SHORTAGE OF WHEAT, BRAN & POLLARD

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 219, 13 June 1945, Page 8

SHORTAGE OF WHEAT, BRAN & POLLARD

Merchant’s Statement

Commenting yesterday on the shortage of wheat, bran and pollard, Mr. C. J. Morrish. president of the Wellington Grain, Seed and Produce Merchants’ Association, said that members of the association were most concerned over the position. The lack of shipping space and adverse weather conditions were the main factors leading to the serious position now obtaining, and it would seem doubtful. whether the available supplies were sufficient to meet the normal requirements of North Island poultry-farmers. Since the issue of the wheirten order, 19)5. the use of pollard, bran and wheat was restricted in sales to poultry-farm-ers, who could be assured that merchants were fully alive- to the position and were doing all possible to ensure that their clients were equitably supplied, said Mr. Morrish. The Wheat Committee appointed by the Government to control distribution had promised a further release of wheat, this month, and merchants were pressing for this to take place immediately, but the shipping position might hold up delivery for a few weeks.

There was apparently no possibility of obtaining any wheat or barley this year from Australia, and as many farmers had in I lie past used barley only for feeding purposes, this was one of the causes for Ihe m-ute shortage now being experienced.’ Tin'- use of oats ns a grain substitute should be considered. It was understood that there was a remote possibility of the release being made of Canadian wheat later in the year if the situation bad not improved.