A DEAL IN WHEAT

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 256, 17 July 1918, Page 8

A DEAL IN WHEAT

GOVERNMENT BUI'S 2,000,000 BUSHELS IN AUSTRALIA, The Government has purchased two I million bushels of wheat in Australia to supply, (lie present needs of pome parts i of this country, and to provide against an anticipated shortifto of wheat from ' the next harvest in New Zealand. The .Minister of Agriculture staled yesterday that the thrashing returns from 1 the crop from last harvest had revealed a considerable shortage of grain, Tt was also a fact, that 60ine millers, particularly in the south, said that they were in need of Australian wheal for mixing. ,'i'he Government had discussed the matter of wheat production with farmers, and the prospect seemed lo lie that there would bo ft decrease in the area to be sown in wheat this year. After thorough investigation the Government decided to buy Australian wheal, nnd Mr. Shirtcliffe, of the grain department of the Timaru farmers' Co-opera-tive Association, had been sent to Australia to negotiate in conjunction with the New Zealand Trade Commissioner, Mr. Manson. These two gentleman had, after full inquiries, decided to recommend the purchase of Victorian wheat, and they secured an option of two million bushels. The Government took up the option, and the deal was closed by cablegram. ■ PURCHASE PRICE ss. 7M. PER BUSHEL. Melbourne, .inly l(j. The Wheat Board has decidi.l i" sell New Zealand two million 1 busho.. of wheat at as. 7Jd. per bushel.—Press Assn.