AUSTRALIAN WHEAT FOR AMERICA

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 216, 31 May 1918, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN WHEAT FOR AMERICA

PROPOSAL IMPRACTICABLE AT. PRESENT. (Rec. May 30, 10.45 p.m.) . Washington, May 29. Mr. Hoover, Food Administrator, interviewed by the Australian Press Association, stated that ho believed that trade between America and Australia would undergo a vast expansion after the war. "America," he said, wants many products of which Australia has a •surplus. Wo are endeavouring to work out a scheme whereby the Australian wheat surplus maybe brought to tho United States. Nearly all the ships which America has ordered from Japan are loaded to their full capacity when they leave Japan, and therefore are nnablo to pick up Australian wheat. VI oarc willing to utilise the proposal for any slow steamers or sailers, but at prepent practically none can bo diverted. Wo must remember that the Argentine has large supplies of wheat which sho is f.blo to ship to New York by a, routo one thousand miles shorter than _ the route from Australia to San Francisco. Normally. California's wheat consumption greatly exceeds the production. This vear tho deficiency will be eight million bushels; but owing to the country's 'abundant harvest this will be easily obtained from the mid-wtstern States. I do not think that Australian wheat cad be shipped on a largo scale immediately, but hi from four lo six months, when tlio shipping position will have improved, this should be made a first call on available tonnage. lam ako hopeful lliat Australian and New Zealand meat will bo sent to America as won as ships are procurable. Meat could be sent to the western ports and also tho eastern ports via tho Pnnarufi Canal." Mr! Hoover added: "I know Australia, and' its wonderful possibilities, and I expect i- will loom large in world trade in the future.-"—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.