FAT FOR BRITAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26916, 30 October 1948, Page 6

FAT FOR BRITAIN

STATEMENT IN HOUSE

“ GRAVE INJUSTICE ” CLAIMED BY MR BODKIN

Stating that he had posted a copy of Hansard’s complete record of his speech in the House on the industries and commerce estimates, Mr Bodkin, member for Central Otago, sent a telegram to Mr Philip Barfing yesterday claiming that a grave injustice had been done to' him in 'the statement published by Mr Barling in the Daily Times lalt Monday.

Mr Bodkin added that he hoped Mr Barling would correct the matter, and that the correction would “ receive the same" publicity as the statement reflecting ” on Mr Bodkin. On receiving this telegram, Mr Barling sent the member for Central Otago a further telegram, stating: "I have considered press reference of your speech, from which one can readily assume .that farmers’ wives of Otago contribute fat to this scheme because the price set by the Government is too low. Few if anv would have sold fat during the past year because of the existing facilities for fending direct'to those of our kin in desperate need. Waste of fat in New Zealand, deplored in your criticism, though surely less than thousands of tons, doubtless results only from want of the right approach. There never was a greater opportunity to create goodwill in homes and institutions in Britain than by supplying free fat, Britain’s greatest need, at this critical time. Regret any misunderstanding. The welfare of the campaign takes precedence, though I desire to see harmony and to avoid misunderstanding, especially when, as alleged, you wish to pay a compliment to the work done in your constituency.” Mr Barling told the Daily Times that his first thought was for the people of Britain, who had shown in recent letters how much they appreciated gifts of fat. He said that Mrs Keeley, of Ashburton, had received a letter from Britain expressing the appreciation of 31 people who had received Boz of fat each from one of her tins. Mrs A. Carruthers, of Ngapuna, had also received a large batch of letters. Mr Barling added that butchers in the country were also assisting his scheme. As much as possible was being done in the south to see that fat was not being wasted.