The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-02-15
FOOD CONTROLLER Of
CANADA GIVES WARNING
Food Production Should Be In
creased at All Cost.


LIST of January, Hon. w. J. Hanna, Can
ada's Food Controller, says
Authoritative information has
reached me that food shortage In Eu-
rope is terribly real, and only the
sternest resolve on the part of the pro-
| ducers. and equally stern economies on
the part of all as consumers, can pos
sibly save the situation.
France last year had a crop be-
tween one-third and one-half that of
normal year. Women did the work
of draught animals in determined
effort TO make the impoverished soil
of France produce every possible ounce
of food. They now look to US to make
up their deficiency of essential sup
plies.
"The harvest in Italy was far below
normal and will require much larger
supplies to feed her people until next
harvest.
''It is impossible for the allies to
spare many cargo carriers to transport
foodstuff from India Australia, New
Zealand and even the Argentine Repub-
lie. This means that the allied nations
are practically dependent upon North
America TO supply them with the food
which must be forthcoming If terrible
suffering is to be avoided and the fight
ing efficiency of the armies maintained.
"On December /, the United States
had not single bushel of wheat for
export, after allowance was made for
domestic requirements on the basis of
normal consumption, and the United
States Food Administration is endeav-
oring TO bring about a reduction of 20
per cent in home consumption of wheat
and flour. This would release 100000
200 bushels for export, but the Allies
will require nearly five times that
amount before the 1918 harvest
Canada is the only country in the
world, practically accessible to the Al
les under present conditions of ship
ling shortage, which has an actual ex-
portable surplus of wheat after allow
nee for normal home requirements.
The surplus today is not more than
100000 bushels. A reduction of 20
er cent in our normal consumption
rOuld save an additional 100000
ushels for export. The outlook for
of food stuffs in Europe
ext year is distinctly unfavorable
"Such is the situation-grave beyond
nything that we thought possible a
NV months ago. Unless our people
re aroused to a realization of what
ne world shortage means to us, to our
)ldiers and to our Allies. and of the
srrible possibilities which it entails,
saster is inevitable.
Production, too, must be increased
} the greatest possible extent. Pres
1T war conditions demand extraordi-
lry efforts, and every man, woman,
~ or girl who can produce food has
national duty to do so.
81 am confident that when the people
this country realize that the food
tuation is of utmost gravity they will
llingly adjust themselves to the ne
ssities of the case and make what
er sacrifices may be required. The
II which is made upon them is in
e name of the Canadian soldiers at
Aiohtf NhN litCsf Tie
lillian populations of the allied ma
ms who have already made food sac
ices TO an extent little realized by
2 people of this country"
Here is an appeal made by a man,
on whom rests the great responsible
of assisting in providing food for
g allies and the soldiers at the front,
10 are fighting the battles in mud
d blood. 1t cannot be ignored. AT
me we are living in luxury and ex-
vagance inclined to idleness and for
tfulness. This must cease. We must
re and produce. Our lands must be
ed no matter where it may be, in
NADIA or the United States. 1t is
: duty to cultivate. Splendid oppor-
titles in the United States are open
further cultivation of lands. West
Canada also offers opportunities in
h producing lands at low prices.
Tide for yourself where you can do
most good. on land in the United
tes or in Canada, and get TO work
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