ON THE DOWN GRADE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 275, 20 November 1943, Page 4

ON THE DOWN GRADE

N.Z. FOOD PRODUCTION FARMERS’ UNION EXPRESSES CONCERN (P.A.) Wellington, Nov. 19. The Dominion executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union directs public attention to a recent statement by Lord Woolton, Food Controller in Britain, when he said that indications clearly pointed to a general world shortage of foodstuffs within a measurable period of time. The executive considers it is its duty publicly to state that the production of foodstuffs in New Zealand is on tne down grade. Reasons are partly climatic, partly material, and partly psychological. Nothing could be done of the first point, which was the smallest factor.

The second point covered a shortage of fertiliser and a shortage of other farm requirements and adequate efficient and permanent labour shortage. These things had intensifying effects on unfavourable climatic conditions in the past 12 or 16 months. Regarding the third point, the farming community appeared to be suffering from a feeling of frustration. They and their womenfolk had put the maximum into their contribution to the war effort, but these efforts were nullified by inefficient administration, by vacillation, and by inability to appreciate the essential requirements of food production. In dairy farming the call for manpower for the fighting services had resulted in women being largely responsible for carrying on the industry. In many cases these women were subjected to the double strain of maintaining homes and carrying on farm work, and some were breaking down.