MEAT AND BUTTER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 February 1940, Page 4

MEAT AND BUTTER

RATIONING IN NEW ZEALAND IN ORDER TO INCREASE EXPORTS. MR H. H. MAWLEY'S SUGGESTION. A suggestion that in view of the problems involved in maintaining war time supplies of foodstuffs in Britain, it might be worth while to consider the rationing in this country of meat and possibly cf some other products such as butter, was made by Mr H. H. Mawley (chairman of the Wairarapa Hospital Board) in conversation with a “TimesAge’’ representative. The consumption of meat in New Zealand, Mr Mawley observed, was at a high level and no doubt could be reduced fairly considerably for the time being, without undue hardship, if reason for doing so appeared. Much the same might be said of butter. A reduction in the consumption of these commodities in the Dominion might be compensated by an increased supply and consumption of fish and a greater use of vegetables and fruit. A great deal must depend upon the availability of shipping and on some other factors, Mr Mawley added, but in view of the demand now raised for an all-round increase in farming production an increase which in many instances would not easib’ be effected—the measures of rationing he had suggested ought to be worthy at least of some detailed examination and consideration. An increased export of meat and other products from this country would not only add to Britain’s available food supplies, but would help to build up the additional oversea credits of which we were greatly in need.