The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Tuesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 1945 THE WORLD FOOD SHORTAGE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 77, 1 June 1945, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Tuesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 1945 THE WORLD FOOD SHORTAGE

ONE of the most informative of statements to be published within the last week is that issued by the acting-Prime Minister following receipt of reports from the conference of United Kingdom, United States and Canadian Government representatives on the problems of world food supplies and distribution. This combined conference had thoroughly surveyed the food position throughout the world and its conclusions, vital and grave, affect every man, woman and child in every country. Most affected, of course, are those who have suffered and are suffering from slow starvation: the people, particularly in the industrial areas, of countries occupied by the enemy. "In Amsterdam and Rotterdam."' the conference reports, "conditions are almost indescribable, with large populations existing on one meal daily, mainly composed of sugar beet, and obtained at soup kitchens. These people are getting no more than 450 to 500 calories daily, which means slow death." Similar conditions obtain in other countries and generally over the whole of liberated Europe consumption levels are far below 2000 calories daily, normally regarded as the minimum. The position is aggravated by several causes. Military requirements for food have been growing as Allied armies exp'and and there are millions of prisoners requiring subsistence who but a short while ago were the responsibility of enemy governments. In addition the Allies must strive to make up deficiencies in countries stripped by the occupa.tion armies of the enemy and it is> plain that the food production of Europe for some time will be far below that of pre-war years. adds that in face of these increased and essential requirements the world output, due to further withdrawal of manpower from farms to the armed forces, lack of fertilisers, and natural causes such as droughts, is lower this year than last, particularly in meats and fats. The United Nations, therefore, are faced this year not only with larger requirements for food, but with supplies which will be. less than in 1944. It is almost impossible for New Zealanders, removed from the visible effects of progressive starvation, to conceive. the magnitude and the urgency of the task facing the United Nations —a task in which this country must play a leading part. But if readers remember that Britain has suffered a ration of two ounces of butter since the war began, with a proportionate rationing of other foodstuffs? and realise that, even under these restrictions, the people of Britain have enjoyed immeasurably better food (in calorie content) than so many millions in devastated Europe, and then recall the irritation felt by some on the imposition of own generous ration scale —in butter, at least, four times that of Britain—there will be some appreciation of the problem facing the United Nations in their attempt to succour the hungry countries of the world. As an aid to the benefit of all peoples increased rationing, as well as increased production, is demanded of New Zealand.