SHORIAGE OF WHEAT AND FLOUR.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15138, 30 November 1914, Page 10

SHORIAGE OF WHEAT AND FLOUR.

« STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) IIAWERA, November 2*?. J The following statement has been made by the Primo Minister: —"It ,s now acknowledged in thc southern districts of New Zealand that the Dominion is faced with a shortage of both wheat and flour, aud that we shall have to depend upon outside .ourecs for most of our supplies for at least two mont.is. The Commission which was set up under the regulation of the Trade and Commerce Act, of last session, will sit again in a few days to further consider the prices in yi'ew of tho difficulty jvhic.li has arisen, also having regard to the fact that we have to import much of the wheat aud flour that is required. I ■want those who may hold stocks or wheat to understand that the Government will purchase at a fair price, and that they will not be allowed to keep supplies "locked tip to the detriment or the population. Supplies are afloat at the present time from Australia, and a further large consignment will be forthcoming in a few weeks from India. In tbo meantime 1 want to emphasise tho •point that the Government will not allow any storing of wheat supplies for the purpose of exploiting the public,