THE FLOUR CASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 November 1924, Page 1

THE FLOUR CASE.

THE WHEAT AGREEMENT

[|lY TKl.EGltAl’H —run I'll ESS ASSOCIATION.]

DUNEDIN, November 3

Jn the iloiirmilling case, John Heaton Barker, of Auckland, Secretary of the X.Z. .Master Bakers’ Association for the past four years, and editor ol the “linker’s Review,” said it was Ids duty to keep in touch with the flour—milling industry. He went to Cliristeliurcli in 1922 in connection with the formation of Distributors Ltd. He was in Kaikoura in .May of that year, when lie learned of the cut in the price ol Hour, lie immediately proceeded to Christchurch, and learned that a number of New Zealand bakers were on their way to Christchurch, in his ollicial capacity, lie interviewed the millers, pointing out that the cutting in the price of Hour would result ill cutting in the price of bread, and that would result in the dislocation of the industry throughout New Zealand. It was a matter of importance to bakers that there be charged a uniform price of bread. Prior.to 1922, the bakers had had difficulty in getting the brands of Hour that they desired, lie had been enabled, while in Christchurch, as a result of bis negotiations with Distributors Ltd., to secure a larger supply of NOl thorn manufactured Hour for the Southland bakers.

George AV. l.eadlev, farmer of Ashhurton, said he had grown wheat for some years. He had lieen President of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, and in 11)23, was closely associated with the wheatgrowers. Tie was Chairman of the AY heat Board set up hv agreement between the millers and the wheat growers. If the wheat agreement of 1923 had not been brought about the effect would have been a collapse of the wheat market, and the great majority of farmers would have had to abandon wheatgrowing and go in for some other farming activity. His Lxecutive empowered him to call a Conference of the Canterbury Provincial Executive with the representatives of Distributors Ltd., and the merchants and growers. Air AlacDonald, representing Distributors Ltd., was no. tilied, and he attended. An agreement was arrived at and the wheat crop of 1923, was dealt with under it. But for the central medium of Distributors Ltd., the agreement could not have been brought about.

William AValter Alulholland. farmer, at Darlield, Canterbury, Vice-Chairman of the Wheat Board, substantially agreed with what tlie previous witness had said in regard to the wheat agreement.

The Court adjourned until to-mor-row.