WHEAT PROBLEM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21830, 19 June 1934, Page 5

WHEAT PROBLEM

POSITION IN AUSTRALIA ASSISTANCE TO GROWERS [from our own correspondent! SYDNEY, June 7 It is recognised on all sides iu Australia that a favourable' turn in the market for wheat would definitely put the seal on the recovery of tho Commonwealth from the long period of depression. It is not surprising, therefore, that world movements and foraeasts should be followed with the keenest attention. The news that came to hand last week about droughts and other adverse conditions in many of the great wheatgrowing countries was eagerly seized upon, and there was an outburst of optimistic remarks leading the suggestion that all was well—that Australia would be able to sell its wheat at a price profitable to the grower, who is now dependent upon Government assistance. Now the initial enthusiasm has died down in the light of more sober reviews, and it has to be admitted that Australia, with its over-flow-ing silos, still has to face a tremendous problem. ; Because tho international wheat situation will have an important bearing on the Federal Government's policy at the next elections, the Ministry is keeping a close watch on the position. Competent observers anticipate an upward move in world prices, but whether these will bo high enough to relieve tho Government of the responsibility of assisting the industry, either by legislation for' a home consumption price or for a further bounty, is doubtful. A substantial rise in the price would free the Government of one of its major problems for, without any improvement, the growers must bo assisted -during the next financial year to tho extent of at least £3,000,000. The Government is anxious to abandon the present dole system as soon as possible, and as it has dropped the flour tax, it might bo inclined to givo consideration to the fixing of a home price. Australian consumers aro so used to this port of thing that they are likely to accept such-a proposal without protest. Already their butter and their sugar costs them almost double world parity prices, and they do not complain. However, all know the story of the straw-and the camel's back; Meanwhile,' the man in the street asks why the Australian farmer continues to grow as much ' wheat as formerly. Although last season's crop has not been sold,, the prospects are that this season the production will be as great as ever. The wheat farmer knows the position better than anyone else. His confidence in the Government and in the length of the public purse is striking. EMPIRE TIMBERS NEW LONDON BUILDING [from our own correspondent! • - LONDON, April 26 The London Chamber of Commerce is setting a good example in '"having the whole of the decorative work in ! wood and 'mafrble,, as well as the general construction and equipment of their new building, carried out in Empire materials. Hitherto the London chamber has been housed in an old building in Oxford Court, opposite Cannon Street Station. 'lhe whole of the with the exception of a portion of the sixth floor, will be occupied by the chamber and its various departments and the trado associations for which it provides staff and offico accommodation. There are six committee rooms, and the Council Chamber itself will seat 200 persons. All the contractors are members of the chamber and are using Empire materials. The Council Chamber,, for instance, will be panelled with the Australian wood, blackbeam. The floor of tho chamber-will be of African olive wood. Victorian oak is to be used for some of the floors. British Columbian pine is also to be used for flooring in cue part of the building. All the doors throughout the building are to be of Australian walnut, while Victorian blackwood, a very near approach to mahogany, is to bo used for furnishings. Indian teak is also being used. DIRECT TRADE MANCHESTER AND DOMINIONS LONDON, May 15 The annual report of the Manchester 'Association of Importers and Exporters refers to tho efforts of tho council to encourage direct trade between the Dominions and Manchester. In the past four years shipments of New Zealand produce to Manchester havo increased enormously, as the following tonnage tablo shows: — • Total all Butler Cheese Men! uoods Tons Tons Tons f lons 1933 . . 8,835 5.893 4,307 23.224 1932 .. -5,040 ' 4.145 2.038 1931 .. 2.173 2.931 915 '.lOl 1930 .. 1,020 1.841 - 1.09 ■'• slß It is estimated that the consumption of butter, cheese and dried fruit within 50 miles of Manchester amounts to 10,245 tons a week, and a large proportion of these imports which used to arrive via London is now being shipped direct to Manchester for distribution. STATISTICS OF TIN WORLD POSITION IMPROVES In spite of recent increases permitted in production', the world statistical position of tin continues to improve. Stocks at tho end of May had fallen to 16,788 tons, and it is recognised that about 15,000 tons is a minimum stock needed to meet the demands or consumers. Consumption in recent months has been about 8000 tons, and the monthly production quotas fixed for April to October this year aro equal to 8063 tons. With all important producers in agreement in supporting the restriction plan, the future course of prices for tin depends largely upon consumption. The United States consumes normally 50 per cent or more of world production, and figures there have shown a substantial improvement. Estimated production of motor-car units in April was -100.000, compared with 189,281 units for April, 1933, and production of tinplates was placed at 4,000,000 boxes, compared with 2,250,000 boxes for April, 1933. In tho meantime prices for tin have been fairly steady, and at the present level of prices production by most of the producing companies is on a profitable basis. PUKEKOHE PRODUCE [from our own CORRESPONDENT] TUKEKOHE, Monday To-day's quotations for locally-grrown onions, ranging from 5s -9d to 6s 3d per cwfc., f.0.r., Pukekohe, show no alteration from tliopc of lust Monday. Small supplies of pota.toes are available from 6s 3d to (is 9d per cwt. , , .. Cabbages sell at 3s a large sack; cauliflowers, 6s a large snck; carrots and beetroofs, 2s a BURjtr bag; parsnips. 2s 6d b sugar bag; pumpkins, Gs per cwt.