WHEAT AND FLOUR.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 319, 22 October 1915, Page 4

WHEAT AND FLOUR.

DUTIES TO BE RE-IMPOSED,

The duty on wheat and flour, which lias been suspended for many months past in consequence of the scarcity and high prices ruling in this country, i s to be re-imposed as from November Ist. Tire announcement was made by the Customs Department yesterday. The Prime Minister (Right Hen W. F; Massey) informed a “New Zealand Times” reporter last evening that the decision of Cabinet on the subject wag in fulfilment of the promise made to the farmers that the duties, which have been suspended to meet special circumstances, would be reimposed when the proper time came. There was now no shortage of wheat in the Dominion, and he did not think the price was likely to .advance seriously. The price of wheat in the Dominion would be the price at which Australian wheat could be landed here, and the Commonwealth rates were not ruling Ihigh. Any suggestion of exploitation of the public in connection with the prices of wheat or flour would be matter far inquiry by the Board of Trade which was to be appointed under the Cost of L'v.’.g Act rassed during the recent session of Parliament. Mr Massey mentioned in this connection that the Government ivas inviting applications for tfbe salaried positions on the proposed board, and would be able to make the necessary appointments when the applications had all come to hand.

Dr. A. K. Newman, speaking at the amateur sports bodies’ recruiting mooring in Wellington, said that he thought it rather moan that some men would not let their own sons go and tight, but were lotting other fathers' sons go and tight for them. He knew of (unman who had railed his four sons together, and had said to them. H J l -} one of vou goes to the front, he won’t get a shilling.” A voice: ‘‘A man like that ought to be shot!” and another: ((Ho is liable to imprisonment for that.” Dr. Newman: “That may be. But, of course, he only says that suit of thing in the bosom of his family. Mr C. G. Wilson said he thought that it was the mothers rather than rhe fathers who were keeping the boys at home. They thought it was all right for other mothers’ sons to go. But limy wouldn't lot their own boys gm Tlier openly said that it would break

their hearts If .their boys were to ssD. He tit ought that these mothers ought to realise more keenly their own duty and their sons’ duty to the i'-'.npire a.Ti'.i to humanity. (Applause.''