SOVIET’S PROBLEM

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20929, 7 January 1938, Page 14

SOVIET’S PROBLEM

FOOD FOR THE PEOPLE '•RABBIT TO THE RESCUE” LONDON. December 31. “Rabbit to the rescue” is the Soviet's slogan in a nation-wide campaign against a food shortage. Frantic efforts have been made to recent years to build up a reserve of meat supplies. A kangaroo farm has been established in South Russia and emus have been imported in the hope that they will eventually run wild over the steppes. With the advent of the five-year plan, the Government organised three advanced lines on the meat front —first, the hen, second the rabbit. third the pig.

The idea was to supply the masses with quick-maturing meat, including eggs, while the depleted main army of sheep and cattle was increased. The first line broke down, throwing an excessive strain on the rabbit. Then, in spite of the calculations that the progeny of a wellmatched pair should reach 1.500.000 within four years, pedigree doe rabbits were farmed out to peasants who. instead of feeding the voracious bunnies throughout the long winter, ate them.

Their explanation was that the bunnies died. Naturally, the Red Parliament held a special session and decided that the rabbit must hold the fort at all costs. Trials were staged to punish the farmers, the most Impressive being against officials charged with causing the deaths of 500 rabbits.

Then came the famous command “Eyes to the swine,” decreeing that the pig take precedence in the Soviet Union immediately behind the Council of the People’s Commissars.

On November 29. 1933. 1000 fat pigs in a train decked with bunting and garlands steamed into Moscow, preceded by brass bands playing lustily in a special truck. They were met by high officials.