BRITISH FOOD PROBLEM.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 219, 18 January 1917, Page 5

BRITISH FOOD PROBLEM.

LONDON, Jan 16

There is an increasing agitation in England against the fixed price of potatoes, and growers state that it is unprofitable to plant them. Mr. Alden, M.P., has been appointed to organise a public and private effort of land cultivation. The Board of Trade figures show that retail prices on January 1 were 87 per cent over pre-war prices, as compared with Germany's 111, Austria's 177 and Norway's 82 per cent. The principal English increases were in the prices of potatoes, fish, flour, butter and cheese.

COMMANDEERED RABBITS. LONDON, Jan 17. It is understood that the Government are commandeering all rabbits afloat. It is believed that will use the best for rations and for the hospitals. The rest will be held for the usual channels.

AGRICULTURE IN BRITAIN. LONDON, Jan 17. The Board of Agriculture reports an increase of 20,984 acres cultivated in England and Wales in 1916 as compared with 1915. The wheKt area declined 12 per cent, barley increased 8 per cent, potatoes declined 35,451 acres, or 101 per cent.