Food Shortages In

Fiji

Report from “N. Z. Herald” of February 27 FOURTEEN months have elapsed since Japan entered the war and only now has any marked food shortage been noticeable in Fiji.

Meat and bread are the two principal foodstuffs which are in short supply.

There has been a steady drain on the Colony’s meat supplies. In normal times there is more than sufficient beef raised in the country to meet local demands, but with the exception of a small quan tity of mutton grown in a few suitable localities, New Zealand has to be relied upon for mutton and lamb. Pig-breed ing is a useful adjunct to the local dairy ing industry, but the supply at present is not equal to the demand.

For breadmaking, Australian flour is the most suitable variety and stocks of this flour have considerably decreased. A Government order recently issued re stricts bakings by one-third. Another Government order also restricts the sale of meat to hamburger shops by 50 per cent. The hamburger is very popular with the military who, in this manner, consume considerable quantities of civi lian meat.

Stocks of Scotch whisky are very low and in most of the hotels only Australian whisky is obtainable. Australian rum, gin and brandy are largely taking the place of whisky, and long gin drinks and cordials are replacing beer, which for several weeks has been unobtainable.

Cigarettes have been out of stock for over a month.

Drapery and general lines are also short. While these may be renewed from time to time it is becoming apparent that shortages will have to be accepted fo?' the duration, unless better arrangements can be made to keep the Colony supplied.