Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1940. WHEAT SUPPLIES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 134, 18 March 1940, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1940. WHEAT SUPPLIES.

According to statements made at a meeting of the Wheat Research Institute in Christchurch, some doubt has arisen as to whether enough wheat has been produced this season to meet the Dominion s requirements for a year. Some time ago it was announced, as almost certain, that there would be a sufficiency, and the fact that the estimated yield on which this forecast was based has proved accurate, makes- the query as to the total supply all the more surprising. It should be noted, however, that the statements made to the Wheat Research Institute do not appear to have been backed by any very precise information as to the exact position, and it is still too early to declare that once again New Zealand will have to import wheat from Australia to make up a shortage in her domestic stocks. However, should importation be necessary the wheat-grow-ers ought not to be blamed for failing to respond to the Government’s appeal to meet the country’s requirements. The growers have done their best and if there is a shortage the blame must lie on the fact that the appeal, which was, of course, not made until after the outbreak of war, did not come at a suitable period of. the season for a quick and ready response. The public may rest assured that the wheat-grow-ers will make an even better response next season, and that, provided _ the crops do not suffer unduly either from unfavourable weather or from disease, sufficient wheat will be produced to meet the country’s annual requirements. The. fact that New Zealand has frequently failed to grow sufficient wheat for her needs has been a controversial subject for many years. The avowed policy of the present Government is to encourage the growing of wheat and since March, 1936, the importation of wheat and wheaten flour has been prohibited except under licence. Further, to avoid the necessity of importing flour made from grade A wheat and required by millers for. mixing purposes, the Wheat Research Institute has experimented in the direction of having wheat of the necessary grade grown ir New Zealand, and the variety known as Cross 7 is an example of the Institute’s success in this held or research. Owing to the vagaries of the weather and the attacks of disease and parasites; wheat is a hazardous crop Nevertheless, taking it year in and year out, it is one of the most profitable crops for Canterbury farmers, despite the arguments of some that it would be in the interests of the country as well as of the farmers to set a definite limit to the area devoted to wheat. Such arguments may be of some academic interest in peacetime, but in time of war they must definitely go by the board. If for no other. reason than that of saving valuable shipping space, it is the bounden duty of New Zealand to produce all her necessities so far as she is able. She is able to meet her requirements of wheat. It has been done in the past and with the important proviso of “weather permitting there is every reason to expect a sufficient crop next season. The wheatgrowers can be relied upon to play their part in the national effort.