THE WHEAT PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 99, 21 January 1926, Page 7

THE WHEAT PROBLEM

CONFERENCE OF INTERESTED PARTIES By Telegraph—Press association Christchurch, January 20. Dlr. John Brown, of “Lowcliffe,” Ashburton, has received the following telegram from the Prime Dlimster: “Your telegram addressed to the Dlinister of Agriculture has been shown to me by him. The Government is agreeable to rescind the decision made for Government control of the 1925-26 wheat crop, and arrangements will be made accordingly. Regarding tlie request for an increased duty on flour, this is a matter for Parliament to decide, but it will receive consideration between now and next season.’ A. conference of representatives of wheat-growers, .flour millers, merchants and poultrymen, with the representatives of the Department of Industries and Commerce, was. held to-dav for the purpose of considering draft regulations dealing with the control by the Government of the marketing of the new season’s wheat harvest. Dlr. G. W. Clinkard, of the Department of Industries and Commerce, presided over about twentv-five representatives. The meeting was held in committee and a brief report was subsequently handed to the Press, which, stated that tile difficulties likelv to arise in the event of decontrol were considered. 1 he representative of the noultrvmen clearly indicated that noultrvmen would raise strong objection to the payment of the existing duty on wheat which would necessarily be imported in considerable quantities into the North Island. Representatives of the .milling industry also explained that under free market conditions they would be unable to compete with Australian, flour if the existing duty on wheat is imposed, and if no increased protection is triven bv an increase in the dutv on flour. It was pointed out that if the millin" industry were forced to cease operations the supply of bran and pollard would be insecure, and nnv importations would necessarilv be 'at very high prices. ■ The meeting, after lencthv discussion, did not, however, bring forward or determine upon any joint representations to the Government on the s'lbicct. and it is assumed tint each of the sectional . interests will make such representations ns thev deem necessarv.