PRICE OF THE LOAF

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 234, 2 October 1929, Page 9

PRICE OF THE LOAF

SLIDING SCALE ON WHEAT COMMITTEE TAKES EVIDENCE. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 1. Further evidence was heard by the Special Committee of the House of Representatives considering tne question of a sliding scale of wheat duties. The statement was submitted by Mr G. S. Bates, representing the New Zealand Poultry Association. Broadly stated, the position was, he said, that there were two industries — poultry and wheat —of approximately equal values, but on the wheat was given suen a generous measure of Government protection as to render the other wholly unstable by being compelled to buy its main supply oi food from a higmy protected inuuslry. An appeal was made that the Government, at the time it contemplated spenuing large sums on closer settlement should see that everything possible was done to enable those aiready engaged in the poultry industry (mostly small holdings) to retain possession of their land and plant. Another poultry farmer A. G. Mumby, said that poultry farmers were not opposed to the production of wheat in New Zealand, but they did think they should be able to get her wheat at a reasonable price, 'iney had suffered a tremendous knock as the result of the imposition of the sliding- scale. The New Zealand farmer was at a big disadvantage so far as the export of eggy was concerned.

Replying to Mr Joones, witness said that the removal of the sliding scaie would place the poultry industry on a sound basis.

Further evidence was given by J. E. Barker, secretaray of the Master Bakers’ Association, who said he hoped to be able to show, as the result of the evidence which would be called, that the price of bread was not excessive. Evidence has been given by a number of master bakers, but their testimony has been treated as confidential. The Committee adjourned till to-mor-row.