The Times SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1944. Government Realises Food Crisis

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 64, 18 March 1944, Page 4

The Times SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 1944. Government Realises Food Crisis

There is now no question of doubt as to whether or not the Government has come to a realisation of the food crisis as applying to New Zealand’s falling production and Britain’s desperate need for every ton of foodstuff that can be shipped to her from here The realisation is unfortunately a very belated one, hut none the less welcome. During last week there was held in Wellington a conference where some fifty representatives of the primary industries met with the Government and much plain speaking was indulged in by the delegates. The Prime Minister on the part of the Government was equally frank in that he took the conference into the fullest confidence as to the position of Britain’s food supplies and what was required of New Zealand. A most favourable impression was thereby created. Following this a number of committees were set up to formulate definite proposals which will provide means whereby the check to declining production might he applied and increased production should actually be fostered. The immediate concern was with dairy farming for its production of butter and cheese, and no less of pig meats. Various plans and proposals put forward are now being con sidered by Cabinet and will doubtless require consideration by the L/aboUr Caucus. It is known that the Minister of Agriculture and Marketing is wholeheartedly sponsoring the measures to assist .arming. It is believed that the Prime Minister together with a number of other important men within the Labour Party, both Parliamentary and otherwise, is anxious to see results. These men have, however, to contend with two difficulties. One is the restriction of the stabilisation policy and the other is the lack of knowledge, and in some cases an unsympathetic feeling of many Labour followers toward the farming community. Somewhat similar difficulty will doubtless have to be faced and overcome by the farming leaders. It is pertinent to declare that the leaders in each camp have achieved a close mutual understanding and a very considerable measure of agreement. Even so, the antipathy felt by so many of the rural community towards what they view as “a socialistic Government” will cause them to view with suspicion and bias whatever proposal and plans the Government may adopt. It will he a task for the farming leaders to convince their followers that such plans are reasonable even presuming they should prove to he so. There is general agreement amongst all concerned that four elements must be provided to achieve success in any More Production Campaign. These are prices, manpower, phosphates and morale. It is futile to argue which is the most important, for actually all are of consequence and they are largely interdependent. The Government has already taken steps in an endeavour to procure largely increased supplies of phosphates and there is a good prospect of these becoming available in the latter half of this year. As to manpower, there is every likelihood of a substantial body of men being made available to the land. The necessity for higher prices is now appreciated by the Government and the degree of increase and the means by which this can be provided are problems of moment. It seems almost certain that both as regards butterfat and pigmeats there will be furnished appreciably increased prices. The morale of the farming community will he influenced by the degree in which the first three wants are satisfied —prices, manpower and phosphates. Any policy now adopted will be certainly too late to affect this 1943-44 season and it can assist to increase production only by January, 1945, which is halfway through next season. The full benefit will not be realised until the 1945-46 season. The production seasons end at June 30 of each year. There is every reason to feel hopeful of ail early and satisfactory announcement of a plan to provide the prerequisites to an increased production from our dairy farms. The achievement of this is a prime duty resting upon both the Government and the farming community. Britain’s desperate need must be met.