BRITAIN.

Timaru Herald, Volume CV, Issue 16082, 2 October 1916, Page 7

BRITAIN.

ItEPOUT ON FOOD SUPPLY.

■MORJS SHIPS NEEDED. PARTIAL MEAT PAST RECQMENDED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) LONDON, Sept. 29. An interim report of tho Board of Trades Committee on increased prices of commodities recommends tho need for hastening the construction of mercantile shipping, as far as is compatible with naval needs, and the provision of sufficient men for docks and railways to prevent a renewal of congestion. There should bo a larger • restriction on imports of less necessary commodities. J.he Government's policy of largo scale purchases of meat had proved a success. Tho Government should devolop as far as possible the sources of suppiy whence they can. make direct purchases. The committco urge that all not engaged in severe manual labour who at piesent eat meat daily should abstain ono day a week, believing that a largo number arc only wanting clear authoritative guidance to press this self-denial a- a public duty. Local authorities should be empowered to open municipal shops for milky meat, bacon, and othor necessary foodstuffs, where there is reason to believe that any group of retailers are using the present abnormal situation to obtain excessivo profits.

FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS. Received 5.5 p.m., Oct. ist. ~ LONDON, Sept. 30. The newspapers are giving prominence to the Food Committee's report, and urge immediate Government action. Tho report shows that prices have increased 65 per cent, since the war began.. It urges employers and public bodies to substantially increase vages in tho lower paid grades; recommends local authorities to establish maternity centres, baby clinics and child nurseries, and to supply dinners to expectant nursing mothers; and to provide milk- for children under five. A majority of the 'members favour State control of 'supplies and prices of home grown primary food stuffs.

SHOE LEATHER COMMANDEERED The Army Council has commandeered solo and upper leather and allows 5 per { cent', on tho purchase money.