CANTERBURY WHEATGROWERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17427, 23 September 1918, Page 4

CANTERBURY WHEATGROWERS.

PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVED CONDITIONS. (Peb United Press Association.) > TIMARU, September 22. The executive oi the Fanners' Union adopted a_ resolution that a letter be sent to the Minister of Agriculture on wheatgrowing, stating that it trusts that due effect will be given to the Minister's expressed opinion that _ farmers should have protection from outside competition. In reply to the Minister's suggestion, farmers cannot, owing to their previous disheartening experience, undertake to offer proposals for dealing with the failure of crops, and they recommend that the Wheat Controller and the Director of Agriculture bo appointed'" to make inquiries and report, the farmers giving willing • assistance. It is hoped that a straight-out offer will be made for next and tlie following years' crops. The figures of the Government Statistician (August abstract) shoiv that last year's wheat was,less than half a. million bushels short of the year's requirements, so tho 3j millions of the recent Australian purchase will go to meet the shortage in the next crop. The letter emphasises that this should not be used to fix the prioe of local-grown wheat. If it is, the promise of a free market is made impossible of realisation. Farmers are of tlio opinion that the Government should fake over the wheat under tho scheme which worked so well last year. Tho '.otter" also states that the position is aouto through tho continued depletion of working farmers and farm labourers, despite assurances to the contrary, and tho replacement of labour essential to the preserving of the industry is urged.