THE DUTY ON FLOUR.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 178, 2 September 1914, Page 5

THE DUTY ON FLOUR.

ITS EFFECT HERE. Press Association. WELLINGTON, September 1. Among the speakers at the deputation for removal of the.duty on flour was Sir Joseph Ward, who said the Opposition would do anything in its power to keep down the cost of living. Mr Massey, replyir.g, sail ne was pleased to notice that members generally recognised that the proposal was important. He pointed out that the export of wheat had been prohibited fpr, as. a matter of , fact, there was scarcely enough wheat in New Zealand to last until next harvest. For some time he had done his utmost to encourage the growth of wheat on a larger scale, and his efforts had been successful. Wheat-growisg was not a profitable branch of agriculture, and was less profitable by far in New Zealand, than in Australia. If they took the duty off Australian wheat it would be only fair for Australia to take~~the duty off New Zealand oats. It had also been suggested that if the duty on flour were taken off, employees in our flourmills might be affected. He was Strongly against the exploitation of the public, and the Government was doing its best to prevent it. That morning he had received a cablegram from Sydney stating that the price of wheat was. 4/9 "on rail, "which meant thai wheat was as dear in New South Wales as in New Zealand. The point to be considered was what effect the taking off of the duty would have on the production of wheat in New Zealand. It was possible it might have the effect of reducing it' below our own requirements.