WHEAT AND FLOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20306, 13 July 1929, Page 13

WHEAT AND FLOUR.

CHEAPER ARTICLES URGED.

HIGH PRODUCTION COSTS.

COMPARISON WITH AUSTRALIA.

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, Friday

"Great diversity of opinion appears to exist among members as to the wheat and (lour situation," said tho Minister of Customs, the Hon. W. B. Taverncr, in the House this afternoon. Tho Minister wondered whether matters could bo so arranged that tho price of bread would bo reduced and at the same time the production of wheat maintained. Ho believed it was essential that New Zealand, isolated from all other countries, should aim to produce at least 75 per cent, of its requirements in wheat. Although not an agriculturist, tho Minister said he desired to say, from the point of view of general observation, that tho same duty devolved upon the wheatgrower as upon evoryone else engaged in industry—to examine tho conditions under which wheat was produced to-day, to ascertain if it could not bo grown and made ready for distribution cheaper than had been tho case in the past. Our wheat-growing areas, with their wonderful fertility and regular seasons, should surely be able to hold thoir own with countries less favourably situated, such as Australia.

The production costs should bo lowered, or if that was impossible, the position should be plainly and clearly stated by those concerned in older that the country might bo in no doubt as to the position. Production costs in New Zealand and Australia were contrasted by tho Minister to emphasise his contention. The estimated average bare cost of production in New Zealand was 5s 3d a bushel, whereas tho New South Wales cost on the latest figures available was 4s 8d a bushel. The estimated average cost of converting wheat into (lour in New Zealand was £4 a ton, whereas in New South Wales the process was done for as low as £2 Is a ton.