The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES” GISBORNE, SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1945. BRITAIN’S MEAT CRISIS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21671, 24 March 1945, Page 4

The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES” GISBORNE, SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 1945. BRITAIN’S MEAT CRISIS

During the war the people of Great Britain have risen to magnificent, heights of courage and endurance. Under an eflkiently organised food system they have made the most of the meagre rations offering and have found themselves sufficiently well fortified from the point of view of nutrition to withstand successfully the strain of being a vital front-line base for the greatest military operations of all time. It is evident, 'however, that the margin of safety in health lias been cut very fine. All the world must wonder how such mighty feats have been performed on a monotonous diet in which meat figured to the amount of only 14d worth a week for each person. In the circumstances it is disturbing to learn of continued apprehension lest this pathetically small allowance should have to be reduced.

Britain has suffered enough, and especially at this stage of the conflict in Europe when victory is in sight and the danger of a reaction from warweariness may threaten it is imperative that every effort should be made to keep the Home Country’s larder well supplied. Fortunately the Dominions are not unmindful of their obligations. Canada expects to increase her beef commitment to Britain, Australia is discussing an immediate cut; of 20 per cent in her meat ration and New Zealand has been advised by Government authorities-that further rationing may have to be introduced here not only to lieLp Britain but also to make a contribution to the extra supplies needed to feed people in the liberated countries. It is an appeal worthy of a warm and spontaneous response. The Dominions have not been touched by the war to anything like the extent of Britain and they should now be prepared to follow up their man-power aid, in which their servicemen have played a superb part, with proof of further co-operation and goodwill from the civilian populations.