NEW PRICE FOR WHEAT

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23004, 26 April 1940, Page 4

NEW PRICE FOR WHEAT

MATTER OF “GRAVE URGENCY” OPINION OP FARMERS’ EXECUTIVE As remunerative contracts for other crops are being offered, the North Canterbury provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union considers it a matter of grave urgency that the price of wheat; be announced immediately. A motion informing the Minister for Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) of this position was passed by the executive at its meeting this week. The matter was brought before the meeting in a motion from the Hororata branch. Mr A. M. Carpenter said that many farmers in North Canterbury were disappointed that the price had not been announced. It was an important matter, because merchants were now offering attractive contracts to farmers to grow peas, linseed, and other crops. Some farmers were accepting the contracts, which would mean that smaller areas of wheat would be planted. Cooperation in the growing of wheat had been offered, but in return the farmers should be given the assistance of the Government. “We do not know even whether our wheat is wanted,” he continued. “They have not told us this year.” "With the arrival of every tanker the price of fuel increases,” said Mr M. Spencer Bower. Wheat producers’ costs were increasing all the time, and it was therefore important that the price be announced immediately. Farmers wanted to help win the war, taut it was necessary that they should get a payable price for their wheat. Mr G. C. Warren suggested that It might not be considered loyal if too much emphasis were put on the price.