END OF WHEAT-GROWING

Hokitika Guardian, 13 March 1924, Page 4

END OF WHEAT-GROWING

an ASHBURTON FORECAST. ASHBURTON, .March 11. In forecasting the abandonment ot whi-ai-growing. the “Guardian” says, editorially: —“The Government proprses to ask Parliament to increase lHe duty on Australian (lour, but not in: Australian wheat.- This wiil benefit Nee Zealand millers, and particularly the millers of Auckland, luit not the consumers of bread, nor the wheat growers, who are already tied down to the prices fixed. Instead of promising protection for next season's harvest, the Government promises to do the V(iy opposite, namely, to remove the embargo from lo reign wheat, immediat( tv next harvest is ready.”

OOVKRXMENT’S IXACTK)X CONDEMNED.

“1 am disappointed at the Goven: Hunt's answer on the question i wheat prices,” said Mr G. W. Load ley. chairman of the New Zenhm W heat Board, to a “Lyttelton Times'

representative. “The Government has evaded the responsibility of putting forward any definite proposal. It has determined to shelter itself behind Parliament. It has practically refused even to negotiate on any points of the question, although it lias full power under an Act passed two sessions ago to increase the tariff without reference to Parliament.”

Reference being made to accusation# of North Island newspapers that the farmers would not guarantee to grow wheat. Mr I.eadley said: “The Government could have had an area guaranteed for the asking. They had only to make it a condition of their reply and a guarantee would have been forthcoming. That guarantee is still available. Mr Hall spoke to me about getting a signed petition and guarantee after the conference, but in view of the fact that we then had only a week in which to act. which was not j enough in such a scatteied district, ai ! also seeing that Mr New worthy's address at the conference was very [ sympathetic. T thought such a petition would seem to display a want of confidence in the Government's good faith, T mentioned the matter to several other wheat men. and they agreed with me. There is no evidence that lack of a guarantee wo- what influenced the Cabinet’s refusal, for it is and always has been, as Mr Xosworthy would know, forthcoming if required.” Mr Leadley said he anticipated a much reduced wheat output in consequence. and expected to see Australian wheat selling in New Zealand at 8s before long, and particularly Australian flour.

Asked what would he the next step. Mv Lcadley said the question would be discussed by the Mid-Canterbury Farmers’ Union at Ashburton next Friday. Tie was of an opinion that an Ashburton wheatgrowers’ association should be formed and registered for the purpose of pooling, marketing and financing against wheat crops in future.