WHEAT AND FLOUR.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15222, 9 March 1915, Page 8

WHEAT AND FLOUR.

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME

MINISTER,

(press association telbgham.) AUCKLAND, March 8. The Prime Minister stated to-night that since the estimate of the Department was made, threshing operations had commenced in several districts particularly in Canterbury, and it was almost certain now that the yield would be considerably higher than was exp w, a ra ol ?** l or six -weeks ago - I hough it is more than doubtful even now whether New Zealand will,' tins season produce enough wheat-for its own requirements," Mr Massey continued, "still the increased quantity wul uavo a tendency to reduce present -along with the proba- | bility of /Hie Russians being able to get 'wheat through the Dardanelles in the not far distant future, ought to make prices easier all over the world." I navo arranged with the Regis-trar-General's Department," proceeded i -Ur Massey "to obtain from the owners of different threshing pjante as nearly as possible an accurate return * h <> quantity of wheat threshed by each null. Then I am using the legislation at present on the Statute Book to obtain from every flourmiller and every grain merchant each fortnight thf amount of wheat or flour which is in store, and the price at which it is boing sold. That action is taken with the object of preventing any possible exploitation of tho public.