CRITICISM OF AERIAL TOPDRESSING CHARGES

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28314, 27 June 1957, Page 20

CRITICISM OF AERIAL TOPDRESSING CHARGES

“We’re being taken for a ride.” charged Mr A. C. Wright at yesterdays meeting of North Canterbury Federated Farmers, when he submitted figures to show that aerial topdressingt charges in North Canterbury were 5s higher than in any other part of the trovin'-’e, in Nelson or in MarlDCT**Ugh. He tabled a note which he said was an extract from the minutes of a meeting of the CanterburyMarlborough branch of the Aviation Industry Association on May 27. It read: “Charges: It was agreed that the Canterbury branch area be divided into five areas for charging and that the following prices h? the minimum per ton. — Hakataramea Valley. £3 ss; Waitaki river to Waimate. £3 10s; Waimate to Rangitata. £3 15s: Rangitata to Conway. £4; Marlborough and Nelson provinces, £3 15s. “Charges for height and distance were left to the discretion of operators. ” “North Canterbury is no more difficult than other parts of the island to the north and south,” Said Mr Wright. Different Conditions The rates were varied to allow for differences in flying conditions. said Mr I. Menzies, and Canterbury conditions were more difficult than any other part of the South Island —including the West Coast. “The operational hours flown in Canterbury are lower than in any other part of New Zealand,” he said. “We cannot expect to be charged the same rate as in Southland where they are spreading thousands of tons of fertiliser.” The small scale of the operations in Canterbury cut the firm*’ profit margins, said Mr S. S. Deans. “They are finding it hard to get the money to keep their fleets up to date.” “These pioneer firms in Canterbury have battered their way through from a standing start,” laid Mr Menzies. “Without the present zoning outside firms could come in and cut the eyes out of the market here. We don't

want to cut the throats of the Canterbury operators.”

The executive decided to renew its invitation to the association to send delegates to meet them. An earlier invitation lapsed when the association, through no fault cf its own. had to default, said the secretary (Mr A. E. G. Lyttle).