MR MASSEY IN THE NORTH

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2326, 7 December 1914, Page 6

MR MASSEY IN THE NORTH

THE PRICE OF WHEAT AN INTERESTING COMPARISON (By Teleer«pli.—Press Association.) Auckland, December 6. The Prime Minister addressed a large and enthusiastic gathering of settlers at Clevedon on Saturday night. In passing through the townships on his way. to' Clevedon Mr. Massey was frequently cheered. In his address the Prime Minister dealt at length with the subject of land valuation, and explained the measures that _were being taken to improve the existing system, by making proper allowance for improvements and adequate provision for appeals. Referring to the wheat question, Mr. Massey said: "We have bean blamed for not making the_ price easier, but I will tell you something; I have here a return showing the amount of wheat held and by whom it is held. . Farmers hold roughly 96,000 bushels, and I may mention . here that there is not a. farmer in the North Island who holds more than five sacks. Merchants have roughly 133,000 'bushels, a fact which adequately answers the Opposition suggestion that one merchant in the South Island had been allowed to hold 200,000 bushels. • (Applause.) The millers of the country hold ■ roughly 960,000 bushels. To-day I received an interesting telegram from a business man in Timaru who . points out that in 1907 wheat was, sold in Timaru at 6s. 3d. per bushel and flour at £14 per ton. The Government of-the day was the Opposition which is now crying out against the fact that the prices have been fixed by the Commission at ss. 3d.' per bushel for wheat at southern ports and £13 per ton for flour, and it did not lift a finger to relieve the position. There is nothing like that .about. us," added Mr. Massey amidst loud applause. A vote of thanks and confidence in the Government was carried unanimously, the audience applauding and cheer ing for a considerable time.