THE WORLD'S WHEAT.

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 38, 15 February 1919, Page 12

THE WORLD'S WHEAT.

Broomhall of sth November states that "if the serious diminution of the Home crops, which must have taken place during four years of war, is taken into account, it is obvious that the Central Empires could absorb largo quantities of foreign g^in if it could be obtained, but it remains to be seen if they are in a position to buy, and, if so, if the Allies are willing to allow them to do so. It is considered that Germany and Austria aro able to buy, and Germany has many ships in her ports which could be utilised to transport gr»in. If the United States and Canada are willing to sell, no doubt the needed supply could be obtained from the huge stocks 'of Argentina and Australia. Viewing the position now, tho wants of our enemies could be filled, or partly, filled, without any great disadvantage to the Allies, and the latter would not arbitrarily bar surrendered enemies fft>m purchasing needed foofl. Estimates of available surpluses actually in exporting countries and which could be spared for sending abroad are:^-United States, 240,000,000 bushels; Canada, 80,000,000 bushels: Argentina, 48,000,000 bushels; Australia, 160,000,000 bushels. To these figures are to bo added the surpluses from- the new hax--vests---Argentina 120,000,000 bushels, and Australia 40,000,000 *bushels."

It is good to meet the cheerful farmer (says the Wyndham Herald). "There have been ■ gloomy prognostications of a. shortage of winter feed. , Ono of our cheerful friends whom it ie a pleasure to meet thus summed up: —"Stock never yot starved iii winter in Southland. Seed time and harvest** never fail. Harvest will be a month later than last year, it is true; will begin at the time it finished last year; but, with reasonably good weather, it will be all rifht. Never find fault with the season till the season is out. We shall probably have a t good 'back-end,' for which Southland is famous."

With regard to the artificial cultivation of flax in New Zealand, th© Australasian says:—"The Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Oman) in response to inquiries has received a cable message from New Zealand stating that the amount of flax grown artificially in that country is limited to approximately 60 aores. None has been planted during the war period, despite the high prices that havo been offered for Now Zealand flax fibre. It is officially stated that, in view of the very limited extent to which tho flax is artificially cultivated in Now Zealand, \it is unlikely >fchat the Victorian Ministry will agre.e to assist its introduction here."

A lucerne plant growing at the Department of Agriculture's depot in Bathstreet, Christchurch, which last year measured 9ft 3in across, was dug up with about 2ft 6in of root and transplanted. The plant is again growing vigorously, and now measures Bft Urn across. _ It is hoped to get some seed from this record plant as the seed was spoilt by the rain last year.'