PRICE OF FLOUR.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15769, 9 December 1916, Page 9

PRICE OF FLOUR.

IMPORT DUTY REMOVED

(press association tkligram.) WELLINGTON, December 8. The Government has decided, on tho recommendation of the Board of Trade, to remit the duty on imported flour as from to-day.

NORTHERN ROLLER MILLING COMPANY'S PROTEST.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, December 8. The following tolegram has been addressed to tho Board of Trade by Mr Peter Virtue, of the Northern Roller Milling Company:— "If it is true, your action in removing the duty on imported flour will place the North Island trade in the hands of the Commonwealth. It is customary to remove tho duties off raw materials to keep industries alive which were built up by protection, as on raw materials there are always two labour handlings, but not so on tho imported article manufactured. If the Government wheat statistics aro unreliable, \as past events have proved, and if tho milling industry is not required, what encouragement is there for farmers to {Uw wheat? Evidently the strategy, if it is prolonged, will have dire results. The Commonwealth dutv on flour and wheat is fifty shillings per ton. against the-Dominion's .twenty shillings. No doubt to freetraders— the Empire's present curse—it is of little moment. Evidentlv the Commonwealth is more alert to its industrial and farming interests. Last session a Bill was passed to prevent dumping from the Commonwealth, which was an assurance to encourage wheat growing, consequently milling. How aro farmers to view this spasmodic legislation, which will nlwavs tend to create ""Stages through want of confidence? With the Government'a assurance we purchased wheat at market rates to make flour; and as no notice was given that the flour duty would be withdrawn torn a certain date, but the bail-up flOtiev after promising protection we think w P have a legal right to refuse qttivery cf wheat purchases. Whv not remove the duties off boots, clotKSn-' etc> - etc - also tnc P O H-tax on our Allies, instead of singling out one inwhich will also niin wheatSwnng, with its numerous adjuncts? l«>ubtloss you arc aware that if there Should be any excess profit the Govcrn«ent takes 4« per cent. Ts it your «esire to run the wheat- and flour industries to the benefit of the Commonwealth, and in the event of a shortage £-*rt„ whafc remedy would" vou suggest? .'