N.Z. AID TO BRITAIN “HIDEOUS FARCE”-COULD DO MUCH MORE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22623, 28 April 1948, Page 6

N.Z. AID TO BRITAIN “HIDEOUS FARCE”-COULD DO MUCH MORE

DUNEDIN PROTEST

(P.A.) DUNEDIN, April 27. Criticism of what was described as the “minor” effort of the Aid-for-Britain scheme was expressed by Mr. R. C. Burgess, chairman of the Dunedin committee, at a meeting held last night. Mr. Burgess pointed out that only about 30 butter coupons had been collected in Wellington last month, although over 20 groups were working in the district, while Otago’s effort was not much better.

So far the committee had not given a lead to the people of Dunedin and Otago, which it should have done. “I am - not prepared to go on with this hideous farce any longer," said Mr. Burgess. “If New Zealand genuinely wants to help Britain, it can only be done by eating and wasting less, snd by producing more.” he said. “Only by planned production can we produce more goods for export to Britain, and it could be done without lengthening the hours of work if everyone put their shoulders to tire wheel," said Mr. W. R. Clarke. •‘Mushroom industries should be cut down. but in the process someone would be sure to have tiieir toes trodden on. “Imports from Britain are at present far too great. The goods should be sent to hard currency areas." No one wanted a 48-hour week, nut if the large sections of the community producing non-essential goods were “given the axe," this would not Oe necessary. At Mr. Clarke's suggestion the meeting adjourned for three weeks.