AUSTRALIAN WHEAT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15715, 16 September 1914, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN WHEAT

EMBARGO ON EXPORTATION. MODIFICATIONS WANTED. [BY TEXEGKAPH— SPECUt COBKKSPONDENT.] Wellington. Tuesday. Messrs. H. Baldwin and R. Hall, flour merchants, have waited on the Prime Minister with reference to the prohibition placed by the Australian Commonwealth on the export- of wheat and flour to New Zealand, and asked him to use his influence to have the embargo removed. It was pointed out that the total exclusion of Australian flour would have a very serious effect upon the price in New Zealand. In replying, Mr. Massey expressed his belief That possibly a mistake had been made, and that the prohibition was not i intended to apply to New Zealand, lie promised to have inquiry made. After the interview with the I'rime j Minister Mr. Baldwin cabled to a Mel- ! bourne firm of millers, inquiring if the restrictions referred to New Zealand. To I this the following reply was received : — "Customs state export New Zealand pro hibited." In these circumstances Mr Baldwin thinks that now Australian sup plies are cut off the price of flour in New Zealand may advance another £2 per ton. It is now £13 per ton free on board South Island ports.

The Prime Minister states that he is already negotiating with the Commonwealth Government with the idea of allow-, ing wheat and flour to come to New Zealand under special contracts.