DEHYDRATED VEGETABLES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 30 August 1945, Page 5

DEHYDRATED VEGETABLES

PUKEKOHE WORKS TO STAY OPEN (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) Wellington, This Day. “There is no truth in the rumour that the dehydration works at Pukekohe are closing down,” sard the Minister of Marketing, Mr Roberts, today. “The position is that since the sudden surrender of the Jaoanese the whole question of the future supply of vegetables by New Zealand to the United States Joint Purchasing Board has been receiving consideration by t.h e New Zealand and United States Governments and the basis of future supply has not yet been finally determined. “Although the surrender terms with Japan are likely to be signed at an early date it is expected that New Zealand will be asked to continue to supply food for the Fleet and for the armed forces in and around the South Pacific area for some time yet. There is some uncertainty regarding the quantities and condition of the supply of these foodstuffs, but it is expected that these uncertainties will be resolved within the near future. “In the meantime there is no need for alarm by those growers who have contracted to grow vegetables, as the Government will honour the terms of the contract. However, it would be most helpful at this stage if growers would exercise caution as to future plantings or commitments until the position is clarified. The sudden end of the war will mean a reduction in the quantities previously intended for the coming season and how soon that reduction will operate is at present unknown. I anticipate being able to make a more definite statement shortly The dehydration factory at Riccarton which has been closed temporarily owing to lackof supplies will be re-opening on September 10.”