DEHYDRATION OF VEGETABLES

Southland Times, Issue 25763, 29 August 1945, Page 4

DEHYDRATION OF VEGETABLES

RUMOUR THAT WORKS CEASE OPERATING

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, August 28. A rumour was widely circulated this morning to the effect that the big dej hydration works at Pukekohe would cease operating as from today because of the cancellation of contracts with the United States Purchasing Board. While no contracts have been cancelled and [the works are proceeding normally, it lis known that the whole position conIceming the supply of foodstuffs to the I Americans, also Lease-Lend and reverse Lend-Lease, are under discussion between the Government and the American authorities.

Any sudden cancellation of growers’ contracts would be a national disaster, said one authority. The existing contracts between the Government and the commercial vegetable growers provide for planting for the 1946 season, but if the contracts are cancelled before that period the Government will compensate growers for vegetables actually planted. It is estimated that between 30,000 and 50,000 tons of vegetables throughout New Zealand would have to be destroyed if the contracts were suddenly terminated, and many small growers would probably face bankruptcy. ( “No one can say what will happen. It is the subject* of negotiation, but the Government will stand by its contracts with the growers, said Mr A. H. Honeyfield, Auckland manager of the Internal Marketing Division, this morning. Mr Honeyfield added that if dehydration ceased the Government would probably use the staff at the works for the extension of canning and quickfreeze operations already proceeding there.