LEESTON FARMERS’ UNION

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21717, 26 February 1936, Page 8

LEESTON FARMERS’ UNION

barley growers* problems DISCUSSED At a meeting of farmers called by the Ellesmere branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union and held at Leeston on Monday evening, matters of interest to barley growers were discussed. The main purpose of the meeting was the election of two growers to represent Ellesmere and Dunsandel districts on a committee representative of growers and manufacturers of products from barley, which is being set up in Christchurch to deal with affairs concerning the Industry. Mr A Anderson presided. Messrs H. T. McMillan and A. Anderson were elected to represent the iJSUcsmere and Dunsandel growers.

[Unfavourable comment was made upon the action of the last Government in removing the duty on Australian feed barley, thus permitting large Quantities of grain to be imported from Australia to the North island, to the detriment of New Zealand growers. The chairman said that 500,000 bushels had been imported last season and the cost had been Ss to 5s 4d a bushel for malting barley, this price including a duty of 2s a bushel. Mr T. A. Stephens said that the imports were equivalent to about half of the Dominion production. Had the merchants increased the contracts by 100 per cent, they would have been able to select more super barley. It was in their own interests to increase the quantity grown. ■ . . It was mentioned that Canterbury growers could not get a better price than 3s 3d to 3s 6d a bushel. Mr Stephens remarked that there would be plenty of feed barley this season

to meet the whole of the Dominion s requirements. If the merchants could get rid of the feed barley they would be able to give more for malting quality. If the price for first grade barley were increased by a shilling a bushel sufficient would be grown to meet the whole of the Dominion’s needs. Mr B. G. Bishop said he understood that departmental officers were making enquiries regarding barley production.