WINTER STRESS

Northern Advocate, 16 April 1932, Page 9

WINTER STRESS

- FOOD FOR THE NEEDY. PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS. (From Our Parliamentary Special. 1 WELLINGTON, Friday. Several suggestions for the organisation of food supxdies for the unemployed during the winter were advanced in’the House yesterday, and were favourably received by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, Alinister in Charge of Unemployment. Air W. J. Poison (Independent, Stratford) asked the Alinister whether he would consider a. plan whereby farmers’ unions in various parts of the Dominion, willing to outer into an arrangement with the Government, could deliver for purchase at the various abattoirs good-quality cow beef at prices to be agreed upon, .and which would be less Ilian the market price?

Mr Poison considered that such a scheme Avouhl reduce the living costs of the unemployed, to whom tin; meat, could be distributed upon production of an order. At the same lime, farmers would be able to obtain some values, however low, for their surplus stocks.

r fhe Minister replied that he would be very pleased to go into the question and into any other plans tin* farmers’ union might care to submit. The Unemployment Board had already purchased 1200 head of cattle, but that would not be sufficient to meet requirements. Mr G. C. Black (Independent, Motucka), pointing out that the fruit crop in his district Avas greater than market requirements, asked if the Minister Avonld arrange for the board to take over the surplus fruit for the benefit of the unemployed

Mr Coates said the board Avas already in touch Avith the Fruit Board Avith a view to seeing what could be done in the direction indicated.