HOARDING URGED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 22 May 1941, Page 5

HOARDING URGED

ESSENTIAL FOODSTUFFS SCHEME IN AUSTRALIA FIRMS AND INDIVIDUALS Sydney, May 17. The Federal Government has decided to encourage food hoarding in private homes, although it does not propose to sponso" individuals in the building up of supplies of emergency rations. It will, however, assist small storekeepers to lay in stock equivalent to a three months’ supply of essential foods. Making this announcement this week, the Minister for Customs, Sir Earle Page, said that country residents could assist the Government’s “iron ration” scheme by laying in heavy stores of foodstuffs that would keep indefinitely. The plan is part of a vast Commonwealth scheme to protect the public against the effects of a blockade of Australian waters or an invasion which might cause disruption of the normal methods of food distribution. It is also designed as protection against the aftermath of possible bombing of areas where food warehouses are grouped closely together. PROVISION FOR EMERGENCY Sir Earl-' Page said: “It is important, to have food in the isolated areas in an j emergency. The less strain upon trans- j port at such a time the better. The j Government, with the assistance of the ! States, is enabling retailers to build up 1 a three months’ supply of essential commodities. In the cities, the difficulties of food distribution are not so great. Nevertheless hoarding by the individual is certainly desirable.” Wholesale firms have made a great response to the Government’s appeal for co-operation in its plan for stores in the cities, suburbs and country towns. Every food and grocery wholesale firm in Sydney has registered under the scheme and is preparing a list of approved country and suburban customers who are to carry the goods. LIST OF “IRON RATIONS” The list of "iron rations” for which assistance in purchasing will be given is. Baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, biscuits, bread improver, candles, con- i densed and powdered milk, cream of tartar, flour. honey, infants’ and invalids’ foods, jam, lighting kerosene, matches, salt, self-raising flour, soap, tinned and dried fruits, oatmeal, pearl barley, rice and split peas. Separate arrangements are being made to hold three months’ supply of tea and sugar in certain selected areas. For storekeepers not in a financial position to lay in an extra three months’ stores, arrangements have been made whereby the wholesale firm supplying them will accept promissory notes, maturing three months from date of invoice. These promissory notes will be renewed from time to time. The promissory notes will be guaranteed by the Federal Government. Storekeepers will be required to keep special accounts of all goods from the emergency stock, and send them for monthly inspection.