WHEAT GROWING

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1933, Page 4

WHEAT GROWING

PROTECTION OF INDUSTRY.

LABOUR PARTY’S POLICY. . , 2 ter Press Association— Copyright j ■ ■ '9 AUCKLAND, April 17. ; Support for d, policy. of wheat duties was given by the Dominion eon* f fierempe, oft the J/abour p’-hty ib* night. The committee i afppoihted .by tliß last sfnnuai iconforenco to cbnuidei* the wheat and flour industry reported that in its opinion "guaran. teed prices would provide a solution of the wheat problem for the farmer, award rates of wages would protect the worker’s, -and the strict administration of the regulations which could be provided under the Board of Trade , .Act would be a substantial guarantee against the exploitation of the consumer.” Thg committee expressed the view that guaranteed prices must rest on a foundation of monetary .reform. ■Unle s s purchasing power was .increased as production increased prices could not be maintained, and the guarantees would be undermined. The greater part of whateye r exploitation took ;place in thg supply of wheat products occurred after -the wheat (left the farm, and that was where control was chiefly valuable.

The report concluded: “In view of the apparent monopoly of wheat, and wheat products by milling and distributing agencies which results in unduly .high prices to consumers, the committed recommends : “(1) That the Department of Industries and 'Commerce be authorised to exercis e the powers conferred by the Board of Trade Act, so as to ensure complete • control of the produc/ion land importation of wheat and wheat products, andcontrol; of prices 'from farm and factory: to

consumer. , “(2) •'That subject to the payment of award rates of wages in the wheat and milling industry .adequate tariff rates or adequate subsidies on wheat he supported iintil icomplete control of the industry and prices is arranged - under the jßoard of Trad® ■Act. ■ ■ “(3) The establishment of Stats flour mills-” The report was adopted.