THE BUTTER RATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 December 1943, Page 3

THE BUTTER RATION

POSITION OF MINERS. REPLY TO CRITICISM. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) GREYMOUTH, December 8. The central committee secretary, Mr William Purdy, has issued a statement on behalf of the Grey miners regarding the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s complaint against the extra butter ration for miners and timber workers. The chamber states that the Govern,’ment has given way to a threat by a section of the community, “but,” he said, “the miners have not at any time issued a threat in connection with butter rationing. We have made a request that an extra ration be granted to 'those in heavy industries. This is done in England and is obviously necessary to maintain industrial efficiency for an Intensive war effort. t “Another feature is that the miners 'have to take food to work. This should be taken into consideration when deciding the quantities to be permitted. “We would also point out that members of the Chamber of Commerce can get as many meals as they require in hotels and restaurants without sacrificing any of their ration. The miner, on the other hand, while underground has no such facilities. The arduous nature of the miners’ calling, together with complete absence of sunshine and lack of facilities enjoyed by the Chamber of Commerce should certainly be taken into consideration when assessing rations that may be considered equitable. If any person is assisting the war effort without actually being in the firing line it is the miner, who is as usual the target for misrepresentation.”