VEGETABLE SHORTAGE

Grey River Argus, 8 October 1942, Page 1

VEGETABLE SHORTAGE

N.Z. ARMED FORCES BEING PROVIDED FOR WELLINGTON, October 7. “Some considerable time ago, the Government fully considered the possibditv of a shortage of vegetables for the civilian population and armed forces.” said Air Barclay. “After a survey of the position, it was decided to take immediate action to ensure the armed forces would be certain of securing their supplies during the coming season. For this reason. I secured the approval of the War Cabinet, in May last, for the Department of Agriculture to underlake an extensive growing programme and I am pleased to be able to report this plan -is developing successfully and will be coming to fruition toward the end of the present year.” The Minister said that though the l>enartment’s programme was designed to protect the needs of the armed forces, he recognised the necessity of maintaining supplies for civilian population, and the production of specific types of vegetables required for canning, and he- had thus welcomed last week’s deputation ■ from the Dominion Council of Commercial Gardeners. Mr Barclay said lie was satisfied that individual producers throughout the country were facing up to’ the position and doing everything possible to ensure., maximum production. Eight points stressed by the growers’ executive were in the main concerned with manpower, and while it might not be possible to establish a reservoir of full-time competent labour, growers could be assured that every assistance would be given by the organisation of women, secondary school pupils and male labour outside the armed forces. At. the same time, however, the approach to obtaining such'labour must .be made by the use of appropriate machinery which was already established for the purpose.