FEEDING EUROPE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 21 July 1944, Page 3

FEEDING EUROPE

POST-WAR PROBLEM ADDRESS TO "NELSON ROTARY CLUB Some of the problems facing the nations of Europe in providing adequate food for their populations in the years following the war were discussed by Mr T. C. Brash, of Wellington, in a talk given at the Nelson Rotary Club's luncheon yesterday. Citing .instances of distress in the countries of Europe and Asia to-day due to the starvation diet on which the people were forced to exist, the speaker said that the starving areas of the world were the breeding places of all the diseases of the body and spirit. It was realised by the united nations that to provide for all war-stricken countries the food, health facilities and public utilities necessary for their rehabilitation. was one only a matter of ethics but was also of the greatest military and strategic importance. As a food surplus country. New Zealand would have to play its part in the plans for the distribution of the world's foodstuffs, said Mr Brash. Care of the land was one of the factors which would have to receive serious consideration. In New Zealand at present there were great areas of deteriorated land, which, in his opinion, would of necessity have to go back into forest In the first year after the last war, said the speaker. 27.000.000 tons of food went into Europe. It had been estimated that after this war £600.000.000 would be required to feed Europe for the first two years. This would require a levy on all the united nations of t per cent, of their national incomes. New Zealand's share under this levy scheme would approximate £2.500.000. On behalf of the club, Rotarian H. E. Stephens moved a vote of thanks to the speaker This was carried with acclamation. President Rotarian R. W. Martin presided at the luncheon and L.A.C. J. H. Ingram. R.N.Z.A.F., was a visitor.