266 WHEAT PRODUCTION IN NEW ZEALAND 
procurable at reduced prices, while the labour market 
would no longer present the difficulties it does now.* 
4. Public Control of Prices. 
(a) Wheat Prices during the War.—A_ general 
scarcity in local supplies of wheat in August of 1914 
soon began to attract the attention of the public of 
New Zealand. At the same time people were appre- 
hensive of disaster to the world’s wheat supply on 
account of the outbreak of War on a colossal scale. 
Moreover, a serious drought in Australia promised to 
ruin the prospects of a good harvest just at a time when 
it was anticipated that the European demand for wheat 
would be of greater magnitude than previously, on 
account of the vast numbers employed, both directly 
and indirectly, in ‘‘unproductive’’ works. Reassuring 
statements from the millers and the Prime Minister to 
the effect that sufficient supplies were available within 
the country for home consumption until the coming 
harvest, tended at first to assuage public apprehension, 
but a steadily rising price soon undermined this 
optimism, and at the close of August the outlook was 
gloomy. By August 26th wheat was selling at 5s. per 
bushel, and flour at £12 per ton, a rise of 25 per cent. 
and 20 per cent. respectively since the beginning of the 
month. 
This engendered a feeling that exploitation was preva- 
lent, and more especially were the millers and merchants 
suspected of it. Reference was made to the matter in 
Parliament in a vigorous speech by the Leader of the 
Opposition, and on August 28th a deputation from the 
South waited upon the Prime Minister praying that 
the Regulation of Trade and Commerce Act be applied 
*It should be stated that for many years farmers generally 
have been staunch supporters of the free trade policy, and in 
spite of the attitude of many over the wheat duties, there is 
reason to believe that they still adhere strongly to this policy. 
