Power Increases Encourage Diesel

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31463, 1 September 1967, Page 12

Power Increases Encourage Diesel

Increased power charges could mean that many farmers would switch to diesel power for some farm machinery, the provincial executive of North Canterbury Federated Farmers was told at its monthly meeting on Wednesday.

It was decided to ask the Dominion Council of Federated Farmers to-consider approaching the power supply authority to ask for special power charges to farmers using electricity for irrigations! purposes. Mr F. H. Eggleston, chairman of the dairy section, said he had investigated the comparative costs of using electricity and diesel for farm machinery.

“Most farmers agreed that it would be preferable to use electricity, but if there is going to be any substantial increase in charges, then the use of diesel would be more attractive,” he said. “The Government has asked us to increase our production and yet they have caused an increase in our production costs by raising the cost of electricity.” He said the supply authorities could not be blamed for the increased charges as it was the Government that proposed the increased charge. “Many farmers use electricity to drive pumps for irrigation and some relief in the charges for this would be of benefit,” Mr J. F. N. Twose (Hawarden-Waikari) said. The president of the executive (Mr R. H. Bedford) said to use diesel would mean a draw on overseas funds to obtain fuel, whereas electricity was available in New Zealand.

“It would be of great benefit to the fanning and transport Industries to have the 40-mile road restriction removed" said Mr W. N. Dunlop, chairman of the transport committee. “Costs would be reduced and the number of vehicles travelling only one way with a load would also be reduced” It was decided to press for the removal of the restrictions. The varied charges for

inter-i stand transport was also discussed. It was decided to make representations for a uniform charge between the islands.

“We have had indications from the Associate Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Shelton) z that there could be a further increase in the price of bread. It has been proved that Australian wheat can be landed at less cost at Auckland flour mills than can South Island wheat,” said Mr A. L. Mulholland. “If there were uniform freight charges from the South Island, our wheat could be landed in Auckland at competitive prices with the Australian market and the increase in bread prices could be eliminated.”

He said the wheat yield in Canterbury this coming season could be the highest since 1922; and it was imperative that a large proportion of this crop be shipped to Auckland. Labourers’ Certificate Approval was given for a committee to investigate the institution of an endorsed certificate of proficiency for farm labourers. Mr V. S. Shadbolt (Banks Peninsula) said it was well known that the farm worker did not receive the recognition he deserved. “A scheme whereby the local farm advisory officer and possibly two farmers could endorse a certificate of proficiency for a farm worker would raise the standard,” he said.

Scooter Recovered.—After oil slick and bubbles were reported on the Lyttelton harbour near the coaster Parera, police skin-divers investigated and found a motor scooter which had been missing from the port since Tuesday.