WHEAT CONTROL.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4941, 19 February 1926, Page 3

WHEAT CONTROL.

i DISCUSSION BY CHAMBER, GROWERS’ ACTION OPPOSED. : The subject of Government control ' of wheat ‘was introduced by Mr D. ' Leach at a meeting of the Paeroa Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, when he drew attention to the fact ■ that the wheatrgrdwfers were asking for a’free market for-their output, and objected 'to' the Government fixing a price, because they thought they could do better "with a free market The speaker contended that if a free market was given,, the duty of Is 3d a bushel should be removed. If this was not done the consumer would ■ have to pay while the growers ob- ' tained a larger price. Mr de Castro thought that Mr Leach .was inclined to hamper local indus- - try. ' ■ , . - Mr Leach denied that that was his " intention, but contended that it was very ' unfair for the Government to remove the control! and allow as an off-set ; the Is 3d duty. The duty on , Australian ' flour was heavy enough, but it was probably not unreasonable. ! It wasyunfortunate that New Zealand • was not growing enough wheat for its own requirdmente'. The speaker stat- > ed that in JSydney flour cost' £l3 a but it<cost £l9 a ton landed r in New Zealand. In his opinion it ' was not democratic to penalise the consumer for the sake of providing profits, for the growers. If the Goy-. ■ ernment’s intention was carried into effect it would mean an increase of • one penny on a 41b loaf of bread. He considered the caujse for making an -increase necessary was unwarranted. Mr Marsha.ll said that the subject resolved itself into one* of free trade versus protection. 'He did not think ,- any'good p'urpose could be served by an aimless discussion on the matter. Mr Leach \then moved: “That this . chamber is •of the opinion that in view of the Wheat-growers being • granted a free market for their output, tthe impost duty on wheat should removed, and that] a copy of the f- resolution be forwarded to the Hon. Minister for Customs.” ’ Seconded by Mr H. C. Bowden and •.ferried.,’ .