DUTY ON FLOUR IS HIGH ENOUGH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17834, 30 April 1926, Page 7

DUTY ON FLOUR IS HIGH ENOUGH.

MINISTER SEES NO REASON FOR CHANGE. (Special to the“ Star.") WELLINGTON, April 29. the conclusion of the interview to-day the Minister of Agriculture. Mr Hawken, stated that he sees no reason why the present arrangements regarding imported wheat and flour should be interfered with. This expression of opinion was given when the Minister was asked the result of the deputation from the Canterbury interests, who complained ot flour dumping in the North Island. Mr Ilawken stated that, compared with the flour imports for the corrcs ponding period of last year, the recent imports had not been extraordinary, and the difference in price might possibly be explained by fluctuations in the market or by the fact that it seemed that Australia chose to sell flour for export cheaper than for home consumption. “Regarding the price paid for wheat in New Zealand, and the price paid in Australia,” added the Minister, “there seems to be a wide difference between the relative prices of flour and wheat in the two countries. “The price of bran and pollard appears to be rather less in Australia, than in New Zealand. It can hardly be argued, therefore, that the miller.: in New Zealand are unable tv' compete against the Australian flour. The price the New Zealand miller gives 'foe New Zealand wheat is really the consideration which rules the price of flour.