THE WHEAT SEIZURE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 252, 27 November 1914, Page 7

THE WHEAT SEIZURE.

GOVERNMENT BILL INTRODUCED.

LIVELY SCENES IN • PARLIANIENT

(Received November 27, 10.55 a.m.) SYDNEY, November 27. In the • Assembly, the Hon. Mr Hall -; moved the- introduction of a Bill empowering the Government, to compul-. » sorily acquire the whole crop of the State for its sale ab«|- distribution, '_ and to provide for the varying of certain contracts. He then moved the suspension of the Standing Orders to push / ' the Bill through. T ' / \'

Mr Wade and others objected to the ' fc • rushing through of such an important measure aVI, there were some lively v , scenes. The c'lohure was applied and the mo: , I tioii was carried' by 38 votes to' 31. . ".'' ; * Mr Hall, jri a lengthy explanation, punctuated *>y many interruptions, detailed the Government's intentions. He , ,*• said they hoped'they would,not have to import wheat. If they adopted the Bill they Would not, but if they did not - it would be necessary to import. He ". claimed that it was unlikely the price of wheat would'rise until ' it, became, clear that importation would 'be necessary. The Government proposed to fix the purchasing price at, 5/'-'.at country ' railway stations, and -afc'.this price, ■ farmers were getting considerably more than in previous years. A higher rate

would Wallowed for Seed wheat. Where'' '',; the farincru had entered'into contracts. •# to.'i Sel- wheat,before September 1, provision was made to vary the' contracts. I The Government proposed ,to limit the increase in the price of bread to a halfpenny per loaf. The Bill "would be administered by a board.

Mr "Wade moved an amendment for, the insertion of words providing for *■ the payment of a fair market value as compensation" for the wheat acquired. This was negatived by 37 to 27, and ; the Bill was introduced'and carried to its second reading stage, and then the House adjourned until Tuesday. »