WHEAT CONTROL PROBLEM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19221, 9 January 1926, Page 12

WHEAT CONTROL PROBLEM.

THE MONTHLY INCREMENT.

FURTHER CONFERENCE IN VIEW

j'BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH. Friday.

The problem of the control of the wheat output is still engaging tho attention of those interested, and it is probable that the matter will again bo discussed at a conference in Christchurch on January 20, between representatives of tho growers, millers, brokers and wheat control office. It is not intended that the conference shall discuss basic prices, but rather the question of the monthly increment, which has yot to bo decided upon. HORTH OTAGO FARMERS. FREE MARKET AND PROTECTION. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT.] OAMARU, Friday. The wheat problem came under discussion at to-day's meeting of the North Otago Farmers' Union. The chairman, Mr. W. Forrester, stated that he had a sheaf of correspondence on the subject from tho president of tho mid-Canterbury Executive and others. Ho had writton to tho chairman of the mid-Canterbury Executive stating that it was clearly understood at tho Ashburton meeting that the question of this season's control had no bearing on the arrangements for future years. A lengthy letter from Mr. G. W. Leadley was read stating that the Oamaru delegates had been responsible for the proposal that there should be control for a period of threo years at an advanced prico. He suggested that tho North Otago farmers should call a meeting and demand either control for three years or a free market for this year. The chairman said the only responsibility taken by the Oamaru delegatesi was to move that the price under control for three years should bo 7s,' 7s 2d and 7s 4d. Had the price of wheat gone down instead of going up, the Canterbury farmers would have insisted upon t.ho agreement being adhered to. Mr. D. Cameron stated emphatically that this year's control and control for three years to come had been discussed as separate issues. Mr. Ruddonklau, one of the delegates, endorsed this view. Mr. R. Walker moved that the union abide by the agreement made at Ashburton and have nothing to do with the wheat question. Mr. Trotter seconded. Mr. A. Murray said there was a growling feeling among tho wheat growers that the Farmers Union did not represent the .interests of the growers. Tho farmers had been placed in an unfortunate position by the meddling of the Farmers' Union and the Government. What they should do was to allow the wjieat growers to work out their own destiny. All they wanted was a free market and some of the protection, through the customs that was given to bootmakers, woollen mills and others. He thought the union should call a meeting of wheat growers only to discuss the question.

Mr. Cameron stated that a meeting of wheat growers had been called at Christchurch.

Mr. Murray: That meeting was swamped by tho Farmers' Union, which represented pastoralists. We should ask for fair protection and allow the, wheat growers to work out their own salvation.

As a resolution might prejudice negotiations with the Government. Mr. Walker's motion was held over and the matter v»as allowed to drop.