WHEAT FROM AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16926, 12 August 1918, Page 4

WHEAT FROM AUSTRALIA.

An announcement was made last evening by the Minister for Agriculture that he has made a second purchase of 2,000,000 bushels of wheat in Australia. Mr. Mac Donald now explains that when last month's transaction was completed the New Zealand Government was given an option for an equal quantity on the same terms. Since then Mr. MacDonald has decided that even with supplies for eight months from Australia the harvest which has just been threshed and the yield next summer will be inadequate for the Dominion's requirements. Such an estimate of the position is clearly a difficult responsibility; there is not even definite information regarding the area sown in the autumn, though it is believed that it is less than last year, while the spring sowing has not commenced. But the prospect of a serious shortage of wheat next year, when a heavy demand for Australian supplies is probable, called for prompt decision. The Minister has followed a prudent course by securing a reserve of 4,000,000 bushels, which should be sufficient to supply the deficiencies of the two local harvests, and the people of the Dominion will probably find substantial reasons, though the position may not be clear for some months, for congratulating Mr. MacDonald on his judgment and foresight. The arrangements which he has been able to make for the delivery of this wheat to the Dominion entitle the Government to further credit. Mr. Mac Donald states that space has been secured, without interference with the regular intercolonial services, for the transport of 1,000,000 bushels every six months, and the first consignment of the July purchase will reach Auckland this week. The administration of national affairs appears in so many respects to be lacking in initiative and vitality, that the public will find a refreshing decisiveness anil activity in the manner in which Mr. MacDonald has dealt with an admittedly i difficult problem.