242 WHEAT PRODUCTION IN NEW ZEALAND 



CHAPTER X. 



BELATED TOPICS. 



Before proceeding to summarise the results of the 

 preceding chapters it is necessary to consider certain 

 problems connected with the wheat industry and agri- 

 culture generally. These problems enter largely into the 

 conclusions arrived at in the concluding chapter. This 

 is the main plea for considering them here. But the 

 nature and importance of the problems are not clearly 

 understood by the general public. While the author hopes 

 that the present discussion will arouse public attention 

 to them he fully realises that they are all the objects of 

 much controversy. But it is hoped that the treatment 

 which follows will rise above mere controversy and party 

 faction. Nothing but the keenest interest in the future 

 of the rural industries of New Zealand prompts the 

 writer to express opinions in regard to these problems. 

 But ample reasons will be given for any such opinions. 

 There are four main topics which require such con- 

 sideration: (1) The Flour Millers' Association, (2) 

 The Farmers' Union, (3) The Policy of Protection in 

 Relation to Agriculture, (4) The Public Control of 

 Prices. 



1. The Flour Millers' Association. 



The report of the Cost of Living Commission of 1912 

 was strongly indicative of the fact that monopolies, 



