FOOD FOR BRITAIN

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 March 1941, Page 8

FOOD FOR BRITAIN

N.Z. BUTTER RESTRICTIONS EXPORT CHANCES SLIM [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION,] CHRISTCHURCH, March 29. The New-Zealand Government has been advised by the Government of Britain that the butter market will be the next to be restricted by export difficulties. Mr Barclay (Minister of Marketing) said to-day that the outlook for sending goods from New Zealand was not good. In a recent cablegram, the Government had been advised by Britain that the outlook for lifting butter in New Zealand was black. “Apparently Britain can take all the cheese we can produce,” added the Minister, “but the chances of shipping butter are slim. This probably means that a further request will be made to farmers to change over from butter production to cheese. The Government intends to cable to the British Government to obtain fuller information as to what is required, so that a definite statement can be made, and farmers can be told what they will be required to do.” The Minister is visiting the South Island, to investigate the position arising from the restrictions on the export of meat. He will hold discussions with back-country farmers at Timaru on Monday.

MR. FRASER’S GRAVE WARNING.

WELLINGTON, March 29.

“We must face up to the stern realities of the situation to-day, with the conviction not merely on our lips, but in our hearts and souls, that whatever hardship, whatever loss, and whatever the sweat, blood and tears, the cause is worthy; with the conviction that any difficulties we may have to face are but dust in the balance, compared with the fact that as part of the army of freedom, we can contribute something to the salvation of mankind and the overthrow of tyranny.” With these words, Mr. Fraser concluded an address at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce annual dinner. Mr. Fraser referred to the fine example set by the people of Britain, and also expressed the general feeling of gratitude to the people of America for turning their country into an arsenal for democracy. Speaking of New Zealand’s problems, Mr. Fraser said: “If I could say, to-day, that it is likely there would be an easing of import control and petrol rationing, no one would be more delighted than I, but we are facing a graver situation than ever in the past.” . Referring to raw materials and shipping difficulties, he said there were difficulties even in obtaining fulfilment of orders placed. “The situation is so grave that even some of the reduced number of ships available have to come out in ballast.” SUPPLIES FROM U.S.A.

(Recd. March 29, 9.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, ,March 28. English authorities, it was learned to-day, have placed dairy and meat products at the top of the list of agricultural commodities wanted under the British Air measure. Secretary Wickard testified to this at closed hearings of the Senate Appropriations Sub-committee that approved a record-breaking annual Farm Bill. . , 4 • A Cabinet member said the first inquiries from England, after the passage of the British Air legislation were for cheese, evaporated milk, dried milk, eggs, pork, lard and vegetable fats. There was a possibility that there might be a call for American tobacco, because British supplies were now low. CHEESE RATIONED. RUGBY, March 27. Rationing of cheese at the rate of one ounce a head each week begins in Britain on May 5. A special ration of eight ounces will be provided for miners working underground and for agricultural workers.