The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, AUG. 28, 1946 THE FOOD CRISES: HOW LONG ?

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 17, 28 August 1946, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, AUG. 28, 1946 THE FOOD CRISES: HOW LONG ?

THE chairman of President Truman’s Famine Emergency Committee, Mr Herbert Hoover, who has carried out personal investigations in 20 countries, underlines the urgency of the need to come speedily to the aid of the starving nations. The quick-giving which means double-giving is being emphasised with almost every day that passes. But although the claims of immediate need are now generally recognised:—whatever is actually done about it a question of no less interest relates to the probable duration of the food crisis in the world. How long must these claims on behalf of the have-nots be made upon those who have? It is reported that the Agricultural Department in Washington calculates that normal food production cannot be restored in Europe within a period of five years. Cereal production is regarded as the crux of the problem. This view is endorsed by a British commentator in “The New Statesman and Nation” whose balanced arguments assist materially towards an understanding of the situation. He points out that those who are optimistically inclined argue that although currency difficulties may impede distribution there is little season to suppose that —apart from an unforeseen disaster to harvests—there is any prospect of an actual shortage of cereals in the world. From this point of view the following opinion is expressed: There is no reason why the United States, Canada, Australia and the Argentine should not be able to meet the needs of the grain-importing countries, even though European harvests will take some years to regain their pre-war level of productivity. This being so, the long-term need is, not an increase in the world output of cereals, but a better balanced production of foodstuffs. Looked at from another angle, however, this opinion is held to be too sanguine. Counter-argument can be adduced to the effect that since 1939 the population of the world has increased by a figure not much short of 100,000,000, of which India alone is responsible for 40,000,000. The raising of living standards in countries formerly regarded as backward, the disruption of rice-growing industries resulting in greater hardships in the East, and the deficiency in Europe of fertilisers and seeds, are factors which give colour to the contention that for a few years to come those countries that have the means must concentrate upon intensive cereal production. Whatever their leaning, such long-term views serve but to make the urgency of the present need moie clamant. In India it may be now toe late to prevent famine conditions, though they may be mitigated by the provision of transport for distribution; but in Europe much can yet be done by speedy action. Whatever may be said of the wider causes of prolonged difficulties, there is no doubt that by doing the thing that lies nearest to our hands—that is, by avoiding waste and making some sacrifices all of us may help in some measure to shorten the period of the sufferings of those who are in need. When all is said, the duration of the world’s travail will be conditioned by the amount of unselfish service devoted to bringing it to an end.

PLUNKET MEETING TODAY A FINAL reminder is given that the annual meeting of the Whakatane branch of the Plunket Society takes place today at 2.30 p.m. For years past the vital work of ‘saving the babies’ has been shouldered by almost the same small band of stalwarts that has been responsible for the service since its inception. A greater and wider interest is necessary if the Plunket service is' to be maintained and the appeal to attend today’s meeting is made directly to those who have benefitted in the past and to those who feel they have an interest in laying the foundations for a stronger, more virile and better type of New Zealander in the future.

Maori’s Lonely Death

Snow White The ever-green popularity of Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” full-length cartoon was demonstrated yesterday afternoon, when the opening special matinee of the feature, which has been returned to the Grand Theatre drew the record attendance of some 700 people.

A Ruatoki Maori, Hewa ,Ratu, aged approximately 25, was yesterday discovered dead in a house at Waikerikeri, five miles north of Ruatoki. Deceased was found lying on the floor with a .22 rifle beside him. An inquest for identification purposes was opened last night before Mr -C. /S v Armstrong, District Coroner,-.and'" ad j ourned.