WHEAT FOR DOMINION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17328, 27 November 1919, Page 6

WHEAT FOR DOMINION.

UNCERTAINTY OF SUPPLIES. ■ as MORE PRODUCTION NEEDED. NECESSITY FOR CONFERENCE. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] DDXEDIN. Wednesday. The production of wheat was discussed by the Prime Minister, Mr. W. F. Massey. in the course of an interview this evening. "It is practically certain," he said, " that there is not sufficient wheat being grown in. the Dominion to meet our requirements for the following year— is, up to the harvest at the beginning of 1921. In view of the drought with which Australia is at present afflicted, we are being brought face to face with a very difficult position, and we have to realise now that it will not do for New Zealand to depend upon any other country for even a part of its requirements • in the way of foodstuffs. " The Australian drought may last for years, in which, case Australia may be hard put to it to find foodstuffs for its own ptople It has now become more than ever necessary that a satisfactory arrangement should be made between the Government and the farmers who have land suitable for growing cereals to produce the 6,000,000 or 7,000,000 bushels that NewZealand requires annually. " I suggest, therefore, that a conference be held as soon as possible after the Christmas holidays and before the harvest commences, between representatives of the wheatgrowers and members of the Government, probably including myself, and that an arrangement be concluded for a term, of three years by which wheatgrowers will thoroughly understand the position, a-nd also by which, given average seasons, sufficient wheat will be given for the necessities of the growing population of the Dominion."