WHEAT-GROWING CAMPAIGN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16570, 20 June 1917, Page 8

WHEAT-GROWING CAMPAIGN.

DIFFICULTY OF SEED SUPPLY. A complaint that wheat-growers could not obtain seed wheat was made by a deputation from the Wheat Committee of the Wairarapa Efficiency' Board of Trustees., which waited on the Hon. W. D. S. M&cDpnald, Minister for Agriculture, in Wellington. The deputation presented a written report in which it complained that the Minister's promise that seed wheat and manure would be supplied had not been fulfilled by his Department. The deputation also stated that local merchants were charging 8s 6d a bushel for seed wheat.

Mr. Hugh Morrison, Masterton, said the committee had canvassed the district to | ascertain what land was suitable for grow[ing wheat. When 'the farmers'applied to the Department for seed wheat, however, they could not get it. Mr- H. Evans, Masterton, said seed wheat could be purchased at Christchurch for 6s 9d a bushel, but- there was too much delay in obtaining it. In Maswrton the price was 8s 6d. - Mr. Morrison said the committee had been promised that about 1300 acres would be available for wheat growing. Another member of the deputation said that what was wanted was fair wheat at & fair price. Financial assistance was not required. At present orders for wheat had to pass through three or four departments, and there was great delay in obtaining supplies. _ _ - Tne Minister replied that he would communicate with the Under-Secretary of the (Department, with a view of making it possible to send orders for seed wheat direct to the field supervisor in Christchurch. Ho thanked the committee for doing what it could to help the Governi ment.