DUTIES ON WHEAT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 12, 15 January 1932, Page 10

DUTIES ON WHEAT

APPEAL FOR OLD SCALE CASE FOR GROWERS ONLY A “FAIR PRICE” WANTED. That the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and also those who would profit on wheat under the new regulations had an associated responsibility for the agitation which resulted in the replacement of the old sliding scale wheat duties with the present regulations was the contention by a speaker at a mass meeting at Waimate last Saturday oi those interested in the wheat industry. Bread consumers, he said, did not start the agitation. Mr. 11. M. Whatman, chairman of the meeting, which was attended by 200 people, including wheatgrowers and businessmen, said the object was to strengthen the hands of the "Wheat Board in obtaining better w conditions and prices. Relief was essential to prevent growers walking off their farms, as although rain had come it was too late to give reasonable yields. Supply from Abroad. Mr. A. H. Shirtcliffe, of Timaru, said that at the new prices the growers were giving away £400,000 on the year compared with last year. New Zealand would probably have to seek an outside supply of 2,250,000 bushels, and Dominion growers should not have to accept less than wheat could be bought for in other countries. If the old duties were reinstated the grower would receive 5s 6d a bushel, which even then would not pay him. The North and South Islands should unite on the matter, which affected the whole community. The protection asked for was really against flour, as flour would be imported under the new duties. Mr. R. W. Winter said cheap bread alone would never relieve distress, j Bakers said Australian flour was necessary, but last year only 20 tons were landed at Oamaru. Wheatgrowers were willing to assist the North Island, but it was unfair that the North Island should indulge in tactics to defeat a fair price to Southern growers. Canterbury was suitable for cattle country and might compete with the North Island if wheat growing was stopped. Duties and Taxation. The Mayor of Waimate, Mr. Dash, referred to the plan in Australia whereby exchange rates were kept at a 30 per cent, advantage to exporters, which called for a sacrifice by importers, but was of ultimate benefit to the general prosperity, according to Professor Copland. This gave the highest authoritative soipport to the wheat growers’ appeal for assistance. If the growers were unable to pay their taxation it must be raised from the already burdened community. Mr. W. O. Long then referred to responsibility for the new regulations as previously mentioned, stating that handsome profits had been made by importers prior to the erection of the oid sliding scale and naturally were looked for again. Mr. Lindsay contended that North Island fanners were behind the Auckland Chamber of Commerce arid were as blameworthy. Mr. C. L. Carr, Labour M.P. for Timaru, said it would be helpful if nothing but increased duties on flour were obtained, but he contended that farmers could not ask both for higher duties and lower costs in wages. A resolution was carried unanimously asking for the reinstatement of the I sliding scale duties as from March 1, | otherwise, owing to dry weather and other causes, a large number of fanners i would have to walk off their farms.