AUSTRALIA'S WHEAT.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15773, 14 December 1916, Page 6

AUSTRALIA'S WHEAT.

BOUGHT BY BRITAIN. A HUGE DEAL. (By Cabl«.—Press Association.—Copyright) (Received December 13th, 10.5 p.m.), MELBOURNE, December 13. In the House of Representatives, Mr Hughes announced that the new wheit crop, And the balance of last season's grain, not exceeding 3,000,000 tons, had been sold to Britain at 4a 9d a bushel, f.o.b. An immediate advanca of 2g 6d a bushel would be made to farmers. Sufficient grain would kept for home use, and the remainder shipped during the firat six months 1917 - The preliminary estimates for the new crop were 145,000,000 bushels, but allowing for damage by rains and roit the yield will probably not exceed 120,000,000 bushels. POSITION IN NEW SOUTH WALES, SYDNEY, December 13. , In the Legislative Assembly Sr Graham stated that during six week# rust and storm* reduced the wheat crop from 60,000,000 to 40,000,00® bushels. A WET SUMMER. (Received December 13th, 0.0 p.m.) SYDNEY. December 13Bearing upon the Minister's ment as to the reduction in the wheat yield, tho summer hag so far been exceptionally wet, alternating between heavy rain and wind storms ("8 heat. In the last few weeks this caused serious damage. Rust tf widespread, and is becoming prevalefl Wide areas have been battered doWf» and reaping will be an cxpensrfe pfO" cess, even if it is possible at all. Summer fruits are also suffertfS severely, and much in. rotting on trees owing to tho continuous nw®* On the other hand, rycon crops we superabundant, and the pastoral outlook is excellent.