SCALE OF WHEAT DUTIES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20890, 4 June 1931, Page 8

SCALE OF WHEAT DUTIES.

ALTERATION OPPOSED.

PROTEST FROM GROWERS.

[BY telegraph.—press association.] TIMARU. Wednesday.

A meeting of South Canterbury wheatgrowers was held to-day, when a protest was made to the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. A. J. Murdoch, against the proposed alteration in the wheat and flour duties. Several hundred growers were present, as well as representatives of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and kindred bodies. Mr. J. Bitchener, M.P., presided. Other speakers were Messrs Burnett, M.P., Clyde Carr, M.P., A. M. Shirtcliffe, and A. J. Davey. At the conclusion of the addresses the following resolution was carried : —That this meeting makes a respectful but very firm representation to thef*Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture as follows: For the protection of the wheat industry, with its many benefits to the country generally in putting wheat lands to their full legitimate use; for the protection of allied trades and wage-earners; that growers receive a minimum price of 4s 9d a bushel, on a basis of on trucks, country stations, with the opening of next season's wheat business; that the sliding scale of duties be not interfered with, for the protection of the industry against huge world surpluses oi wheat, especially in regard to protection of mills against the importation of flour. The Minister assured the meeting that the full facts would be placed before the Prime Minister, who had been handling the question.