BUTTER RATIONING

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3257, 30 April 1943, Page 4

BUTTER RATIONING

The Prime Minister has created a little surprise by his reference to the possibility of butter and cheese being rationed and further information will be awaited with interest. It is clear that the domestic consumption is not the decisive factor, and many people have come to the conclusion that the problem lies in (a) maintaining supplies to Great Britain, and (b) providing' for requirements of our allies in the South-west Pacific area; but unless the margin is exceptionally close the rationing of dairy Reduce would not release very large quantities.

In the matter of cheese the domestic market takes only about 6 per cent, of th'e output, leaving 94 per cent, to be exported. There is not much scope for adjustment there. The local demand for butter absorbs about

■est Year Book places the consumption of butter at approximately 30,500 tons annually, equivalent to 421 b. per head of population and of cheese from 3200 to 3600 tons, oi; from 44 to 51b. per head. , Canada rations butter on the basis of Boz. per week, but it was reduced temporarily when stocks were low. On that basis (261 b. per annum) the domestic consumption would be reduced by about 161 b., per head, but consumers could reasonably demand convincing evidence that such drastic action was necessary.