SUPERHOSPHATES

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 259, 2 August 1928, Page 12

SUPERHOSPHATES

DISPARITY IN PRICES FURTHER INQUIRY PROMISED Further inquiry Into the present-day position of superphosphate prices was promised by tl\e .Minis,er of Agriculture (Hon. O. J. Hawken) in the House of Representatives yesterday when replying to a question by Mr. J. R. Hamilton (Awarua). The question of the disparity of superphosphate prices between the South Island and the North has on more than one occasion been investigated by the Government, it being realised that it is highly desirable that South Island farmers should be enabled to purchase fertilisers to the best advantage," said the Minister. , . , * The information obtained is to the effect that in the South longer haulages, the cost of which has to be met largely by th- manufacturers, and higher works cost consequent ou smaller-scale production, necessitate a higher selling-price. The raw phosphate from Nauru and Ocean Islands is’ landed at the same price in tile South Island as in the North. It may be pointed out that the present price of 44-46 superphosphate at Auckland, New Plymouth, and IVauganui is £4 17s. 6d. per ton net, f.0.r., while at Hornby, Burnside, and Invercargill it. is £5 15s. per ton, less 5 per cent, discount for cash, f.0.r., the difference between North and South Island thus being lis. 9d. per tou when the discount is given. Having regard to the necessities of farmers and to the member s request, the Government will institute further inquiries as to the present-day position.”