WHEAT GROWERS

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 21 January 1926, Page 5

WHEAT GROWERS

*> WORRIED OVER CONTROL. ANOTHER CONFERENCE HELD. FREE MARKET WANTED. (HV TELEGRAPH —PIIKSS ASSOCIATION.) CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 20. A conference of representatives of wheat growers, flourmillers, merchants, and poultrymen, with representatives of the Department of Industries and Commerce, was held to-day for the purpose of considering draft regulations dealing with 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 difficulties likely to arise in the event of control were considered. The representative of poultrymen clearly indicated that poultrymen would raise a strong objection to the payment of the existing duty on wheat, which would necessarily be imported in considerable quantities into the North Island. Representatives of the milling industry explained that under free market conditions they would be unable to compete with Australian flour if the existing duty on wheat is imposed, and 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 point in regard to 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.

NO CONTROL

MARKET TO TAKE ITS COURSE

WELLINGTON, Jan. 21

The Hon. O. J. Hawken, Minister for Agriculture, announces that the control of the approaching wheat harvest will not now be undertaken bv 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 be adjusted or modified as may lie found necessary. The existing Orders-in-Council prohibiting the importation of wheat and wheat products, and prohibiting private dealing in new season’s wheat, will be revoked at an early date.