WHEAT SOWING DELAY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22313, 24 April 1947, Page 3

WHEAT SOWING DELAY

FERTILISER SHORTAGE INSUFFICIENT LABOUR (P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH. April 23. The autumn sowing of wheat in Canterbury is being seriously affected by a shortage of superphosphate, according to Mr. W. H. Gillespie, M.P. He said that only 100 tons had been produced recently at the Hornby works, which was "a drop in the bucket of the demand, and he was informed that no more could be expected for at least another fortnight. Mr. Gillcsoic said he had sent a telegram on the subject to the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. E. L. Cullen. "I am given to ynderstand the Minister's telegram said that there will be no further output for a further fortnight owing to the fact that Kcmptliornc Prosser’s have had to divert all their staff to help with the unloading of shipments of phosphates that have arrived recently. I understand that the men concerned arc doing all _in their power to help, but if something is not done immediately to facilitate some help in regard to the supply of labour at the fertiliser works, the whole position will have a very serious and adverse effect on autumn wheat sowings.” The Christchurch manager of Kcmpthorno Prosser and Co.. Ltd.. Mr. W. B. Price, said that the company's works had the same difficulty as all other industries in getting men at present. Output had been affected by Ihe shortage of labour and the company had not been able to get a greater supply of labour.