FOOD DISTRIBUTION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 236, 30 June 1920, Page 8

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

PUBLIC MEETING ©F WOMEN MUNICIPAL DEPOTS'SUGGESTED The subject of food distribution was discussed at a meeting, of women held in tho X.W.C.A, rooms last evening, at the instance of the Women's National Council, There was a large attendance of women. Dr. A. K. Newman, M.P., was also present. Miss N. E. Coad, president of the Women's National Council, was in the chair. Miss Coad said that the meeting had been convened in tho interests of pure and cheap food. Tho Women's National Council was of the opinion that cheap, pure, and abundant food was the only foundation for a vigorous population. • Homo women even had the temerity to think that this matter was of equal importance with the provision of military training for youths on attaining 14 years of age. If the population was to. thrive as it should do, it must have pure food. The Women's National Council had therefore embarked upon . a campaign in support of municipal distribution of fish, fruit, and vegetables in Wellington. Such a scheme. did not spell heavy expenditure.' The City Council should contract with tho fishermen and fruitgrowers for supplies of their produce aiul retail this to tlio people through a 6eries of small depots established throughout the city and suburbs. Tho promoters of the scheme did not urge the establishment of one big market. If the council hesitated _on the score of expense it could hire little sheds in populated centres" for use as depots. Cool-Storago Accommodation. | Dr Newman said that ho believed that our distribution of food was carried out on unsatisfactory lines, 100 ninny peop l ® got a "rake-off." He touched oil the necessity for providing greater cool-stor-age accommodation—if necessary, by the City Council—in order to use summer s surplus of perishable foodstuffs, to Me tho people over winters scarcity. He did not believo that one central market for Wellington would be a feasible proposition. He advised the meehns first to tackle the question of distribution. Motion Carried. Mrs .Donaldson addressed the audience, confining herself in the main to the Ooadimid that there must be efficient management by the council in connection with the scheme; given this, experts had told her that there was no reason why the scheme should not suc- ° After a general discussion, Mrs. ClarIdgo moved: "That in order to afford Borne relief from the high cost this meeting of women citizens urges the Wellington City Council to establish as won ns possible a well-orgajused systen of municipal distribution of- fish, fruit, and vegetables." . , The motion was carried unanimously.

CHRISfCHURCH RESOLUTIONS By Teleßrraph""P rc9fl Association. Christchurch, June' 29. At a meeting of the recently-formed Women's League to reduce mo cost of living-, Hie following resolutions were carried -.—That the Government be urged to bring abcut a reduction in the price of New Zealand woollen goods, That J lie Government be urged to lessen the import duties oil the necessaries of lite, even though such reduction can be brought abo-ut only by increased duty on articles of luxury. That the Government be urged to pass legislation to, restrict unreasonable increases in rent, especially in regard to the rent of single rooms.