Britons Heartily Tired Of Food Monotony

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 60, 14 March 1944, Page 5

Britons Heartily Tired Of Food Monotony

URGENT PLEA TO DOMINION PRODUCERS j AUCKLAND, March 13. Food conditions in Britain, where after live winters of total warfare the people were becoming heartily tired of the monotony of their diet, were discussed by Mr. W. Bankes Amery, leader of the United Kingdom Food Mission in Australia and New Zealand, who arrived in Auckland to-day. He addressed an urgent plea to the producers of New Zealand to do all in their power to help maintain the present meagre British food ration which could not be; reduced below the present level without grave consequences to both health and morale. Mr. Amery emphasised from the outset that he had not visited New Zealand with the object of telling producers what they should do. He had come to tell New Zealanders firsthand of the conditions under which the people of Britain were living so that they would have an appreciation of what great effects any increase in ex ports might have. Quite apart from its health the value of food had a psychological effect. Coupled with the strain of the blackout, the constant danger and the exceedingly long hours of heavy 1 workers in Britain such as munitions workers, employees were inclined to become disheartened if they could not obtain a square meal. Any food shortage also had a marked effect on the morale of young people with healthy appetites. “Things which are a commonplace in New Zealand have not been seen in Britain for over four years,” said Mr. Amery. “It is surprising how little luxuries are missed. Imagine not having seen a lemon, banana, peach, apricot or pineapple for four years. The only fruit available are home-grown apples, pears, plums and cherries.” The shipping position was so favour

able that Britain could lift every pound of butter, cheese and meat which New Zealand could produce, continued Mr. Amery. There might be temporary difficulties at the peak of the season, but arrangements had been made to overcome any overcrowding of the cool stores. Mr. Amery, who is accompanied by Mrs. Amery, will be tendered a civic luncheon to-morrow. He will leave on Wednesday for Dargaville and will visit Kaikohe on Thursday and Whangarei on Friday, returning to Auckland on Saturday,