WHEAT DUTIES

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 August 1929, Page 5

WHEAT DUTIES

PRICE OF THE LOAF.

;Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, August 28

The second public sitting of the Select Committee of the House, which is considering the question of wheat duties, was held to-day. Mr. Ferguson, representing the South Auckland Dairy Association, said dairy farmers felt that, with the high tariff on pig food, it was impossible to raise the right class of pig for the export trade. They would prefer the duty to be taken off the pig food rather than, receive the bonus of a half-penny on the export trade. There was a feeling that there was no benefit to the farmer from the bonus. Further evidence was given by the Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Mr. Collins, who said that the object of the tariff and sliding scale was to make New Zealand entirely independent, if possible. If the Department were asked to investigate and report on the economic price of bread in order to give a reasonable price and provide for over head, they would fix the price at a shilling per 41b. loaf.

To the Chairman, Mr Collins said that were it not for the duties, wheat would be much cheaper. Mr Fawcett of the Departihent of Agriculture, speaking in regard to the poultry industry, said there was overproduction of eggs in the Dominion at present. The industry was on the downward swing, and this would probably bring about a rise in the price in the next few years. One of the big disadvantages under which the poultry farmer was working was that there was no organisation through which he could buy his wheat advantageously.

Witness said that he saw no prospect of an export market for New Zealand eggs.

The Committee adjourned till nex Wednesday.