THE SUPPLY OF WHEAT.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 November 1919, Page 4

THE SUPPLY OF WHEAT.

MORE PRODUCTION ADVOCATED, By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Laat Night. The official report of the conference of Dominion Hour millers stated that the conference was convened for the purpose of considering arrangements tinder which next season's business in respect to wheat, bran, and pollard was to be conducted. Various other matters affecting the trade were also dealt with, such as the prospective shortage, of wheat supplies. In regard to the latter subject it was generally considered from the evidence gathered by millers that the quantity of wheat available next year, including the importation of 2,000,000 bushels' of Australian wheat by the Government; would probably not bo in excess of the; requirements if the area estimated to be sown. Some time ago it was realised that owing to unfavorable weather conditions, in all probability there would be barely enough to meet the Dominion's requirements. Reliable data was not vat available on this point. The conference passed the following" resolution as affecting the future supply: That the Government hi urged to take steps to secure that sufficient wheat for the country's requirements be grown in the Dominion, thus obviating the necessity for large importations of this cereal. It was the general opinion of the conference that the policy to give effect to this resolution should rest with the Government, and it was hoped that th« Government would be impressed with the precariousness of the situation, and uot rely upon outside countries for its wheat supply. In connection with next year's arrangements with tn» Uov» eminent for handling wheat and flour, the conference waited upon Mr. W. G. McDonald, the wheat controller, who informed members that it was the Government's intention to continue the present system of controlling and fixing > prices. The guaranteed minimum prices were 5s Bd, 5s Bd, and 5s lOd per bushel for tuscan, hunters, and pearl, reupectviely but there would probably be on upward revision of prices' if the market warranted it. He also stated .that should it become evident that a shortage of wheat was probable, steps would be taken to meet the needs oi the country, by further importations ol wheat. The following committee was elected: Messrs. J. Renne (Christchurch), F. J, Corson (Christchurch), R. Gardnei (Christchurch), K. Nieol (Waimate), R. K. Ireland (Oamaru), ,T. Love (Duncdin), and H. Tolley (Feilding).