HANOVER'S OUTLOOK BAD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11955, 14 March 1917, Page 4

HANOVER'S OUTLOOK BAD.

TRADES AT A STANDSTILL.

In the " Algemeen Handelsblad" (Amsterdam) an interview is published with a Hanoverian farmer, in which he said that the outlook for the winter was very bad in hjs country. " Not only the food rations were very limited, but another drawback for the country people is that they have no gas or electricity at their disposal for lighting purposes, whilst petroleum and candles are also lacking. Owing to the scarcity of fodder, the stock of cattle has been diminished by 50 per cent or more (this is an exaggeration, as in Hanover tho number of cattle has bee/' fairly maintained). '• iho fattening of pigs continues to decline rapidly. There are practically no fowls left," partly owing to the shortage of fodder, and large numbers have been killed in order to meet to some extent the shortage of meat and fat. The results of home slaughtering are very poor, as most poor people have no ch'ance to feed a pig for sis weeks owing to the lack of fodder. " The condition of shopkeepers is also very unfavourable, and many shops which used to bo in a flourishing state have now nothing to do. The number of empty houses is very largo in 'the towns arid larger villages. Some trades have come entirely to a standstill, as, for exixniplo. the textile industries and bootmakijig.' The making of clogs, however, is larger than ever. Innkeepers in the country districts might just as ■well close their businesses, as beer and brandy are no longer obtainable. Certain kinds of beer are still to be sold, but thev are of a very bad quality, and do not deserve tho name of beer. The outlook with regard to clothes is also very bad. There is only one prevailing wish —a speedy and an honourable peace."