WHEAT RESERVES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 February 1939, Page 3

WHEAT RESERVES

A precautionary measure.

IN CASE OF INTERNATIONAL COMPLICATIONS.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND. February 7.

To assist in meeting Auckland requirements for bread in case of international complications. 11,000 tons of Australian milling wheat will be stored in the transit sheds of the Auckland Harbour Board during the coming year. The wheat will be delivered as fast as possible, and is expected to arrive within the next two or three weeks. This decision was made at a meeting of the board today following urgent requests from the Wheat Committee, which pointed out that it was a matter of national emergency. A charge of 2d a ton a week will be made, and the subject will be reviewed at the end of approximately 12 months. The chairman, Mr W. B. Darlow, said that, though the board had decided last December not to have storage space taken up in this way, it was now a matter of urgency, and the board felt justified in making an exception in this case. From inquiries made from Auckland millers it was ascertained that 11,000 tons was equal to about six months’ requirements for the area supplied from the city. The step had been taken as it was thought advisable that New Zealand should be selfsufficient in the event of international trouble.