SHORTAGE OF FOOD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 274, 19 November 1943, Page 5

SHORTAGE OF FOOD

GROWING IN AUSTRALIA (Special Australian Correspondent—N Z.P.A.) Recd. 7 p.m. Sydney, Nov. 17. 'ihe effect of war demands is being increasingly felt on the Australian food front. Foods which are likely to be in scant supply even before the end of this year include meat (particularly pork and poultry), eggs, dried fruits, jams and preserves, and some vegetables. Milk supplies are expected to be restricted in the New Year. A possible wheat shortage in New South Wales may lead, to the introduction of a standardised loaf in this State.

Warnings of these pending food scarcities have been given by a Commonwealth agricultural authority, whose contentions are largely supported by a statistical analysis of Australia’s food production and the demands upon it. A special survey of 40,000 vegetable farms reevals that next season’s production, due to shortness of labour and material, will be below the official target by 50,000 acres—representing about one-quarter of Australia’s vegetable output in any pre-war year.

Additional rationing in the New Year has been forecast by the chairman of the Rationing Commission, Mr. Coles. It has not been disclosed what commodities will be affected, but it has been stated officially that meat, rationing, which is to begin in January, will be only part of the restrictions to be imposed, Other food items may be included.