THE WHEAT CONTROVERSY.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11111, 28 November 1914, Page 3

THE WHEAT CONTROVERSY.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Sydney, Nov. 27. In the Assembly, Mr Hall moved for the introduction of a Bill empowering the Government to compulsorily acquire the whole of the wheat crop of the State for its sale and distribution, and to provide for varying certain contracts. . He then moved the 'suspension of the Standing Orders to push the Bill through. Mr Wade and others objected to the rushing through of such an important measure and some lively scenes occurred. The closure was applied and the motion was carried by 88 to 81. Mr Hall, in a lengthy explanation, punctuated by many interruptions, detailed the Government’s intentions, and hoped they would not have to import. If they adopted the Bill they would not import, but it they did not it would be necessary to import. It was claimed that it was likely the price of wheat would rise until it became clear that importation would be necessary. He proposed to fix the purchasing price at 5s at country railway stations. At this price farmers would be getting considerable more than in previous years, A higher rate would be allowed for seed wheat. Where it was proved that farmers had entered into a contract to sell wheat before September Ist a provision would be made to vary the contraost. Government proposed to limit the increase in the price of bread to a halfpenny per loaf and the Bill would be administered by a Board. Mr Wade moved an amendment for the insertion ot the words providing for payment of a fair market value as compensation for wheat acquired, but this was negatived by 87 to 37, and the Bill introduced and carried to the second reading stage, and the House adjourned till Tuesday.