SCARCITY OF FOOD

Waikato Times, Volume 193, Issue 22198, 18 November 1943, Page 5

SCARCITY OF FOOD

CONDITIONS IN AUSTRALIA SYDNEY, Nov. 17 The effect of war demands is being felt still further on the Australian food front. Foods likely to be in scant supply even before the end of this year include meat (particularly pork and poultry), eggs, dried fruits, jams, 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 Lo 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 statistical analyses of Australia’s food production and the demands upon it. A special survey of 40,000 vegetable farms shows that next season’s production, due to shortages of labour and material will be below the official target by 56,000 acres—representing about one-quarter of Australia’s vegetable output in any prewar year. N

Additional rationing in the new year has been forecast by the chairman of the Rationing Commission, Mr A. W. Colts. It has not been disclosed what commodities will be affected, but it has been stated officially that meat rationing to begin in January will be only p. part of the restrictions to be imposed. Other food items may be included.