WHEAT DUTIES.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20272, 25 June 1931, Page 8

WHEAT DUTIES.

PROPOSED ALTERATION. RECONSIDERATION DESIRED. [From Our Pahliamenxakt Reportee.] WELLINGTON, June 24. Wheatgrowers in the south consider the proposed reduction in the sliding scale of duties as announced some time ago by the lit. Hon. G. W. Forbes, will call upon them to bear more than a fair share of sacrifice in the economic reconstruction of New Zealand. This opinion, backed by Chambers of Commerce and farmers' organisations in the South Island, was placed before Mr Forbes by a deputation to-day, when a greater return than 4s 6d per bushel was sought. The deputation, which was about 30 strong, was one of the most representative political expeditions ever sent to Parliament from the South Island, and included delegates from the Chambers of Commerce in Christchurch and South Canterbury towns, grain merchants' associations, Farmers' Unions, A. and P. Associations, and wheat-growers themselves. Mr W. W. Mulholland, who introduced the deputation, was followed by Mr James Carr (Methven), Mr Arthur Shirtcliffe (Timaru), Mr Johnston (Otaio) and Mr W. Macliin (Christchurch). The speakers declared that the Prime Minister in aiming at 4s _6d per bushel in the adjustment of duties was asking the grain industry to bear a greater sacrifice than any other section of the community had been asked to make under any proposals so far submitted. No definite guarantee was asked for, but several speakers sugi geated that Mr Forbes could, with advantage to the South, have shown a j little more generosity in the assess- | ment. Several defects in the altered scale were also pointed out to Mr | Forbes, who was askdd to consider their rectification. j Prime Minister's Reply. 1 Mr Forbes, in reply, said the economic I situation of the country was so serious that any inequality of sacrifice was very undesirable, and it was unreasonable for any one section of the community to expect more than a fair share of consideration in the general sacrifice. The Government was fully alive to the 'importance of the wheat-growing industry, and believed it should be maintained upon as profitable a basis as possible. Under the readjustment of duties growers were assured of 4s Gd per bushel, but the question of any additional guarantee must lie in the hands of Parliament itself, where the whole question would shortly be dealt with strictly.upon non-Party lines. The deputation could rest assured that every effort would be made by the Government to help the grain industry. Members of the deputation reminded Mr Forbes that' the whole subject of wheat duties had been discussed with the Department of Industries and Commerce and the Customs . Department some time ago, and it was understood a report had been presented to the Government. Mr Forbes said he had not yet received the report of the conference. An early opportunity is likely to be taken by some southern members to raise the question of the ■wheat duties in Parliament, as they may discuss them on both the Imprest Supply Bill and in the Addreßs-in-Eeply debates. No members of Parliament were present at to-day'a deputation.