THE WHEAT PROBLEM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19086, 3 August 1925, Page 14

THE WHEAT PROBLEM.

ASSISTING THE GROWERS. CLASH AT FARMERS' UNION. THE ATTITUDE OF AUCKLAND. The wheat problem was again before tho annual Dominion conference of the Farmers' Union in Wellington on Wednesday, when the debate was continued on the following motion brought forward by Mr. A. E. Harding (Auckland): "That this conference is opposed to duties and embargoes on foodstuffs, and considers that any necessary encouragement to grow cereals should bo given in tho form of subsidies." Tho president, Mr. W. J. Poison, said tho discussion on tho previous night had pained him considerably, as he had felt it was undignified. 110 had spent some years in attempting to build up tho Farmers' Union. They had had tho statement made that this controversy, if continued, would break up the organisation. The question was a burning one in tho South Island. The Farmers' Union had decided to stand solidly behind tho wheatgrowers. He wished to remind the northern members that it was only creating discord and dissension to bring forward this controversial question. They had no chance of affecting tho position by any resolution they might pass, as it was outside the realm of practical politics. The Principle of Free Trade. Mr. Harding said ho could not allow the president to say that the discussion was of no value. One of the principles of the union was Freetrade, and if upholding their principles was going to wreck tho union ho was prepared to do it now. Mr. W. H. Allen (Auckland) claimed that tho union had a perfect right to discuss such a question. They did not object to the wheatgrowers receiving a subsidy, but they contended that wheat from outsido should be allowed to come in without duty. Mr. W. G. Lcadley, chairman of the Wheat Board, considered that the remit sent down by Auckland was quito unnecessary. Tho wheat-growers had entered into an agreement with the millers as to a price, and they had also an offer to renew this agreement for three years. Mr. A. E. Robinson (Bay of Islands) referred to "tho vicious results which arose from Protection." If the wheatgrowers were concerned about defence, where were their granaries 1 There were any number of farmers who were out working on the roads at six o'clock in the morning in order to keep their farms. These men were not protected as were the wheat-growers. Tho wheat-growers were simply drawing a red herring across the scent, and if they followed the herring "it would lead them into the bog of Protection. Mr. R. D. Duxfield (Auckland) said that a solid plank of tho union was that customs tariff i must only be used for revenue purposes. He would like to see a way out. Postponement Advocated. Mr. J. H. Joll (Haveiock North) moved: "That the discussion be postponed until after next wheat season, wheii it could bo ascertained whether the wheat-growers were prepared to supply tho requireinents of the Dominion." Mr. T. Bruce (Palmerston North), speaking on behalf of the New Zealand Poultry Association, seconded the amendment, remarking that when tho millers and wheat-growers had entered into their agreement they did not consult tho poultry farmers. Tho were not satisfied with the agreement, as was proved by tho fact that they had charged the poultry farmers more than the fixed price. * ' , Mr. F. Colbeck (Auckland) said they were prepared to pay the wheat-growers a bonus on world's parity. Could anything bo fairer ? Mr. W. W. Mujholland (Darfield) said there was no possible chance of getting a subsidy as suggested through Parliament. Mr. Joll's amendment was defeated by a large majority. Mr. J, D. Hall (Hororata) then moved as a further amendment that tho proposal to grant a bonus for the crowing of cereals should bo referred to the Dominion executive, with a request that they prepare a roport on the subject for submission to provincial executives In time for tho next wheat season. Mr. Hall's amendment was carriod by 41 votes to 22.