CHINESE WANT WHEAT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 358, 19 May 1928, Page 25

CHINESE WANT WHEAT

CHANGE OF DIET It appears that Canadians and American export millers are anxiously awaiting the return to normal conditions in China, and that in the meantime they are making extensive investigations as to the probable markets and quantities likely to be consumed. The “London Miller” says the reason for this expectation and investigation is that China —the native population—is rapidly turning from its ageold staple food rice, toward flour — and good grade flour at that. It is supposed that the Great War was the chief factor in bringing this change about, for it has been noted that the million odd Chinese coolies who were employed in the labour departments on the various fronts have, since their return to China, shown a decided predilection for the new food, and have, in fact, been unconscious propaganda agents for spreading the bread-eating habit. It is also thought that the practice of employing Chinese as cook boys, etc., in European houses, has helped to spread the habit. Be that as it may, the fact remains hat the change is taking place rapidly, even in the face of such difficulties as the present disturbances, and consequentl3 T export milling interests in the north-western coast of America and Canada are evincing an amor t of interest. The creation of a new market in China, representing practically aquarter of the world’s pop.ilation, would be of immense importance to the wheat industry.

There is no doubt that the large amount of clover and finer grass seen on the potash-treated plots, especially in the early stages, is often due to the more effective grazing down of the rough herbage and paving of the way to the leguminous plants. Potash assists the development of root plants and legumes.