WHEAT PRICES

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25094, 28 January 1947, Page 8

WHEAT PRICES

Sir,—‘Nemesis” says “Wheat farmers have not played the game.” He thereby displays ignorance of facts. Here are a few. Twenty years ago wheat was dearer than to-day yet costs were only one-third to a’half, and bread to the farmer was cheaper, to-day’s price being is 3d. Farmers have no 40-hour week. During the war they worked as manv as 20 in one day growing wheat. That was called patriotic. They need money now. The Government imposes a tax of 20 per cent, on all oils, greases, and many repairs required for wheat production. Then, if wheat is worth 9s 6d in Australia. why not here? Barley, being free from political control, is plentiful. Last year’s acreage' was a record. Compared with other crops, all factors considered, wheat should be 8s 6d. Finally, I commend your leading article on this subject to “Nemesis.”— Yours, etc., T APEX. January 27, 1947.

Sir, —“Balance Facts” is not a farmer but a Christchurch citizen fully aware of the seriousness of the food position, and is surprised that “W. 8. in his reply, would stoop to accuse the farmer of avarice. Most of us know the farmer as a most generous giver; and, as our food supplier, he should be encouraged and honoured, not abused.—Yours, etc., BALANCE FACTS. January 27, 1947.