BRITAIN’S FOOD SUPPLY

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9632, 12 April 1917, Page 2

BRITAIN’S FOOD SUPPLY

NEW POWERS FQB LOCAL AUTHORITIES. In view of the fact that the occupied land offered to local authorities to meet tho demand for allotments has proved insufficient, the British Board of Agriculture has given notice that local authorities may now take land compulsorily which, in their opinion, is not being usefully employed for tho purpose of maintaining the food supply of the country, subject in the case of boroughs other than county boroughs and of urban districts to the sanction of the War Agricultural Executive Committee of the county. The L.C.C. and Municipal Borough Councils and Urban District Authorities may exercise in their respective areas the powers conferred by the Order in regard to any land which can conveniently bo cultivated by residents. This does not apply to gardens of pleasure grounds adjoining dwelling houses, or to common lands, except with the consent of tho board. In tho case of occupied land a council may pay rent for its use, but not in excess of that paid by the occupier. A council is also empowered to buy seed, fertilisers, or implements for the cultivation of the land, and sell them to the allotment holders. Land must not bo used tor tho growing of vegetable crops which continue productive for more than one year, or for grazing purposes. This Order applies only to England and Wales.

Mr Prothero points out that the powers should be exercised with tho greatest care, the object being to provide land for growing increased crops. Land should not be interfered with which is already being fully cultivated, or meadow or pasture land of good quality, the breaking up of which would involve high exnencliture on restoration at the end of tho occupation. Further, in view of the urgent need for milk, no land should be taken which is being used for the grazing of cows or which is otherwise required for dairy purposes.