WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 January 1917, Page 7

WELLINGTON TOPICS.

TTTE WHEAT PROBLEM, STILL UNSOLVED, (From Our Own Correspondent). Wellington, January 24. The long-drawn-out discission over the wheat problem is still proceeding. A montli ago tlie Acting-Minister of Industries and Commerce had practically made up his mind that tlie guaranteed price to the farmers for the course of the war and for n. year after its conclusion was to be os'a bushel. The the Board of Agriculture appeared on tlie scene and obtained a conference with the Minister and the Hoard of Trade which resulted in the wliole question being re-opened. Exactly what has happened since is only a matter of speculation. It is known that a proposal was submitted to Mr. Masscv and Sir Joseph Ward in London and it is believed that tliey inclined rather to the view of the Board of Agriculture than to that of the Hoard of Trade. The Minister has promised an official announcement on the subject this week, but the public lias ceased to expect any arrangement that will make for a material reduction in the price of bread.

IKTEKXED GERMAXS. It is reported, unofficially, of course, that there was no jubilation among the Germans interned on Somes Island when those among tbem over forty-five years of age were informed the other day* tluit they were at liberty to arrange through the Consul-General of the United States for steamer passage* from New Zealand to their own or some neutral country. The concession is offered under the agreement between the Imperial Government and the German Government for the interchange of civilian prisoners beyond military age, but it is not expected that many of tlie Germans detained in Xew Zealand will display any burning desire to return to the Fatherland under existing conditions. Some of tliom already have, indicated that tliey would rather remain in t'.ic Dominion as prisoners than make their appearance in Berlin as free men. Just whether thev should bo allowed the choice or should be packed off willynilly is perhaps an open question, but the Government, is not likely to deny its hospitality to enemy subject* who prefer watching the course of the stupendous struggle from this end of the world.

THE BOARD OF TRADE. This morning the New Zealand Times makes'a violent attack upon the Board of Trade, in which it displays a curious ignorance of the constitution and functions of that body "It is refreshing to learn'' it says, "that the Board of Trade has at last determined to make an effort to justify its existence and to compensate the people in some measure for the money it is costing the country." Having refreshed, itself in this fashion, it holds up the "fat salaries and travelling expenses" of the members of the Board to the execration of the public, and denounces the Board itself for "shuffling with the detail butchering business and inciting the applause of the country for a futile and stupid proceeding." There is only one way, the Times savs, by which tho consumer can be g»ven relief, and tlrat is by fixiwr the maximum price. But this, it declares, "the Government end the Board of Trade dar? d.i." Tho indictment may stand against the Government, but the Board of Trade again and again ha> recommended maximum prices. Beyond this it has no authority to go—no opportunity to exercise its daring—and yet it has saved the country many thousands of pounds by its timely intervention.

ELECTORAL REFORM. Tt would seem from the cablegram published this morning that t'lie statement made by the Daily Chronicle concerning, the recommendations of the Parliamentary Conferenee at Home was incorrect not because it credited t ire Speaker and his colleagues with having gone further than they had done along the. road of electoral reform but because it did not represent the whole of the distance they had travelled. This, at any rate, n the conclusion local enthusiasts are, drawing from the announcement that the conference had decided in favor of female suffrage. If it has done this, they argue, it is perfectly safe to assume it has declared for proportional representation and' the other refornrs mentioned in last week's message. The report of the Conference is of special interest in Nknv Zealand, because it provides a striking answer to the contention that domestic legislation should not be attempted during tho course of the war. In this respect it is likely to ho much quoted during next session of Parliament.