THE Hauraki Plains Gazette. With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1944. MEAT RATION INCREASE

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32411, 24 March 1944, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette. With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. “Public Service.” FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1944. MEAT RATION INCREASE

If New Zealand miners are being issued with extra meat coupons—the present statement has the authority of the Kamo and Hikurangi miners’ union—the Government again has reached an important decision without taking the public into its confidence. It was the same with the increase of the butter ration to miners and timberworkers; and there is a continuation of this policy of official silence in the coal deadlock and in the restrictions imposed on the transport of racehorses.. There is a general recognition that heavy physical workers are in need of increased food rationing, particularly of energy-pro-ducing fats and meats. Why then, it has to be asked, does the Government not announce these increases in the proper way, giving the reasons that have led to this decision? On the other hand if there is a reason for official silence why does the Government not go the Whole distance in suppression and; impose a censorship upon the publication of this increase and upon any discussion of it? On February 16 the Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan, said that information regarding increases in the meat ration to heavy workers would be given within a fortnight. That has not been given, and on March 8 Mr E. P. Aderman, M.P., gave the Minister a further opportunity, for a statement by a question in the House. But still there is silence. Silence breeds . rumours and arouses speculation. Inevitably, the Government’s silence on this issue leads to the belief that it has surrendered to the tactics of the “pressure” groups. Mr Fraser or Mr Sullivan should know that the best answer to such a belief is a frank statement.