THE WHEAT YIELD

Otago Witness, Issue 3333, 30 January 1918, Page 10

THE WHEAT YIELD

ALLOCATION OF CROP IN FEBRUARY. CHRISTCHURCH, January 24. In a statement made this evening on the wheat question, the Hon. Mr MacDonald °aid that the weather conditions during the past two months, and particularly, during the last month, had militated somewhat against the yield that was anticipated earlier in the season, but if tho yield came up to tho average of last year there would probably be sufficient wheat for local requirements. It was hoped there would be no necessity this season to import from Australia, except perhaps a small quantity for mixing purposee. _ . _ , '■ln view of tho increasing shipping drihculties," he added, "it is to be hoped that such a result will bo achieved. Last year the strain that was put upon the intercolonial shipping resources to bring from Australia approximately 1,500,000 bushels was severe, and New Zealand, which is eminently fitted to grow sufficient wheat to satisfy its own requirements, should not bo faced with the spectre of a wheat famine. Early in February, when the wheat controller will be in possession of the necessary statistical data which is to be furnished by the millers showing their output," capacity of mill, and probable requirements, an allocation of the crop will be made accordingly to each miller, the various varieties being properly proportioned. Warrants to pur-

chase the amount so allocated will then ba issued to millers, and they will be expected to take delivery of as much of their allocation as they can accommodate in their mills or find suitable storage for. Brokers have been instructed to arrange as far as possible that all deliveries will be made direct to tho mills or to the millers' stores. If the farmer cannot make immediate sale and is compelled by force of circumstances to hold his wheat, he will be given an extra.£d per month from April to September for so doing. This rate will probably be suffi--~ cient to recompense the grower if he is compelled to put his wheat through store. Should there be any surplus of this season's crop after local requirements have been satisfied the Government will, of course, purchase it right out, and will carry it over to next season, and it will relieve _my anxieties very greatly if the surplus is a substantial one." Mr MacDonald added that as far as possible brokers would make prompt settlements with farmers, and, in terms of tho contracts made, would pay for all wheat delivered on the Ist and 14th day of each month.