USE OF FERTILISERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21325, 28 October 1932, Page 3

USE OF FERTILISERS

EFFECT OF SUBSIDY Ihe lowering of the price, as a result of the operation of the Government subsidy, has had a marked effect in stimulating the use of artificial fertilisers, according to the annual report of the Department of Agriculture presented to Parliament this week. The amount used in the January-June period of the past four years is given as follows: Decrease sinca 1929 Tons Tons 1929 , . . . '228,000 1930 .. .. 212.000 IR.OOO 1931 .. . . 162.000 70,000 1932 . . . . 222,000 6,000 These figures show that virtually the 1029 position has been recovered as far as the actual tonnage used is concerned. The fact, however, that in the past three years the number of cows has increased by over 400,000 is taken as indicating that a-considerable leeway has yet to be made up. The falling away in the use of artificial fertilisers in the autumn and winter of 1931 became so serious that national action to restore the practico to an adequate level was considered necessary. The Government, therefore, in October, subsidised the manufacture of superphosphate to the extent of lis a ton, the decision being still in force. On the subsidy becoming operative, superphosphate was reduced by 17s fid a ton, making the cash price, f.o.r at works, £3 17s fid. Owing to tho increased cost of sulphur brought about by tho vise in dollar exchange, the price had to be advanced 5s a ton after some months, but it was subsequently reduced to £4.