THE WHEAT DUTIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21249, 1 August 1932, Page 8

THE WHEAT DUTIES

It has already been the subject of comment that the one definite statement the. Prime Minister lias made concerning the programme for the session when Parliament meets later in the year was an uncompromising negative concerning a subject which should have the attention of Parliament without delay. Mr. Forbes said there would be no legislation affecting the wheat duties, which would stand. Such a declaration will be received with satisfaction by those who have succeeded in having maintained a system guaranteeing the wheat grower a fixed price no matter what the world parity may be ; but the Prime Minister seems conscious only of that feeling, and absolutely oblivious to the growing sense of active resentment outside the charmed circle of the 'wheat interests. The details of the sorry business have been discussed often enough to need no repetition now. The only point requiring emphasis is that at present, when, owing to the light crop harvested last season, there is nothing to protect, the protective system must be retained in all particulars. Everything is regulated so that the wheat which must be imported in face of scarcity is sold at exactly the same prices in each district as would be realised by home-grown grain. But while the Government pursues this amazing policy there is increasing feeling that with the present unemployment and distress no justification can be found for bolstering up the wheat growers at the expense of the rest of the community. They are entitled to reasonable protection, but what they receive now is far from reasonable. Not only are the people as a whole Being levied for their benefit, but the expansion of industry is being checked by dear poultry food, pig food, and other commodities affected by the price of grain. Many members of Parliament are not in agreement with the Government on this issue. They should press insistently the demand for a revision of the existing arrangement, and take no denial. The issues involved are too serious to be dismissed in the casual way the Prime Minister treats the subject.