IMPORTS OF WHEAT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 142, 18 June 1932, Page 1 (Supplement)

IMPORTS OF WHEAT.

The prime Minister’s statement in regard to the importation of wheat is satisfactory so far as it goes. The New Zealand, crop having proved insufficient for the [Dominion's needs, it, would seem the height of absurdity to charge a heavy customs duty upon importations necessary to keep up the supply. It has been stated continually by supporters of the duties on wheat and flour that the tariff is necessaryin order to protect the wheat growing industry and make New Zealand selfdependent in regard to wheat supplies. Despite high protection the industry has failed to supply sufficient for the country’s needs, and it seems only commonsense that the deficiency should be made good by purchases made on the best possible terms. The Prime Minister’s statement refers to representations made by the Wheat Marketing Board. That is the organisation representing the growers and millers of wheat, and while the Government is justified in giving full consideration to the association’s suggestions it is still more its duty to remember the claims of the general public. Mr. Forbes admits that fowl wheat is actually dearer to-day than the price growers can obtain for good milling wheat, and the price of flour is still keeping up the cost of bread at a time when every household must reduce expenditure to a minimum. With ample supplies available in Aus tralia or Canada there should be little difficulty in filling the needs of the Dominion. As regards fowl wheat the case for the admission of imports free of duty is particularly strong. The present price indicates that there is a shortage and poultry farmers are insistent that the cost of wheat is preventing the development of their industry. Poultry rearing could assist materially in the new’ small holdings scheme for the relief of the unemployed, but it can scarcely do much in this direction unless wheat can be purchased at a price which makes poultry' rearing profitable. The Government has promised full consideration of the whole question. It is to be hoped that the claims of the public as well as of the wheat and milling industry will be given full heed. —Taranaki DailyNews.