STAPLE ITEMS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20034, 5 September 1939, Page 9

STAPLE ITEMS

N.Z.’S STRONG POSITION AVOIDANCE OF WASTE IMPORTED COMMODITIES CO - OPERATION URG ED (Psr Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. “New Zealand is in as strong a position as any country of the Empire with, stocks of essential foodstuffs, but care will be necessary in avoiding waste where possible of imported foodstuffs." said the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan yesterday. The Minister instanced care in the use of tea as an avenue for avoiding waste. “There is not., the slightest apprehension over' the adequacy of available stocks in the Dominion of ,liho principal foodstuffs,” said the Minister. “Indeed, probably no country in the British Empire is in a better position in this respect than New Zealand being, as it is, in a position to produce the essentials of life, such as meat, butter, cheese, milk products, fruit and vegetables. “There are, however, certain imported foodstuffs which may require to be conserved, although the majority of these lines are by no means of an essential character, but rather of the nature for which a substantial ppblic taste has been created." Power of Controller

Mr. Sullivan mentioned ithat .in using certain foodstuffs waste should oe avoided where possible, and it was wastage which he was anxious ,o avoid at present. . “Thus,” said the Minister,” I am anxious to enlist the co-operation of the public in conserving supplies of imported foodstuffs by reducing their purchases to a minimum. The .food controller has been entrusted with the responsibility of seeing that the available supplies are equitably and carefully distributed, ensuring that as even distribution as possible will be made should the position warrant further action being taken to conserve our existing stocks. “It, indeed, has been gratifying to me as Minister of Supply and to the .ontrolier to receive numerous offers .o assist the Government in every way in carrying out the onerous task ... lias undertaken. The desire of veryone to co-operate has been so freely expressed since the tragic announcement was made yesterday morning that I am convinced that if reason and* common sense are exercised, only a modicum of restriction, if any, will be necessary.”