PRODUCTION SETBACK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22445, 27 September 1947, Page 4

PRODUCTION SETBACK

LIFTING OF SUBSIDY EFFECT ON GRASSLANDS CP.A.) DANNEVIRKE, Sept. 26. Speaking at the Pongaroa branch of Federated Farmers in connection with the cancellation of the subsidy on fertiliser, the director of the Grasslands Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Mr. Bruce Levy, gave it as his considered opinion that the lifting of the subsidy would result in a severe setback to primary production. "As regards the effect it was going to have on the maintenance and development of our hill country,” he said, "the increase in the price of fertiliser is going to be the most disastrous thing that has ever happened to this branch of the farming industry.” Mr. Levy went on to say that the stage had been all set for a great forward drive towards an improvement of the failing second and third-class lands. New and improved strains of grasses and clover had been developed by his department and were now available in suitable quantities for this purpose, but the success of any such operation was dependent entirely on an adequate supply of superphosphate. “Now that this vitally necessary commodity has been placed beyond the reach of the man on this type of land, all these plans for the saving of one of our greatest national assets must fall to the ground,” he said.