THE STAFF OF LIFE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 9291, 19 July 1901, Page 4

THE STAFF OF LIFE.

Is the Premier aware that an organised and powerful monopoly for "regulating" the sale of flour exists in this colony. Does he, does Parliament, know that this syndicate has succeeded in getting into the ring all the mills in the colony save two in Timaru and three or four in Auckland, aud that it controls the- output of thirty-six mills under one management ? Does the Premier, does Parliament, know that within the last day or two flour has been put up a pound per ton in price ? Does the Premier, does Parliament, recognise that this last addition to the burdens of the poor would have been' absolutely impossible, ring or no ring, but for the duty of £1 2s (3d a ton upon flour ? We do not attack that duty as in itself excessive, although something might even be urged on that score. What we do suggest, however, it that it is time Parliament considered this syndicate business. If it is not possible to introduce legislation making all such combinations illegal, as being opposed to the public welfare, Parliament can at least take out of the hands of this particular syndicate the weapon of a fifteen per cent import duty upon flour from Australia. The imposition of this has been justified as an aid to the farming community, but it is not the farmer who derives benefit from it hi the case under notice. 'We may be quite sure that the syndicate does not part with a farthing more per bushel for wheat than it can help. This is a matter which might very properly be taken in hand by the Government. A " corner " in flour means that the poor are struck at chiefly. Bread is the staple in a working household's bill -of - fare, and while a rise in the price of flour may not be-noticed by those more fortunately placed, it cannot fail to be keenly felt by the lowly. This is a matter which, ought also to be taken in hand by Parliament because very strong pressure is being brought to bear by the syndicate to induce the half-dozen mills still outside to join with them. A little enquiry in Wellington in-the right quarters will enable every member of the House who wishes to know the facts to get at the truth, and to satisfy himself that the recent advance of one-sixth in the price of flour is not due to 'scarcity of but to the operations of a ring assisted by the fact that flour imported has to pay a duty of over a pound per ton;