FEDERAL WHEAT POOL

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 255, 22 July 1920, Page 5

FEDERAL WHEAT POOL

4 PREMIER DECLINES TO PROLONG IT SHIPPING CONFLICT CREATES A DIFFICULTY By Telegraph-Press Ajaoolatlon-OonyrtirM (Rec. July 21, 10.45 p.m.) Melbourne, July 21. At the final session of the Premiers' Conference, Mr. Hughes created a sensation by declining to prolong the Federal wheat pool, declaring that each _ State must look after its own producers in the coming harvest. This action is apparently tho outcome of the conflict between the Commonwealth line of steamers and the Shipping Combine, which Mr. Hughes informed the conference was trying to drive the Federal Line oif the seas. He stated tli at a fight was being waged on lines which entirely deprived the l'ederal steamers of baok loading to Australia. In view of this tho States will be in a precarious position when shifting the next harvest, as it is inferred that the combine will refuse to handle any of the new crop unless given transport of the whole, and the Federal stealers will only bo ablo to move a small part. The State Ministers of Agriculture will meet on Friday to consider the matter.— Press Assn.