CONDITIONS IN POLAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26199, 9 July 1946, Page 9

CONDITIONS IN POLAND

FOOD CRISIS AVERTED AVERAGE HARVEST PROBABLE “Fears of a crisis in June. July and August were felt here, as food had run out, but they have diverted enough to keep famine away,” said Dr R. G. Hampton, who was formerly secretary to the Minister of National Service. Mr A. McLagan, and is now serving with U.N.R.R.A. in Poland, in a letter to a friend in Otago. He added that they had already started an emergency committee and were getting. in some mobile kitchens, but at the time of writing (June 15) it appeared that these would not be needed. “The crops are looking well to my eyes. They are well up on thfi stalk, and beginning to fill out in the ear,” he continued. “We have just had our first few days of rain this summer, apart from thunderstorms, and that should turn the trick. The harvest will not be more than average, but it will save the Poles and will probably see them through to the next harvest We are keeping our fingers crossed, but there seems good hope now. “The first potatoes are already in the shops, sweet new potatoes, so the rest will not be long filling out. What with new potatoes, a few green peas, cherries, strawberries, etc., we are living on the fat of the land at present.” Some of the prices were high for the average Pole, he added, but the people seemed to manage. By next spring Poland should be on its feet again, so long as nothing else occurred to retard its progress. . • Dr Hampton mentioned the arrival of a shipload of clothes from Australia and New Zealand. All the _ articles were received in good condition, and would be more than welcome in Poland ;i -- -