WHEAT & FLOUR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2273, 6 October 1914, Page 6

WHEAT & FLOUR

QUESTION IN , THE HOUSE.

The price of wheat and flour was again referred to in the House of Representatives last evening, when Mr. G. \V. Russell asked the Prime Minister: whether he had mado further ■ inquiries regarding the matter in accordance with tho promise made to the southern deputation which waited upon him on Friday last. Hβ also asked whethor tho -Prime Minister had himself formed any distinct opinion as to the , desirableness or otherwise of issuing a new -proclamation. He further a-sked whether-the Commission wae considering other matters ' such aa the price of drugs, etc. The real responsibility in these matters rested with the Government and not with the Commission. , ..

Mr. Massey replied that in accordance with the promise that ho had made to the deputation he had been in communication with the chairman of the Commission, who had arrived xn Wellington that .afternoon. The Commission would hold sittings possibly the next day, or at the .latest on Wednesday. In all probability the Commission would also take further evidence in Christchurch,. and .possibly in some of the other southern centres: He admitted that the responsibility, rested with the Government, kit it was the duty 'of the Government, .so long as it had confidence in the Commission—and it had such confidence —to accept its recommendations. As stated a few days ago he had made inquiries from American merchants as to , the price at which a, minimum of 1000 tons and a maximum of 4000 tons of flour could be supplied. He had received a reply that day : stating that the c.i.f. price from Montreal was £15 16s. 2d. a ton, and the Vancouver f.o.b. price £13 7s. (3d. a ton. He pointed out that Australia was not likely to have any wheat or flour to spare this season, and he had been making every endeavour to encourage New Zealand farmers to grow more wheat. There was no doubt that if we did not grow enough for ourselves, flour would Teach a price higher than any.experienced for twenty years. The wheat that he had purchased in Australia , would shortly be very useful in supplying mill:era who were short of stocks.