NEW ZEALAND FLOUR

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17560, 17 August 1917, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND FLOUR

ITS EFFECT ON BREAD. WHY AUSTRALIAN ARTICLE IS USED. The quality of New Zealand flcjr was criticised by Mr F. G. Norton, of Lyttelton, in an interview with a "Lytteltou 'limes" reporter yesterday. He said that the Hon D. Budda, M.P., had drawn gloomy pictures of the importation of wheat and flour and its effect on millers and farmers, that. Mr G. Wittv. M.P.. had stated that wheat was much better and harder this season, and that the Prime Minister had stated that he had seen the very best of bread made from this season's flour. "While I respect! the. opinions of such practical farmers," Mr Norton said, "I think that they have a great deal to learn before they understand the difference, in the quality of flour beiore they could over hope' to make a livelihood by "baking it. Daring the past two seasons, in many districts, much damage was done by frosts, and in many cases the effects o: frost-bite cannot bo detected until tho wheat is brought into contact-with yeast. The stupid method of threshing out of stock has a disastrous effecton the quality of Now Zealand flour. It should be prohibited by law. If Mr Witty wishes to be really useful, he have legislation introduced compelling every farmer to stack his wheat crops for at least three months before threshing. During that very-criti-cal time the milk passes off in 'sweat and the grain matures, and in that v/ov abundantly increases in quality. •*' Bv the cross-fertilisation of wheat farmers Would benefit- immeasurably. Grain like other things, needs a chance. Although it may continue to Yield" well ;"r acre, it loses its fine qualitv. its" superior te.xturo and its s'ti'cmuh In the past, the farmer has vaciiCeed the. quality to the yield. Some varieties of wheat are absolutely unsuitable for produce tho best qualitv of flour. . '" -Vs a patriot, and as a man who always has taken d*ei> interest in- the domestic and industrial affairs of. this country. I deeply f-vrnpatlnso with millhands "and millers in the peculiar crisis that has arisen; but- I have had a technical training and r> wide, experience as , business man. and I can assure them that the bakinc fraternity does not import Australian flo'ur for the fun of the thing, but as a matter ot sheer necessity."