SUPPLIES OF WHEAT

Otago Daily Times, Volume 17149, Issue 17149, 31 October 1917, Page 3

SUPPLIES OF WHEAT

ANOTHER DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT. (Fhom Odr Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, October 30. The Hon. D. Buddo asked the Minister of Agricuturo in tlio House of Representatives to-deiy what arrangements farmers could make for tho delivery of the wheat, crop. The Hon. Mr Mao Donald stated that tho Board of Trade had been visiting all the largo centres in tho South Island, consulting the millers, farmers, and other interested parties with regard to the taking over of tho milling crop. A conference of representatives of all tho interested: parties would bo held in Cliristchurch on Friday. Ho had hoped to place the matter before the Cabinet and go to Ohristchiirch on Thursday night, but, unfortunately, ail'airs in the House must delay his going. The members of tho Board of Trado. would not bo prevented from atJtonding. There was, ho understood, per*fect unamimity between tho parties to tho conference, and he hoped their proposals would bo given ellect to. Ho might be able to attend it yet. Mr Young stated that it had been represented to him that there was a visiblo shortage of milling wheat in the- Auckland province. Tho city and province of Auckland carried about one quarter of tho population, and practically the wholo of tho flour consumed was produced at two largo mills. .If no supplies wore available, four to six weeks would) present a serious position, for at least one of tho mills at Auckland, and would moan the discharge of about 100 workers. Would tho Minister of Agriculture look into the position, and if necessary take steps to meet the situation?

Tho Hon. Mr Mac Donald said he was aware of tho whole position, and as far as possible was taking steps to get supplies. The overseas shipping difficulty and the recent strike in Australia had prevented tho importation of wheat. A boat had recently left Auckland for Australia, and would bring back wheat for tho South Island. He did not know -when wheat could bo obtained for Auckland,- but he. was trying to arrange for shipments by the ordinary steamers. Suitable wheat could not bo got in New South Wales, and they would now have to go to Victoria or South Australia for it.

Mr Young: The Victorian wheat is splendid, and is what is wanted.

Mr Mac-Donald added that the matter was now in hand, and tho Government was in communication with the Imperial authorities with tho object of ascertaining the position regarding the boats coming to New Zealand.