THE WHEAT SHORTAGE.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 May 1917, Page 4

THE WHEAT SHORTAGE.

STATEMENT BY ACTING PREMIER, REASON FOR AUSTRALIAN PUS" CHASE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The wheat supply was considered by Cabinet, and afterwards Sir Jas. Allen stated that the news from Australia as to jfr. Mardynald having completed the purchase of one and a ha'f million bushels was not authentic. The actual fact was tlst a cable was to be Bent to "Mr. Macdonald that evening, and the bargain would probably be completed In a day or two. The wheat was being purchased to make good the prospective 1 shortage which must, at the present rate of consumption, come upon us before next harvest. Some New Zealan* millers had plenty of wheat fot their requirements, but man* were already short. Tho price paid for the Australian wheat was higher than the Govern- * ment expected to pay, hut he calculated the millers would be able to sell the flour from it at schedule rates, except tho wheat for parts of the South Island. If the new wheat was landed at Auckland it would he loaded with the carriage from Australia, but there would tot have to be paid tho usual freight from Lyttelton.