SHORTAGE OF FOODS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25386, 18 November 1943, Page 5

SHORTAGE OF FOODS

AUSTRALIAN HOME FRONT

FURTHER RATIONING FORECAST (N.Z.P.A. Special Aust. Correspondent) SYDNEY, Nov. 17. The increasing feffect of war demands is being felt on the Australian food front. Foods likely to be in scant supply even before the end of this year include meat, particularly pork, poultry, eggs, dried fruits, jams, preserves, and some vegetables. Milk supplies are expected to be restricted in the new year. A possible wheat shortage in New South Wales may lead to the introduction of a standardised loaf in this State. Warnings of these impending food scarcities have been given by a Commonwealth agricultural authority, whose contentions are largely supported by a statistical analysis of Australia’s food production and the demands upon it. A special survey of 40,000 vegetable farms reveals that next season’s production, due to labour and material shortages, will be below the official target by 56,000 acres—representing about one-quarter of Australia’s vegetable output in any pre-war year. Additional rationing in the new year has been forecast by the chairman of the Rationing Commission, Mr A. W. Coles. It has not been disclosed what commodities will be affected, but it has been stated officially that meat rationing, to begin in January, will be only part of the restrictions to be imposed. Other food items may be included.