HEARTENING AID

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22514, 18 December 1947, Page 6

HEARTENING AID

FOOD FOR BRITAIN INCREASED OUTPUT MARKETING OF POTATOES (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Dec. 18. “The achievements of the first few months of the aid-for-Britain campaign give every reason for encouragement, but the task is still only in the initial stages,” said Mr. F- P. Walsh chairman of the Aid-for-Britain National Council, which has held its final meeting of the year. “Great Britain continues to face immense difficulties in effecting her economic recovery,” said Mr. Walsh. “By a tremendous national effort her exports have been increased oyer the past few months, but the food situation has grown more desperdate.”

In New Zealand, he continued, there had been an encouraging response for greater production, but he stressed the need for continued effort and cooperation. “Almost all the recommendations of the national conference held in August have now been dealt with,” said Mr. Walsh, “and recommendations have been made to the Government on many important points. There is evidence that there has been a wholehearted response to the appeal for increased primary production, which coupled with a favourable season will mean a substantial increase of vital foodstuffs for Britain.

“There has been a good response to the appeal to growers to plant more potatoes this season, and all seed available for commercial planting has now been used. The results are particularly good in the Gisborne district, and the council is now concerned to ensure efficient marketing of the increased supplies. “Potatoes are important to the campaign because their use economises on bread and, consequently, represents a saving in wheat.”

A disheartening feature of crop increases so far as Gisborne growers were concerned was covered briefly today by a Gisborne merchant. He said that recently a consignment of potatoes was sent to Wellington. The consignor received back a debit note to cover the handling charges. Because there was no market for the potatoes the merchant said, they were "dumped”.

(See Also “Digging Stopped” Page 8)