THE WHEAT POSITION

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3037, 26 March 1917, Page 6

THE WHEAT POSITION

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

MR MACDONALD IN THE SOUTH In course of .conversation with a Christchurch reporter, the Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald gave some interesting particulars in regard to the steps taken to encourage wheat-growing. Mr. Mac Donald said that ho had lost no time in appealing to tho patriotism of farmers in that respect. He had addressed a large body of representatives '- of the wheat-growers of the South Island at Christchurch during January, and his appeal on that occasion had.been mainly on the patriotic issue. Since then his efforts to induce preparation for extended sowings in the coming season had been continued vigorously. At the presont time a direct appeal was in course of transmission to every wheat-grower. By this appeal it'was hoped that at least' 250,000 acres would be sown in wheat. It was further stated, in each individual case, the exact increase in acres required to be sown this year to bring about tlie desjred result when included in the general aggregate. With regard to a proposal that so much wheat-growing should be allocated to each . district and . sub-~district, Mr. Mac Donald said that thp. statistical returns afforded the best indication of the normal distribution of wheatgrowing in New Zealand, and his present efforts were' accordingly directed towards securing a pro rata increase in production, by farmers who had hitherto been engaged in wheat-growing. The extent to which his efforts -'had been successful would he known hv tho end of June, when .steps would "be takento secure further spring sowings in suitable districts, .if it were necessary. As a preliminary to a spring 'sowing- "irheat campaign, the Agricultural Department was collecting all necessary data as to districts and subdistricts, even to , individual farms which could, if necessary, .be made to contribute to the Dominion's resources in wheat.

The Government had cbnsulerpd the question as to whether it would be prudent for it t.o purchase and-handle tho grain direcEly, and farmers had been a.dvised that purchase at v prescribed rates would be made if circumstances warrant the Government doing so. The majority of farmers) however, would no doubt prefer to dispose of' their J wheat'through ordinary trade channels. As to. the possibility of an extension of wleat-growinp; reflecting unfavourably .on the. production of mutton and wool, Mr. Mac Donald remarked that there was no occasion for alarm. Relatively,, the increase would be slight, and would be more than counterbalanced by the increased production of mutton and wool resulting from the breaking up of worn-out lea for forage and root, cropping. In _any case, spnng-sown wheat, would occupy'-the land during a. time .when-in'most districts therevis a surplus, of grass which stock is often unable ;to "fully consume. Mr. \ Mac Donald .referred ' to the greater efficiency-introduction which could be achieved by-a gradual extension of the of motor -tractors, thus releasing part of the area required for oats for horse feed in; favour of wheat, and stated that he was alert to the possibility, and had -taken "reasonable steps to promote economy and efficiency in the use of power and machinery for farm workl. . . '■ ■

_ In his concluding remarks, the Minister said that, altogether apart from the considerations mentioned, wheat at a reasonable figure was a prime factor of national efficiency at all times, but especially so in the present critical situation. ■ ■. • ■ ■' ' ■ ..' WHEAT PRICES. The estimated wheat' crop for 19171918 is 5,500,000 bushels. Prices fixed by tlie Government for this season are as follow^: — February, March, and April (per ' ■ bushoi 5 8 ' May • • 58J June v 5 9 Ju ] v .-......: 5 9} August and following months... 5 10 The average price of wheat since 1012 is as follows ;— 1012-1913 (per bushel) ..39' 1913-1914 ■'..... .....:.......'." 3 9 1011-191.5 (first -seven months) 3 If) 1914-1915 Hast five months) ...- 5 6 1915-1916 (first seven months)... fi 10 1915-1016 (last five months) ..; 5 \f) 1916-1917 (first eight months) ... 4' 9 1916-19L7, (4 months; Oct. to Jan.) ,:; ~;.- 6 .a