BRITISH FOOD SUPPLIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16872, 10 June 1918, Page 6

BRITISH FOOD SUPPLIES.

SITUATION WELL IN HAND.

SAFETY WITHIN REACH.

MAINTENANCE OF EFFORTS. A. Nt NZ. LONDON. Juno 7 - In the House of Commons, Mr. J. R. Clynes, Acting-Minister for Food Control, during the course of a statement on the food situation said that Britain carried heavier burde.is, perhaps, than any ally. She was responsible for her own food, anil was aJso assisting the other nations. The benefits of national trading could now bo seen, and probably we would never bo reduced to shortage or confusion like tint which e.vsted at the end of 1917. The Ministry's aim was to encourage homo production. The control and wholesale distribution of miik had b'-cmo a national necessity. If the existing discipline and self-sacrifice were maintained wo would be able to feel absolutely safe from the menace of starvation.

The whole British fruit crop must he reserved for jam manufacturers, and it was unlikely that any surplus fresh fruit would bo available for the oublic. The Government had purchased the whole 1917 bitter orange crop of Spain and Sicily for marmalade, of which two-fifths of the output would be required for troops. *■ Ihe manufacture of margarine in Britain had increased fourfold compared with pre war rates. We were now entirely independent of foreign imports. Our cold storage capacity had increased from 32,000,000 cubic feet, to 35,000,000, and an additional 5.500.000 had been nearly completed. By the end of tho ye;:r tle cold storage space would be increased by 25 per cent, over the prewar total. Experts predict that the fruit crops of England are likely to be the smallest for 50 years. Traders are renewing their request to be allowed to import Canadian and American apples, and suggest that Australasian growers endeavour to get permission to ship next season.

ANGLO-JAPANESE ALLIANCE LOYALTY TO THE TREATY. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. CK-ecd. 9.10 D.m.) NEW YORK. June 7. The Tokio correspondent of the United Press denies a rumour that Japan is seeking an agreement with Germany after the war. A prominent Japanese stated, " Japan will adhere to the sensible Anglo-Japanese Alliance, and continue to prosecute the war against Germany."

THE HONOUR OF THE DEAD. COMMANDER'S VINDICATION A. and N.Z. LONDON. June 7. Colonel Cripps, commanding the Bucks Hussars in Palestine, in a letter to the honorary colonel of the regiment contradicting the suggestion made at the Billing trirl that Major Rothschild and Captain Neil Primrose were shot because they possessed knowledge of a German black book, asserts that both officers fell under Turkish fire when leading their men with great gallantry. LANDS FOR SOLDIERS. ANNOUNCEMENT PROMISED. A. and N.Z. LONDON. June 7. Mr. Bonar Law, answering questions in the House of Commons, said there was considerable misunderstanding of the land proposals concerning Irish soldiers. Ha promised to make a considered announcement next week. The Government intended to give similar grants of land to English soldiers.

NEW ZEALAND HONOURS. GALLANTRY IN THE FIEID. 1! : ah Commissioner's Cable. LONDON, June 7. The following awards have been made for gallantry in the field:— BAH TO D.C.M. McMurray, R., Sgt., Rifle Brigade. D.C.M. Bradley, A., Cpl., Wellington. BAB TO MILITARY BLED AX.. Methven, W., Sergt., Rifle Brigade, Hammond, S. A., Cpl., Rifle Brigade. MILJTA_EI MEDAL. Buchanan, T. F., CpL, Trench Mortars. TRADE IN THE BLACK SEA. PORTS DECLARED OPEN. A. and N.Z. MOSCOW. June 7. Germany has informed the naval authorities that Constanza,. on the Black Sea, is now open, and offers coal and agricultural implements in exchange for cereals, oil, and provisions.

EX-KING CQMSTANTINE. A. and N.Z. ZURICH, .Tune 8. Ex-King Constantino's condition is again serious.