THE CHEAP LOAF

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2091, 17 January 1908, Page 2

THE CHEAP LOAF

When Tho bakers have worked oil the old bad 1 'debts and placed the cash prico at “bedrock,” it would Hoorn That consumers will have to ho satisfied lor some'lime 'to oomo, lor there is nothing to indicate tho near approach of cheaper Hour lor the baleens. It does not sown so long ago wlion 2pi would buy a 21b loaf in most parts ol ; tho Dominion, but I hose days appear to have gone for ever. There was a. timo when our farmers woro satisfied to grow wheat in largo quantities and accept As a bushel for it, but mow that at least os seems assured they will not look at this branch of .agriculture, and for the prevent iharverl less wheat lias been sown than was the case lust season. The area under wheat is 192,081 acres, and ;ut 30 bushels to tho acre this gives a, harvest of 5,780,520 bushels. Tho season will probably start with 750,000 bushels ill. stock, making a total supply for use until tin* 1909 crop is available of 0,530,000 bushels. The requirements for tho year, computing the consumption at 0 bushols per head l lor a. population of 970,000, and tho quantity used for seed at 2 bushols an 'acre for 225,000 acres, amount. to 0,270,000 bushels. Tlieeo figures show an apparent surplus of only 200,000 bushels, or 340,000 bushols less than the surplus of last year, and if the average yield should lie a bushel and a half an. aero lower than we have .anticipated, there would bo an. actual deficit. Under the circumstances tho Now Zealand market will again bo controlled by Australian conditions, and although the Commonwealth, is expecting a 15,000,000 surplus, it is more than likely that London will take every bushel of it, and still he unsatisfied. In other words, New Zealand wheatgrowers, protected as they aro by a substantial duty against Australian' products, will be ablo to stand out for high prices, and with flour consequently maintaining its value tho cheap loaf will be as far oil' as ever.