WHEAT SUPPLY

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1926, Page 1

WHEAT SUPPLY

DANGER OF SHORTAGES. [IIY TELEGRAPH —rER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, -March 23. A deputation from the Chamber of Commerce interviewed Mr Hawken to-day urging that a/ committee of experts from the Department of Agriculture lie appointed to inquire how this country could, through scientific research, be made self-supporting in tho production of wheat. The A fillister said that lie had this idea in mind for sonic time, and had discussed it with his officers. He pointed out that Lincoln College was doing valuable work in tlie middle of a wheat growing area; also that a good price for wheat was the best incentive. Mr J. T. -Martin said that tlio Chamber's throughout New Zealand stood firmly against further interference by tin* Government in fixing prices and control and believed the Government s present attitude was right. The .Minister said that one of the chief difficulties facing the small man who put wheat into new land was weeds. He could not afford to wait two years to clean the land, and the crop was seriously reduced. His own policy was to increase the wheat production. Demonstration areas were the best means of showing farmers how to grow crops and would be pursued if tlio money were available. He would make every effort to put Sir Frank Heath’s recommendations into effect always provided the money was available.