WHEAT MARKET

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 January 1926, Page 7

WHEAT MARKET

“CONTROL’’ ABANDONED. (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, January 20. .Mr John Brown, of “Lowcliffe,” Ashburton, has received a telegram from the Prime Minister, stating:. “A wire addressed to the . Minister of Agriculture has been shown to .me by him. The Government is agreeable to rescind the decision made for Government control oL the 1925-26. wheat crop, and arrangements will be made accordingly. Regarding the 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 FAILURE.

CHRISTCHURCH, January 20.

A conference of the representatives of the wheat growers, flourmillers, merchants and poultrymen, with representatives of the Department of Industries and Commerce, was held today for the purpose of considering draft regulations dealing with the control by the Government of the marketing of the new season’s wheat harvest. Mr G. W. Clinkard, of the Department of Industries and Commerce, presided over about 25 representatives. The meeting was held in committee, and a brief report was subsequently handed to the press, which stated that the difficulties likely to arise in the even of decontrol were considered. The representative of the poultrymen clearly indicated that the poultrymen would raise strong objection to the payment of the existing duty on the wheat, which would necessarily be imported in considerable quantities into the North Island. The representatives of the flour-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, an;! if no increased protection is given by an increase in the duty on flour. It was pointed out that, if the milling industry were forced to cease operations, the supply of bran and pollard would be insecure, and any importations would necessarily be at very high prices. The meeting, after a lengthy discussion, did not, however, bring forward or determine upon any joint representations to the Government on the subject, and it is assumed that each of the sectional interests will make such representations as they deem necessary.

MINISTER’S STATEMENT.

WELLINGTON, January 21. Hon. O. G. Hawken, Minister of Agriculture, announced that control of the approaching wheat harvest will not now be undertaken by _ the Government, in view of the decision arrived at by the conference of growers at Ashburton on Tuesday. Control will be/ abandoned and the market will be allowed to take its own course, behind the protection of the tariff, which, however, may at a later date, require to. he adjusted or modified, as may be found necessary. The existing Order-in-Council prohibiting the importation of wheat'- and wheat products, and prohibiting private deal, ings in-now season’s wheat, will be revoked at an early date. '