SHORTAGE OF FLOUR.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 253, 28 November 1914, Page 11

SHORTAGE OF FLOUR.

DUNEDIN MILLER'S VIEWS.

Press Association. DUNEDIN, November 27. "If holders will sell their wheat there is no fear of a shortage of flour until the Canadian cargo purchased by the Government comes to hand, and if this cargo arrives early in January, there is enough wheat to carry on till next harvest." This is the summing up of a Dunedin miller who' has a close knowledge of the wheat and flour markets. At present, however, there is, a shortage of flour consequent on millers being unable to purchase wheat; Orders for flour sent %b millers at Oamaru, Timaru, and Christehureh, have been refused, and with five out of the six local mills practically closed down, the position must soon become acute. Already some bakers are being hard put to to get flour to enable them to carry on, and there is only one result: If. flour is not forthcoming they must close down. On the other hand, several bakers have sufficient stocks to enable them to carry on till the end of the year.

Mr G. M. Thomson has received a telegram from the Prime Minister, stating that he has arranged for 25 tons of flour to be sent to Dunedin next week, anil a further 25 tons at 12 days delivery thereafter; that 1270 sacks of Australian wheat are leaving Sydney to-day for Dunedin, .and 500 sacks for Bluff; and that the Food Commission will sit in Dunedin, probably early next week.

NO STORING ALLOWED.

THE QO VERNMENT ADAMANT. Pre**? Association. WELLINGTON, November 28. The following statement has been made by the Prime Minister:- — '' It is now acknowledged in the southern districts of New Zealand that, the Dominion is faced with a shortage both of wheat and flour, and that we shall have to depend upon outside sources for most of our supplies for at least two months. The Commission Pet up under the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act of-last session will sit again in a few days to fnrilier consider the present shortage. In view of the difficulty that has arisen, and also having regard to the fact that we have to import much oft the wheat and flour that is required, I want those who may hold stocks of wheat to understand that the Government will purchase at a fair price, and that they-will- not be allowed to keep supplies locked up, to the detriment of the population. Supplies are afloat at the present time from Australia, and a further large' consignment will be forthcoming in a few weeks from Canada. In the meantime I want to emphasise the point that the Government will not allOw any storing of wheat supplies for the purpose of exploiting the public.''

STOCKS FROM AUSTRALIA.

Press Association. DUNEDIN, November 28. The Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey wires to Mr G. M. Thomson that he is advised by the Premier of the Commonwealth that 41 tons of flour have been shipped per the Wimmera for Bluff, and, 75 tons for Dunedin. Mr Massey adds that he has also arranged for an additionaF39s sacks of Australian wheat to go to Dunedin, making considerably over 2000 sacks to reach Dunedin during the next ten days from Australia.