IMPORTS OF WHEAT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 302, 21 December 1937, Page 10

IMPORTS OF WHEAT.

DOMINION'S DEPENDENCE.

ENCOURAGING N.Z. GROWERS.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. The necessity in the last two seasons of importing wheat has drawn the attention of the Government to the possible effect on New Zealand's food supply if shipping were disorganised by war. The New Zealand crop at the present rate of production might be insufficient by a heavy margin to supply the Dominion's needs. The organisation tor national security which, under -.the control of the Cabinet, is working to make New Zealand self-supporting in any national emergency, has officially recognised the wheat position. It is stated that the decision of the Minister of Industries and Commerce, | the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, to announce wheat prices for future seasons as early as possible, so that farmers can plan their wheat acreage seasons ahead, has been prompted by realisation of the urgent need for the Dominion to be able to meet Its own wheat requirements. Wheatgrowers have stated that if they knew the price in advance a much greater acreage could be planted. Serious as a crop shortage might be, with no shipping facilities, the position is said to have an even more serious side. The growing use of tractors has made petrol an absolute necessity on many farms. Only a few months' petrol supply in kept in New Zealand at one time. The organisation for national security is reported to keep in close touch with petrol Importers so, if an emergency arose, present stocks might be rationed. Even under rationed use stocks could not be expected to last more than a year.