NEED FOR MORE WHEAT

Southland Times, Issue 24874, 14 October 1942, Page 4

NEED FOR MORE WHEAT

INCREASED ACREAGE SOUGHT (P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, October 13. An announcement that he was asking wheatgrowers of the Dominion _ to co-oeprate with the Wheat Committee and primary production councils to increase the area under wheat from 300,000 acres in 1942-43 to 350,000 acres for the 1943-44 harvest was made by the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan. Growers and prospective growers would be urged to indicate by means of contract forms the areas they were prepared to sow next season. Mr Sullivan said that to.be able to provide sufficient of certain lines of primary produce to meet the requirements of the Allied forces in the Pacific area, and to satisfy the needs of the civilian population, a marked increase in the volume of these lines of production was absolutely imperative. While fully recognizing the difficulties under which producers would be obliged to labour, but having regard to their loyalty and to their achievements in the past, he was confident that with the co-operation of the other interests concerned the required increase in the volume of production could be. Obtained and the needs of the Dominion fully met. “Most of our farmers are co-operat-ing wholeheartedly and are making a sincere effort to do their part, but unfortunately there are still some who have not yet recognized their national responsibility,” Mr Sullivan said. To meet such cases it is necessary to ensure that all farmers bear. their fair share of responsibility. I will personally do my utmost to overcome, any labour problem that may arise in the planting of the crop,” concluded Mr Sullivan, “and it can be definitely accepted that the Government will ensure that the crop is harvested.”