WHEAT AND FLOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 October 1943, Page 2

WHEAT AND FLOUR

POSITION IN NEW ZEALAND AMPLE STOCKS ON HAND (Bv Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, October 22. Ample stocks of wheat and flour for all purposes are held in New Zealand at present. This was reported by the Wheat and Flour Controller, Mr R. McPherson, to a meeting of the Wheat Committee this week. Mr McPherson said that, despite very heavy demands made on stocks for various purposes, wheat and flour now in hand was greater than at this time last year by nearly 500.000 bushels. WAR HARVEST HEAVY YIELD OF WHEAT The Dominion’s wheat yield in 1943 was the third heaviest this century, being exceeded only by the crops of 1922 and 1933. This was announced by the Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan, who said that each war harvest had indicated a progressive increase in the quantity of wheat produced. "Even in the years before 1900, when very large areas of wheat were grown for export, this years yield was beaten only in 1883, 1884. 1892 and 1899,” said Mr Sullivan . "Several times also the sown acreage has been greater than was harvested this low yields an acre reduced the total weight of these crops. "It is interesting to note that each war harvest has indicated a progressive increase in the quantity of wheat produced, as shown by the following figures. Production in 1940 was 8,010,089 bushels from 257.532 acres; in 1941, 8,305,865 bushels from 243,197 acres; in 1942, 8,671.244 bushels from 258,002 acres; and in 1943, 9,819,342 bushels from 286,998 acres. It can thus be fairly claimed that, notwithstanding all their difficulties, wheatgrowers have done their utmost to maintain the bread supplies of the country. I want [to thank them very sincerely for their splendid effort.”