FOOD FOR BRITAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23714, 22 July 1940, Page 9

FOOD FOR BRITAIN

CHEESE ANI) PIG MEAT DOMINION'S OBLIGATION LOCAL RATIONING URGED The immediate rationing of cheese and pig meat in New Zealand as a practical war measure is suggested by a Waikato farmer. "We have been asked by the Motherland," he writes, "to increase our export of cheese by at least 15,000 tons and our export of pig meat by at least 10,000 tons. .1 would like to emphasise the words 'at least,' seeing that in the campaign to increase the production of these commodities the quantities mentioned are often being referred to as the maximum that Britain can take. Discharge oi Obligation "Even if that were so, 1 still would strongly advocate the immediate reduction of local consumption to ensure that we fulfil our obligation. Farmers everywhere are taking steps to that end and are endeavouring to overcome difficulties relating to shortage ol materials necessary, particularly roofing iron and wire. But it must not be forgotten that the main factor governing the situation is tho weather of the coming season. Should New Zealand, and especially the Waikato. experience a long, dry summer, the expansion aimed at may not bo realised. Already important dairying districts of New South Wales are suffering a severe drought, which is bound to check the Australian effort to supply more dairy produce and pig meat to Britain.

Public Attitude "Thus I urge the Government to impose at once a severe system ot rationing for cheese and pig mpat as a safeguard against the possible effects ol unfavourable weather later. '"I have not the slightest doubt," he adds, "that the people of New Zealand would gladly cut out roast pork, bacon and cheese from their dietary as a means of aiding Britain, and farmers would cheerfully take the risk of being left with an embarrassing surplus should a shortage of shipping space be experienced. "But it would be highly improbable that, with dairy supplies being no longer obtainable from Holland. Denmark and the Baltic, Britain will not he able to lift every available ton from New Zealand. Cold Storage Not Necessary "And in the matter of cheese and pig meat after it is cured, it should be remembered that refrigerated space is not necessary for storage. These very important foods can be widely distributed and 110 great quantity can become a bomb hazard." The annual consumption of cheese in New Zealand is from IOO.OOOcwt. to 120.000cwt., or 71b. to 91b. a head. That of pork is about IOO.OOOcwt.. and of bacon about 165.00Ck*wt. "It need hardly be emphasised." adds the Waikato farmer, "that the range of alternative foods in the Dominion is so great that the giving up of cheese and pig meat could hardly be called personal sacrifice. I like bacon for breakfast. but to help Old England I am ready to forgo it indefinitely, and. like hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders. would feel I was rendering a personal service to the cause. Further, official action on these lines would be a useful gesture of Empire unity."