MEAT SHORTAGE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 146, 21 June 1916, Page 7

MEAT SHORTAGE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

COUPONS FOR THE PUBLIC.

(rr.oM our. own couuespoxdext.) SYDNEY, 15th June. During the last drought South Australia sustained enorriious losses of sheep, which intensified the \bacl position established a couple of years previously in.the matter of meat supplies. There are practically no lambs, and altogether tho Stato is confronted with a very serious shortage, of meat. Little or no assistance can bo expected from other States, w.hich are themselves only poorly supplied. In tlm past South Australia has relied a good deal upon supplies of meat stock from/ Queensland, but the Queensland Government has placed an embargo on the sending of any live stock out of the State, to the great annoyance of other States, which are contesting the constitutionality of the embargo in the High, Court. One of the means proposed for meeting the grave position in South Australia is tho provision oE special facilities for'the importation^ of frozen.meat from New Zealand. It-seems, however, that whatever is done South Australia will be able to 'have.only..adequate supplies at phenomenally high prices." The'''Minister" "for Industry (Mr. Blundell) says that the Government is considering' -the matter of taking charge of all the meat supplies and Issuing to tho pub!io;nieeit coupons with a view- of securing the -most, equitable, distribution at the lowest-possible price. Ifc will'certainly be an entirely novel experience in Australia..fora large 'community to be dependent upon, coupons for meat after the German vrar method.