FEED BARLEY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 22 August 1933, Page 3

FEED BARLEY

FARMERS DISCUSS IMPORTATIONS REQUEST TO RE MADE FOR DUTY Tho free importation of feed barley from Australia and its effect upon the growers in New Zealand were discussed at a meeting of farmers hold at Leeston, called by the Ellesmere branch of the Farmers’ Union, reports the "Press." There was a good attendance of growers, and the meeting decided to set up a committee to prepare evidence for submission to the Tariff Commission when it sits at Christchurch. The president of the Farmers' Union, Mr A. Anderson, who presided, said that there was a- feeling among growers in the district that something should be done to have the duty on feed barley restored. The Farmers’ Union did not like to take up tho matter alone as there were several growers who were not members of tho union. There had been a duty of Is a bushel on feed barley, and this was taken off in 1950. Immediately there was a heavy fall in the area sown, and the result had been a very depressing one in the district, which was one of the principal barley growing areas of New Zealand. There was still a duty of Is a bushel ou malting barley, but feed barley was free. The effect bad been a diminished return for barley, and also for under grade wheat. Mr K. G. Anderson cpioted acreage figures to show how the removal of the duty had affected growers in New Zea land since 1930. when the duty on feed barley was removed. Acres sown Year. in barley. 1930 18,229 .1931 23,952 1932 18,245 1933 13,700 Increases in imports which bad followed the removal of tho duty were also referred to by Mr Anderson. Imports, Year. bushels. 1927 2,338 1929 4,050 1930 56.875 1931 140,372 1932 130,664 1933 (six months) 99,030 The following committee was setup to prepare evidence: Messrs A. Anderson (convener), It. T. McMillan, T. A. Stephens, John lleslop, P. V. Bailey, and It. G. Bishop.