EMPIRE SUPPLIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23829, 3 December 1940, Page 8

EMPIRE SUPPLIES

DELHI CONFERENCE IMPORTANCE TO INDIA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless LON DON, Dec. 1 The Secretary of State for India, Mr. L. S. Amery. spoke of the Delhi Conference, which he described as being a significant example of both the character and resources of the British Commonwealth. The work of the conference led to a realisation nf the possibilities of co-operation and distribution which would add, at an extent hitherto undreamt of, to the munitions output of the countries which met at Delhi. Recalling Mr. Churchill's words. Mr. Amery said the conference, indeed, called into being a new world of armed strength to redress the balance of the old. Of its effect on the future. Mr. Aineiy said it was of special significance for India. Although the internal and constitutional development of India harl not yet attained that full, measure of selfgovernment which was the goal of the British Government, that attainment depended more upon an agreement between the Indian States as to the right nature of the constitution than upon the British Government. The Delhi Conference had been laying for India the foundations of increased industrial and defensive power, which was an essential condition in the world ol to-day for true self-government. '•'ln spite of artificial political agitations and party manoeuvres," Mr. Amery added, "India is, I believe, in fact steadily advancing toward that full, equal partnership in the British Commonwealth which we are pledged to help her to attain."

BRITISH FOOD SUPPLIES GROWING STRINGENCY NEED OF STRICT RATIONING LONDON, Nov. SO Everyone realises that a growing stringency in the food position is inevitable, but nevertheless evidence of bungling in some quarters is causing disquiet. Parliament and press have been demanding greater rationing and a drastic reduction in consumption. There is no hope of relief from tinned milk, every ounce of which is going to the Navy and the armed forces in the Near East. The fish position is also causing dissatisfaction. In spite of assurances that there are a million tons of fish in cold storage to meet the winter shortage caused by the accentuated sea war plaice was auctioned this week at £l9 a 10-stone box. or five times the peace-time value. Large hake were sold at 30s each. Eggs will be luxuries while the war lasts, because poultry feed is heavily rationed. Beef will be available only as an occasional luxury, since the bulk of the supply goes to the fighting services, but Australia and New Zealand are at present delivering plenty of mutton and lamb. Pork is almost unobtainable, because breeders are exhorted to fatten all their pigs for bacon. Cheese, another valuable wartime body-builder, would have long since been only a memory for many but for Canadian and New Zealand imports, although it is a general lament that a mature loaf of cheese is now a rarity. Fruit is a diminishing standby.