ON THE LAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18888, 22 December 1924, Page 16

ON THE LAND.

EMPIRE WHEAT SUPPLIES.

INCREASE IN PRODUCTION.

INTERESTING FIGURES.

The production of wheat within the British Empiro has grown enormously of recant years. Canada produced in 1900 some 60,000,000 bushels, while in 1923 her vield was no less than 468,590,000 bushels. Australia's yield in 1890 was 32,000,000 bushels, while in 1923 it was 120,000,000 bushels. The Indian crop has grown from tin average of 260,000,000 bushels to ove; 370.000,000 bushels. In 1923 the wheat crops of the following countries was i—United Kingdom, 60 000,000 bushels; India, 370,000,000 bushels; Canada, 468,590,000 bushels.; Australia, 120,000,000 bushels; South Africa, 5,600,000 bushels; New Zealand, 4,250,000 bushels. The imports of wheat into the United Kingdom in 1922-3 were 220,000,000 bushels, and for the year August 1, 1923.. to July 31, 1924, the estimated imports were 250.000.000 bushels. The total estimated surplus of Canada, Australia and India was no loss than 500,000,000 bushels, or more than double the import requirements of ( the United Kingdom. The prospects for increased grain production in the Dominion of Canada are most promising, as there are 300,000,000 acres of land officially reckoned to be fit for cultivation, of which area at present onlv 60.CC0.0W acres are cultivated. In New South Wales there are 26,000.000 acres suitable for wheat-growing, while in West Australia the available area is bo vast that the Agent-General " hesitates to set a liniii to ultimate production." The gradr.il withdrawal of the United Stales as. an exporter of wheat will certainly increase the, .wjheat trade within the Empire. , During '- the last quarter of. a century Califonvjan wheat, Pacific Coast flour, 'and Northern Spring wheat have all ceased to be exported to England, and it is possible that in the not-distant future American wheat and flour will also drop • out of the English markets. The trade in wheat from Canada and Australia'; to the United Kingdom will undoubtedly increase largely. • In connection with the " position stated it is interesting to note that .efforts are being made to organise, the Empire's wheat supplies, as Indicated by the following cablegram published .on Friday:— ' " The British Empire Producers' Association has decided to 'urge the Government to fix the minimum quota of the country's annual wheat requirements which should be produced by the soil of the United Kingdom. 'They also urge that wheat beyond that i.'jaota should be of Empire origin and that steps should be taken to organise the Empire supplies." ' \ <