The Grey River Argus SATURDAY, March 27, 1943. THE FOOD FRONT

Grey River Argus, 27 March 1943, Page 4

The Grey River Argus SATURDAY, March 27, 1943. THE FOOD FRONT

Throughout the billigcrent territories of the world the effect increasingly becomes evident of the diversion of manpower from normal production to war making. In New Zealand it has been contended that such diversion . has been excessive, but the Dominion compares more than favourably with any other Allied country in the matter of its food supply. This may be largely due to the comparative parrcity of population as to natural resources, and in any case it is acknowledged that primary production in the Dominion has been rather too short of labour. But it cannot be said that, except for imported foodstuffs, the public has felt the pinch very much. One reason is that the Government has been early in the field with the regulation of supply. Its foresight as to the possibility of any slackening in supply is indicated by the latest arrangements for the liberation of men from the forces. Although Japan may yet aim to cut the supply lines of this country and Australia, she does not appear io be any nearer that object, and it must be assumed that other Allied countries will still look to New Zealand foodstuffs, especially as their own supplies may diminish. Both in the United i States and in Australia, food rationing is now to be extended, very considerably. The loss of shipping lias greatly , handicapped the transport of food as well as war material, but this docs not alone account for the shortages reported in Australia, America land elsewhere. The Americans I have not to feed the majority of I their Pacific forces, this being largely the duty of this country land Australia, where it is pointed j out that one cause of fcod shortage is the impact of Japan’s attack, fiteaning that large supplies must go to the fighting forces not only’ throughout the Commonwealth itself, but throughout the island areas to the north. In additional regular shipments for

■Britain are required. We likei wise must he prepared to mainU.in maximum shipments as opportunity offers, and consequently the situation on our home front will probably grow more stringent. The wide range of foodstuff's which are listed in Australia for rationing is an example of a situation more difficult than, our own, but cue to which our’s must tend to approximate. The reason for this assumption is that there is every indication that war. in the Pacific will outlast war anywhere else. It appears to ' be the belief of the Allied leaders j that once the Axis is accounted for in Europe, there will be op- | portunity for a breathing space before the coup de grace need be i administered to Japan. That does not mean, however, that the demand for food will lessen. Rather it must expand enormously when there is opportunity to supply the millions in Europe now starving under the enemy’s occupation. Undoubtedly New Zealand’s role is equally as important on the economic front as it is upon the military front, and so long as those emphasising this arc singleminded in their object they may count upon every consideration. Once the shipping situation undergoes an improvement there will be an immense demand for New Zealand produce, and againsi that inevitable demand reserves

will be advisable. Thus a policy cf self-help is not less urgent tor New Zealanders than for Australians in 1 making the best of what is obtainable. There is now room for extensive economy of a voluntary kind so as to be ready should such economy later become coippulsory. We have th’e example of other countries in making it compulsory, and should profit by the lesson.