WHEAT AND VEGETABLES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume L, Issue 175, 27 October 1917, Page 5

WHEAT AND VEGETABLES

.SOWING/ URGED. (By-Telegraph.—Own C«ri«spondent.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Mr Lee asked the Minister of Agriculture what' it was intended to do with regard to securing a satisfactory area of wheat arid if he proposed to take any powers to compel owners of wheat lands to sow wheat; also the member wished to know what arrangements, had been made as to price. The Minister said there was a conference in Christchurch to arrange for the handling' of 1917-1918 wheat crop. He had drafted a memorandum which he would, submit to Cabinet, outlining proposals for a guarantee for the 191819 season. . As to the compulsion, that had been talked of in many countries. It seemed an attractive proposition, but there were difficulties, in the way. When' he visited Christchurch in the course, of a week- or two, he hoped to be able to place the position as from the Cabinet before the wheat growers.

Mr Anstey asked if fie would also consider the question of compelling owners of gardens in the city to grow vegetables. They had plenty of timeOnions, for example, were now at very high prices. The Government, the Minister replied; "had never suggested compulsion of farmers- and did not think it was at all necessary, if the farmers were; offered a payable price. ..-. A Member: And labour for harvesting- . ■.. • The Minister" said they had not considered compulsion on owners of small holdings, but had suggested to them that they should grow vegetables. They had offered them advice and assistance.