PRICES OF PRODUCE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3503, 15 June 1920, Page 5

PRICES OF PRODUCE.

COMING SEASONS PROSPECTS_

TERMS 01«*“WH’EAT GUARANTEE.

ESTIMATE OF 2/3 FOR BUTTER.

The conditions in.which New Zealand produce would be marked during the coming season were discussed by Mr D. Jones, M.P., in his presidential address at the annual conference of -the North Canterbury Farmers’ Ull-

Referring to the diflicullies in con nection with frozen meat, Mr Jones said it is difficult to think that, in a world where foodstuffs are bound to rule a high level for the next year or two at least, meat should not find a profitable market.

“Vvhatever may be the prospects of frozen ineat,” he continued, “the pros—pect in front of» the ‘wheat-'groWer in New Zealand is the brightest in our history. This is our sowing time, and we are therefore most fa.Vourabl'y situated in being able to take advantage of what looks like a, world shortage of wheat. Of course, there -are no absolute certainties in farming, but statistics, backed by a. number of authorities, point in the direction of high prices.” In reply to a’ question, Mr Jones explained the effect. of the "Gov’erliment’g guarantee of minimuin wheat prices for next season. If the Dominé ion produced more than was required within her borders, the market price would be the export value——th‘at is, the value of the wheat if the growers were free to place their wheat» upon the best market within reaéh. If the Dominion produced less than would meet her requirements, the guaranteed value to be paid to growers would be the landed cost of imported Wheat.

The prospects for dairy produce are the subject of the following remarks in the annual report of the National‘ Dairy Association: “From reliable informtaion received the Imperial authorities have decided to fix maximum retail prices for butter and cheese. The prices-. are to be respec~ tively 3/ and 1/8 lb_ This Will\llleall a limited free market. The shipper will receive returns equal to these prices, less the cost of ocean freights, marine insurance, ddck and landing charges, and the cost of distribution throughout the wholesale agents and retailers. This will leave, in the case of ‘butter, a net result of 2/3 to 2/4 lb, arid in regard to cheese from 1/2 to 1/3 lb. Much, of course, will depend on the cost o’E"distribution, including the profit to the retailer.”