Canada: 1942 – Victoria’s ‘Victory Garden Brigade’ Urges Federal Gov’t to Start Campaign
May 9, 1940. Photographer: John H. Boyd
“In Victoria we have proved that amateur gardeners, even on land newly broken, have been able to keep themselves in fresh vegetables for the last two or three months, to have some for winter use and some to give away.“
1039 Richardson St.,
Victoria BC
Oct. 1, 1942.
To: The Hon. J. G. Gardiner,
Minister of Agriculture,
Parliament Buildings,
Ottawa.
Sir,
On behalf of the Victory Garden Brigade, Victoria, B.C., we, the undersigned, beg to draw attention to a letter we wrote on the 23rd of July to urge that in the face of rapidly changing conditions, more encouragement might be given by the Departments of Agriculture to the Victory Garden move. Our member, Mr. R.W. Mayhew, intended to present our letter himself, but, in your absence, wrote a letter in support of our stand.
We have not, to date, had any acknowledgement of our letter of July, but Mr. Mayhew has kindly sent us a copy of the letter he received from the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, which, we conclude, is intended as an answer to ours. A pamphlet “Home Vegetable Gardening” was enclosed.
From the letter of the Deputy Minister, we gather that any change of policy is contingent on there being a labour shortage at the time of spring planting in 1943. We most respectfully state that to us there is no supposition about labour shortage – it is already an established fact, and conditions on the Pacific Coast do not bear out the statement in the pamphlet that “indications are that the supply of fresh vegetables in 1942 will be equal to that of 1941.”
Much has happened since March last. On the Pacific Coast, 65% of green vegetables has always been imported from Japanese growers: today prices are very much higher and quality inferior. Last April only No. 3 potatoes were obtainable on local markets – a grade never before placed on the market – and at one time onions were unobtainable. We learn now that the crop of potatoes on the mainland is reduced 50% by late blight, and carrot fly has reduced the carrot crop. Transportation difficulties increase rapidly and Vancouver Island is the region that will be most affected. More local effort to meet the situation, by means of increased home production, would have put us all in a safer position.
The pamphlet further says, “Could I help the war effort by planting a vegetable garden?” Answer. “If you have not had one before, and have not had previous experience, it is not urged that you plant one this year.”(1942). In Victoria we have proved that amateur gardeners, even on land newly broken, have been able to keep themselves in fresh vegetables for the last two or three months, to have some for winter use and some to give away. In addition, the money saved has been used to buy War Bonds, or put towards increased taxation. The general verdict has been “Well worthwhile.”
But, every citizen must endeavour to grow more vegetables in order to make an appreciable difference in the situation that confronts us, and we claim that this is a war effort of primary importance.
The Deputy Minister says again in his letter, “The situation will be carefully reviewed before the time “arrives for the planting of vegetables next Spring, when such recommendation will be made and such action taken, as may appear to be necessary at that time.”
We maintain that preparation of the ground should precede spring planting, and that now is the time to begin a campaign. In the U.S.A., plans are already being laid for increased home production next year.
We fully appreciate the need to safeguard the interests of the commercial growers, but we are very apprehensive lest they be unable to Supply the demand.
We understand the Ontario Parks Association has also sought a change of policy to promote and encourage home production, and we shall be very grateful for some further consideration of this matter, in view of the geographical situation of Vancouver Island, and of the need to plan in advance.
We have the honour to be, Sir,
Your very obedient servants,
President
Emily M. Schofield
Secretary
Elizabeth C. MacKenzie
Victory Garden Brigade
Victoria, BC
