FOWL WHEAT.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18625, 2 May 1932, Page 9

FOWL WHEAT.

(To the Editor.) _____ gi r ,—The following information regarding the fowl wheat position may be of interest to you and your readers: 1. Parliament Intention Thwarted. — Instead of the duty reduotion of Is Id per bushel being passed on to the thousands of householders and poultry farmers who buy fowl feed, as Parliament intended, It is going Into the pockets of a'handful of . South Island holders. ... T 2. Prime Minister’s Warning Ineffective.—On April 14, 1932, the Prime Minister told the House of Representatives the Government was seriously considering the question of reducing or suspending the duty on fowl wheat. The reason for that statement was doubtless partly „a warning to the holders that the reduced duty of Is Id had to be reflected in reduced prices to the public. Has Has the warning been of any effect? Practically none. The following is a comparison of prices, the Government having’ reduced the duty since last year by Is Id. per bushel:—

The unquestionable fact Is the organised flourmillers secured the duty drop of Is Id; the unorganised North Island, publlo are paying almost the same prices as last year. 3. Why Is Government Action Delayed 7 —. it is suggested the Government have been informed there is plenty of wheat In the country (this point discussed later). Granting for the moment there Is—does that justify almost last year’s prices being charged the public, with a reduced duty of Is id? Of oourso it does not. And since the Government have been made aware of the position will they condone it by inaction? Despite the Prime Minister’s warning, the' 'only effect of same has been to' temporarily icstrain" the present inflated prices from rising further, for the market is still firm and odd buyers with a full tradingknowledge are buying forward at 4s lOd for April-May-June, anticipating. tlie market rising and assuming the Government will “do nothing.” 4. Probable Position. —The strong probability is there is a definite shortage of g.w.f. grade, wheat (although there is llood-daniagcd inferior stuff at Timaru and Oamaru), and the exorbitant price for sound fowl wheat has continued. Further, .the strength of' the market, despite the Prime Minister’s warning, denotes a definite shortage of g.w.f. grade wheat (for sellers are still getting and buyers arc forced to pay the exorbitant price). But conceding’the “theoretical" argument of the speculative holders that there is "plenty of wheat in the country” there is no reason why the public should not get the benefit of (tie drop in duty -of Is Id on fowl wheat. 5. The Remedy.—Let the Government permit a controlled importation of fowl wheat from Australia immediately. If ample supplies of the “alleged” g.w.f. grade whoat exist, and "then make an appearance at prices consistent with the drop in duty of is Id, further permits need not bo issued. Meantime the exploitation of the thousands of North Island householders continues, against the intention and legislation of the Government, and I lie Government alone can remedy the mailer.— 1 am, etc.. W. ]•:. LKWTSILAM*

Milling Wheat. 1931. 1932. s. cl. s. d. March .. 5 94 4 84 April ..5 94 4 84 GAV.F. Grade Wheat 1931. 1932. a. d. s. d. . March 4 7 4 8-4 9 April 4 11-5 3 4 8-4 9