SEED WHEAT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 60, 11 March 1915, Page 6

SEED WHEAT.

GOVERNMENT ASKED TO HELP.

PRIME MINISTER IN- REPLY,

While the Prime Minister was speaking at Waiuku concerning -the wisdom of turning all available wheat-growing land to account during times of shortage, one of the many farmers present interjected: "Then, help us to get the seed." Mr. Massey promptly replied that something might be done in that direction. He added that he would not advise the use of imported wheat as seed, and said that in his opinion the most important thing to remember was that probable growers must be made to feel that they would receive a fair price for their crops. In view of the above remarks, it is of interest to refer to a letter which has been received from the Prime Minister in reply to the representations of the Farmers' Union in favour of the Government undertaking to supply at least portion of the seed. In his reply Mr. Massey states that if the Government arranges to supply seed to one man, it will have to supply it to a large proportion of other farmers, thus bringing about an impossible position. Judging by present appearances, seed wheat suitable for spring sowing will be dear, and he cannot possibly recommend any of the imported grain for the purpose.. "Last year," vrites the Prime Minister, "we did something in the ivay of paying half railway freight on seed wheat, and we may do so again, though there is not very much in the latter so far as each individual is concerned. I hesitate about encouraging the growing of wheat in small patches, because I have noticed this season that where there were no other crops ripening at the same time,, the birds got most of the grain. Then, too, there is the fact with which every wheat-growing farmer is well acquainted—namely, .that land whjch will grow oats very well indeed may not be at all suitable for wheat."

The writer comments on the unfortunate circumstance that a drought has been experienced both in Australia and New Zealand during the war period, and says that if the crops in New Zealand had been up to the average this year wo should not have had to go outside New Zealand for our wheat. There would have been just- about enough for our requirements, and,' as far as be is able to ascertain, there will be a much larger area sown this season. Mr. Massey promises to bring the matter under the notiire of Cabinet.