BIG DEAL IN WHEAT

Marlborough Express, Volume LII, Issue 169, 20 July 1918, Page 6

BIG DEAL IN WHEAT

2,0!)0,(>0{) BUSIiKLS

EOTGMT IN ■VICTORIA

Tho Government has brnight 2,Gj.X)X!a) bu-.hds ■.>(' Avheafc in V ii-toriu to make \>.\) ih-e shortage in various parts of .W;v Zealand. Tho -Ministt-:' for Agriculture stated to a Post representative that tho thrashing return-; reveal-, d a considerable shortage of grain. There was also tho fact that sonic miller*1., particularly m tho i-outh, said that they wee. in urgent need of Australian wheat for mixr.ig. The whole matter had been thoroughly discussed Avith farmers, with tJie "result that tho information available for the Government indicated a probable decrease in the area that would bo sown :n wheat this year.

After getting a careful estimate of tho Avhole iM)sition and tho prospect up to February nexti year, the Glovernment dec:d'-d to buy Australian wheat. Mr Shirtcliffc, of the grain Hcjpartment of tlie Timaru Farmor«' 00-opora.tive Company, Avas sent to Australia to negotiate on behalf of the Government, in conjunction witii the Ngav Zealand Trade Commissioner, Mr Mans-on. After a thorough investigation in New South Wales and Victoria they received an offer of Victorian -.vhcat, an option of purchase of 2,000,000 bushels.

This option Avas to be open till midday on Monday. The deal was closed in good time by cable, on terms regarded as satisfactory in tho circumstances. (A Melbourne cable says that tho price is os 7^d per bushel). By the last Australian mail the official prieo in terms of flour for ex~ port to NfiAv Zealand, July to Sep+<~'niber, 1918, were 5s Sd per bushel: Hongkong and Shanghai, 6s; other Eastern markets, July to September, 6s 4£d. For local consumption the price is 4s 9d per bushel; but for below fair average quality, 3s 6d to 4s 6d, according to sample.