BELGIAN DISCONTENT

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 135, 5 December 1944, Page 4

BELGIAN DISCONTENT

FOOD SITUATION THE CAUSE

The Consul-General for Belgium (M. Nihotte) has received the following cablegram from the Belgian Press agency:— "First-hand reports from Belgium show that the food situation was really the principal cause of popular discontent. Blame was placed on the Government and not on the Allies, although there is a growing feeling that the Allies should allow some shipping for the importation of food bought by the Belgian Government, or ready in the Congo. All newspapers blame the Communists and the Independence Front, one of the eight resistance groups, for using the same methods as' Degrelle before the war. The strikes were opposed by the Socialist and Christian trade unions, and were con-' fined to Brussels and practically limited to tramwaymen and postmen. In spite of the subsequent lack of communications, no stoppage occurred in offices, factories, warehouses, and shops. There were no strikes in Antwerp and Liege, where it is not forgotten that there is a war lon. Many resistance groups regret the new attitude adopted by the Independence Front."

The City Council has approved of an application for permission to erect a combined play centre and kindergarten on the reserve at Waipapa Road. Hataitai, next the Plunket rooms. A ground rental of £7 10s a year will be charged. .