New Zealand

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 57, 10 March 1915, Page 5

New Zealand

MORE WHEAT IF REQUIRED. Per Press Association. Auckland, March 9. Speaking at a gathering of his constituents at Waiuku to-night, Mr -Massey, referring to the importation oi wheat by the Government, said that the Government had the option o\ei a further million bushels, which would be purchased if necessary. He ia made enquiries about freight, an a shipping company had asked foi five pounds per ton. He was not going to pay anything like that, so he ma e an arrangement under which if New Zealand required and ,lCnl S llfc that amount, three captured German steamers would .be lent to the Govern, meat for the purpose of ibringing it to New Zealand. No definite arrangement had been made, but those ships would be available if requited. Auckland, Starch 9.

When addressing a gathering of his constituents, at Waiuku the Prime Minister read a copy of a telegram from the Secretary ol State foi the Colonies with reference to the concentration of French troops in North Africa. “That means, said Mr Massey, “that instead of Belgium and the Eastern front being the two centres of operations as they have been up to the present, a French and probably a British force will operate in the Dardanelles, and a base will he established in Northern Africa. It is a most important move, and the result will be of very great importance in the struggle. You can look for very stirring news from the new centre of operations in the near future,” Mr Massey concluded.