Fertiliser Works

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31319, 15 March 1967, Page 12

Fertiliser Works

Sir,—When support for the co-operative fertiliser works was canvassed among farmers over a year ago, the sponsors stated quite emphatically that should the project go ahead there would be only one fertiliser works in South Canterbury, and many farmers in good faith accepted shareholdings in the proposed co-operative works on this understanding. Today however the situation appears to be entirely different. The negotiations between the directors of the South Island Fertiliser Company and the Dominion Fertiliser Company having concluded without settlement, the Dominion Fertiliser Company is apparently intent on forging ahead with its Seadown works (production commencing about April this year) regardless of the consequence of a second works in the area. In view of these changed circumstances, are the directors of the South Island Fertiliser Company prepared to allow those who have signed up the opportunity of reaffirming their shareholding, or are the farmers concerned irrevocably committed to putting money into a second works, the economics of which are yet to be explained?—Yours, etc. SIGNED UP. March 8, 1967. [Mr R. H. Kerr, chairman of the South Island Fertiliser Company, Ltd., replies: “The points mentioned are appreciated, and the directors are

aware of the position, but are hopeful that a full statement on the future of the company can be released to shareholders in the very near future.”]