FERTILIZER RATIONING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 164, 6 October 1941, Page 5

FERTILIZER RATIONING

UNFAIR METHODS EMPLOYED 1

LAND CLASSIFICATION FAVOURED r j Strong criticism of the method of rationing fertilisier was voiced by several speakers at & meeting 1 of the Eastern Bay of Plenty Primary Production Council last Friday when it was decided to make strong representations that rationing in, future be based on land classification. Mr W- A. McCracken introducing the subject said it was a serious one, as the present allocations were made in accordance witli the amount of fertiliser previously purchased by the individual farmer. This meant that a man with first-class land who did not really need the fertiliser was given a direct advantage over the man with second and third class land* merely because he in the past hatl been able to purchase ample supplies. This was unfair and woulil have a very far-reaching and dis* astrous effect unless it was substif tuted by a land classification basis which would ensure tliat the Igmd which needed it most received it.

He was warmly supported by Mr J. L. Burnett, who contended thaH the shortage had come. to stay and the sooner a more constructive method of distribution was introduced the better for the industry. The quantity of fertiliser a farmer had purchased last year was no real cri-» terion of what he actually needed to make his farm economically! productive. Most first-class land could do without manure but much of the lower class of country was absolutely made with it. The present system was neither equitable or jusE and if persisted in would lead to areas reverting back to scrub and fern.

Mr J. C. McDonald said lie understood that a classification basis had already been suggested to the Government but had been turned down.

Mr Holmes (Opotiki) cited a case of his own knowledge where new country which had been just broken in was in danger of complete deterioration because the owners had no previous record having purchased fertiliser.

The motion that the Government introduce the scheme of future distribution on the classification basis was carried unanimously.