for good reasons,” says a statement issued by the National Famine Emergency Committee. “Have you considered the facts? In a great producing country like New Zealand, with variations in conditions in town and country, equal sacrifice would not result necessarily from a further compulsory ration cut. In a great many cases, because of home conditions, geographical situation, age. physical fitness, and working conditions, the present scale of rationing bears heavily. There are sharp differ-; ences between those in households of two and three compared with larger families. There are difficulties of dis--tribution and supply, which vary in' each area and which affect the availability of substitute foods. “Summed up. the voluntary system is a practical way and is a fair way. It is the only way at the present level of rationing that allows people to say how they can save extra butter and meat, what they can save at any particular time, and when they can make a sacrifice to fit in with individual conditions. “The voluntary system is a challenge to the public conscience—to Sublic morale. In this emergency it ; up to you to play your part in vigorous leadership. Grocers’ Pledge

“Think of the practical consideration concerning butter. Any compulsory cut would mean buying butter in Quarter pounds. That this is a practical impossibility is clear; furthermore, the extra burden of carrying that out would be intolerable for retailers. By agreement with the National Famine Emergency Committee grocers have pledged their honour to ensure that coupons surrendered do mean that that butter will be saved for Britain..

“It is also true that from the medical point of view there are some sections—young children, invalids, older people, and some workers—who require the present ration to maintain fitness. On the other hand, there are a great many who can do with less butter and can substitute other fats. The decision is with you. Can you save?

“No extra rationing coulu mean equality. There are differences between town and country, and those who eat out. or who have access to small non-collected production. It is to them that the appeal is directed to save now. There are others who can join in because of their knowledge of the use of proper substitutes. “It is a personal question. Take the case of meat. The present rationing inevitably does not bear equally on each household. In the case of households of two or three, the difficulty is much greater than for larger ones. Then. too. there is the vital question of the availability of supplies of substitutes. “Part of the campaign for saving food voluntarily must be aimed at those who now try to beat the rationing system. Compulsion is useless as a means of increasing the moral tone. Your duty in responding to the appeals of district famine emergency committees throughout New Zealand is clear. To save coupons when you can in your household is a practical contribution. Shun destructive criticism. Let us get on with the job.”