AUSTRALIA’S SURPLUS FOOD

Southland Times, Issue 24445, 27 May 1941, Page 5

AUSTRALIA’S SURPLUS FOOD

• LONDON, May 25. Although the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr R. G. Menzies, said that he was taking home something of special interest to Australian primary producers, the announcement of the Minister of Commerce, Sir Earle Page, that the United Kingdom intends to buy Australia’s surplus food is regarded here as a reaffirmation of policy rather than a new development. The Ministry of Food is not aware of any new concrete development. There is no confirmation, for instance, of any specific arrangements for increased shipping facilities for Australian products, apart from the fact that the Middle East and Far East theatres of war are requiring increasingly substantial supplies while the United Kingdom is still chiefly interested in meat, butter, cheese and dried fruits. Bradford interests are showing some anxiety lest the arrangement for New Zealand wool to be shipped direct to the United States following similar facilities for Australian wool should have damaging effects after the war. Courtaulds took a team of mannequins to Bradford during the week to display “Rayolanda,” a new artificial fibre fabric which will be an important competitor for wool. “Rayolanda” has a cellulosic basis, but the fabric is soft and of pleasing texture, with a remarkably good dyeing affinity. . Woollen yarns will not be available in future for civilian needs, Senator P. A. M. Mcßride, Minister of Supply, said yesterday in Melbourne. All the yarn produced will be needed to clothe the • troops. This did not mean a shortage of stock of civilian suitings held for 12 months, as stocks held by manufacturers, distributors and retailers would not be interfered with Senator Mcßride said a shortage of civilian supplies of blankets must occur soon, as henceforth every blanket manufactured would be taken by the Defence Department, but present stocks had riot been requisitioned.