IMPORTATIONS OF WHEAT

Southland Times, Issue 23308, 18 September 1937, Page 14

IMPORTATIONS OF WHEAT

BIG SHIPMENTS MADE SHORTAGE OF POULTRY FOOD In spite of the efforts of the Government to stablize the wheat industry because insufficient was being grown to meet New Zealand’s requirements, importations considerably in excess of those made last year already have arrived from Australia, states The New Zealand Herald. Shipments to the end of last month totalled 510,000 bushels and further cargoes are afloat or on order. The decision to prohibit the importation of wheat into New Zealand was made by the Government in February 1936, but mainly because of the shortage in the Dominion crop this season, arrangements had to be made to meet the demand. Most of the wheat is being imported from Australia, but large shipments also are being made from Canada. The fourth consignment arranged by the Government, and totalling about 150,000 bushels, was landed in Auckland by the Kekerangu about a week ago. Some of this cargo was milling grade, but the majority was fowl wheat. The Kalingo, which left Melbourne at the end of last month, is due to arrive at Auckland shortly with a further shipment. The first consignment of milling wheat from Canada this season will comprise 37,000 bushels, which will be brought by the Aorangi, due about the middle of the month. According to Government regulations, no flour is now imported into New Zealand, all the milling wheat from Canada and Australia being gristed in New Zealand. This was done with a view to encouraging wheat-growing in the Dominion and to provide additional employment. New Zealand is far from being selfsufficient in growing grain and a great deal of reliance is placed on imports. Large quantities of maize have been imported from South Africa this season. The duty on overseas maize was lifted until August 1 on account of a shortage in the Dominion, and no announcement has yet been made with regard to its reimposition. Substantial shipments of pollard, barley and chaff also come from Australia.