THE PRICE OF WHEAT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 16892, 8 February 1917, Page 4

THE PRICE OF WHEAT.

THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY

Per Press Association,

DUNEDIN, Feb. 7. A deputation representing the millers in Dunedin and Southland had a hurried interview vfrifejf the Hon. Mee-, Donald -to-night, regarding the price' of wheat. In reply to questions,- the Minister said the price of sacks 'had been fixed at Bd., payable by millers. The price of wheat was fixed f.o.b. main ports. Wheat was paid for according to quality, to be ascertained by the Government grader. The Government was not commandeering wheat. The millers could buy in the usual way. If-.farmers refused to sell, the Government would seize wheat and; every purchaser and seller was.'required to furnish a report, as to the quantity bought and sold, and the purpose for which it was bought or sold. Persons buying for speculation were liable to~a heavy penalty. Some farmers had two years' wheat^ on hand, but they would be compelled to sell. In regard to railage on necessary wheat for mixing purposes, in the South millers would be allowed to r extra price on flour. The import duty on Australian flour would be re-imposed. This morning the Minister said he had been informed that it was impossible ;feo land Australian flour here for £15, but the deputation said it could be landed .for £14 10s. The Hon. .MacDonald said if necessary the Government would increase the duty another £1. The price of bran was £4, and pollard £6. The Minister said according to figures obtained by the Government Statistician, there were 1,650,000 bushels of wheat in the Dominion. The bulk was probably held by speculators. Farmers held only 250,000 bushels." If anything like that was found to exist, the Government would seize the wheat.