THE WHEAT PROBLEM.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 17 March 1926, Page 6

THE WHEAT PROBLEM.

Tortile Editor of the “Timaru Herald.” ® lr > The wheat question lias resolved itself into a battle between tlio mulers and tho producers, and, as usual, the millers aro forcing tlio price down, no doubt with the idea of securing, the wheat belonging to tho weak holders at a- reduced price. It is Commonly reported that a further drop of threepence per bushel will take place very shortly, which will mean that those who have to sell at these prices will sell at a loss. Now, sir, we all khow that the largo majority of farmers are financed by tho mercantile firms or the banks, and it is as much to the interest of these concerns that the farmers should make a profit as it is to the farmers themselves. That being so, would it not be good business on tho firm’s part to give the farmers a good advance against their wheat and assist them to hold, and thereby force the millers to pay tho market price of the wheat? Wheat lias been sold this season as high as 7s 2d per bushel, and there is little doubt that as soon as tho "’oak holdei-s are off the market it will again rise to that price or higher. Of course there is another side to the question, in that we know the millers or 'Distributors Ltd., are a strong financial body, and will bring to bear all the influence they possibly can to force the price down, and it will be interesting to watch whether the firms are going to back up the producers or cuter for tho millers. The towns are already feeling the oifccts of tho position the producers are in, with wheat dropping, wool at about half what it was last year and lamb not much better, and it is a vital question to both town and country that tho producers should at least get full market value for thoir wheat. It is worth while noting that now nearly all the wool is sold the price is rising, and one cannot help asking why this is so, and whether the same tiring will not happen with the wheat. it has happened before 1 That there is something wrong is certain, but the question is hoa ; it is to be righted, but I sincerely hope some means will be found of getting the producers a fair deal with their wheat, —I am, etc., . “FARMER.’!