FOOD SHORTAGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1919, Page 5

FOOD SHORTAGE.

PROBLEM BEFORE BRITAIN. CRITICAL YEAR. AHEAD. By Tfllegr&ph.—Pross Assn.— Copyilsht. Received Dee. 19, 9.30 p.m. London, Dec. 10. Mr. C. A. McCurdy, M.i\ (Parliamentary Secretary to the Food Ministry}, addressing a conference of Labor members and local food committees, said there would be a serious shortage of essential foodstuffs in 1920, butter almost disappearing. Experts predicted that 1920 would be the most critical year since the start of the war as regards butter and cheese. Tea supplies had decreased though the consumption had increased. There was no prospect of the world's supply of sugar balancing the demands. There was a surplus of meat in Britain at present, but there would be a world's shortage 'n 1920. It was essential, because prices bounded and bacon deteriorated when control was removed.— AUs.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PLIGHT OF AUSTRIA. NO FOOD AFTER WEEK-END. Received December 19, 10.15 p.m. London, Dec. 16. Mr. G. H. Roberts (the Food Controller), in the House of Commons, said that some form of supervision of food supplies must be exercised for at least three years. It was proposed to free all home grown agricultural products escxept meat by June. Mr. Cecil Harmsworth (Under-Secre-tary for Foreign Affairs), said that the food situation in Vienna is critical. There would be no food in Austria after the week-end. The Allies were doing their utmost to hasten relief.—Aub.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

WHEAT FOR AUSTRIA. ALLIES GUARANTEE FOOD. Received Dec. 19, 10.15 p.m. Paris, Dec. 16. The Supreme Council has decided to send to Austria thirty thousand tons of wheat stored in Trieste. The Allies will guarantee revictuallinj until April, when they will grant Austria a substantial loan or credit. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. APPALLING DEATH ROLL. BRITISH APPEAL FOR HELP. Received December 19, 11.10 p.m. London, Dec. 19. The committee for the Telief of distress' in Vienna has issued a public appeal for funds through the English newspapers. It states that deaths and cases of permanent enfeeblement arc occurring on an appalling scale. The hospitals are reduced to their last extremity. The signatories include Lord Haig and Generals Cavan and Horne. The Government fully sanctions and approves of the appeal, sind gives £ for £ assistance.— Aus,-N.Z. Cable Assn.