Stop in Canadian Meat Ration Explained

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 53, 6 March 1944, Page 4

Stop in Canadian Meat Ration Explained

The reasons underlying the temporary lifting of meat rationing in Canada were referred to by Sir Harry Batterbee, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, when speaking to the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce at New Plymouth. He also mentioned that Canada was reducing the internal consumption of butter to six ounces a week. “I would like to say something about the temporary lifting of the meat rationing in Canada,” said Sir Harry. “According to my information this is purely of a temporary nature duo to a temporary glut of meat in Canada for which at the moment shipping cannot be found. Canada is not a meat producing country for export like Australia and New Zealand. Rationing of meat there was really introduced for internal purposes. It was also introduced so that as much meat as possible could be sent to England. I understand that the transport difficulties which have led to this step are actually mostly internal. Last year Canada sent to Britain only 5000 tons, but it Is hoping to export a great deal more this year. “I would like to mention at this juncture that Canada is going to ration her people down from eight ounces to six ounces of butter a week. The position has reached this stage. Unless more meat and butter can be.sent to Britain I think civilian and service rations may have to be cut. Civilians are mostly working on the production of munitions. Their rations have been worked out scientifically and they are managing, but if they have to be cut down there will be a serious risk to their health and vitality.”