PRICE OF WHEAT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2997, 7 February 1917, Page 8

PRICE OF WHEAT

By Telegraph—Press Association. Chrlstohurch, February G. ; The Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald, President of tlio Board of Trade, stated today that it was intended io guarantoo the wheat-growers ss. sd. jier busliel in respect of next year's crop, or at the discrofciou of tho Government ss. lOd. per bushel. STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER. DUTY ON AUSTRALIAN FLOUR REIMPOSED. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, February 6. A deputation representing the millers in Dunedin and Southland had a hurried interview with the Hon. W. D. S. MaeDonald to-night regarding the price of wheat. In reply to questions the Minister said the price of sacks had been fixed at Bd., payable by the rjillers. The

price ot' wheat had been i ; xed t'.o.lj. at the main ports, and the wheat would j be paid lor according to quality, to be ascertained by the Government, grader. Tho Government was not commandeering the wheat. Millers could buy in the usual way. If farmers refused to sell, the Government would seize the wheat. Every purchaser and seller was required to furnish a report of the quantity bought and sold, and tho pw- [ pose for which it was bought or sold. J'ersons for speculation were liable to a heavy penalty. Some farmers had two years' wheat on hand, but they would be compelled to sell. In regard to railage on tho necessary wheat for mixing purposes in the south, millers would be allowed to charge an extra price on flour. The import duty on Australian Hour was reimposed this morning. The Minister raid he was informed that it was impossible to land Australian fjour here for £15, but the deputation said it could be landed for £14 10s.. Mr. Mac Donald said that if necessary the Government would increase the duty another £1. 'fho price of bran was £4 and pollard £6. The Minister said that according to figures obtained by the Government Statisti- ! cian, there were 1,650,000 bushels of wheat in the Dominion, the hulk probably held by speculators. Farmers held only 250,000 bushels. If anything like tlinc was found to exist, the Government would seize the wheat. N 1 ' i j ,