THE BREAD TRADE

Grey River Argus, 15 January 1941, Page 7

THE BREAD TRADE

[To the Editor] Sir, —I have read with much pleasure the letter of Mr Blanchfield, appearing in the “Argus” of Thursday, the 9th inst., and with your permission, will add a few comments. Mr Blanchfield is quite correct in stating that open competition, as between wheat farmers is required. He does not indicate, however, how that desirable end is to be achieved, and I suggest that the proper course is to repeal the wheat and flour duties. Although New Zealand can produce more bushels of wheat to the acre, Australia produces an incomparably better article for the production of bread. I remember the time when you could buy the 41b. loaf in Reefton for eightpence; but in those days, bread was made from Australian flour —“Adelaide Flour,’’ as it was popularly called, which was imported duty free. Then the public obtained good bread at the lowest price; but nowadays we eat inferior bread at a much higher price. Such are the blessings of the wheat and flour tax, of which both political parties approve. Well, may the consumer say with Mercutio, “A plague o’ both your houses!” Thanking you in anticipation. HENRY BETTS, Reefton, Jan. 13, 1941.