COST OF FERTILISERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19785, 10 May 1926, Page 6

COST OF FERTILISERS.

FARMERS HEAVILY PENALISED. REPRESENTATIONS TO GOVERNMENT. (From Our Own Correspondent.) FEILDING, May 8. The high price of fertilisers has been the subject of much comment in this district, particularly as' many agriculturists are prevented from top dressing as liberally us they would like, owing to the heavy expense involved. It was pointed out at the annual meeting of the Farmers’ Union that many years ago fertilisers could be purchased and delivered as cheaply as 10s per ton. To-day the cost was something like £6 per ton, with a little extra for delivery. It was stated that the farming community was led to believe at the time when the Government took over Nauru Island that manures would be made available at a much cheaper rate It was alleged that merchants and other firms were making a huge profit. It was resolved that the attention of the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. O. J. Ilawkcn). be drawn to this matter and that an inquiry bo held into the cost of manures. Arising from this discussion it was further resolved that, in view of the fact that an amendment to the Fertilisers Act was drafted in 1920, but has not been placed before Parliament yet. that the union urge the Minister of Agriculture to submit an amendment next session, ancf that in the amendment provision be made to require the vendors of fertilisers to give the followng information: —(a) In the case of basic slag and natural phosphate. the fineness of grinding; (b) In case of mixed a statement showing the nature and proportions rf the ingredients under their usual names; (c) A simplification of the statement of chemical analysis so as to do away with the repetition of forms of equivalents; (d) a correct definition of basic superphosphate and provision for preventing the sale under this name of any fertiliser not conforming to such definition. It was also decided that in view of the supreme importance of a continuous and adequate supply of phosphates in this country and in view of the fact that New Zealand is already absorbing more than her allocated share of the output of Nauru Island, the Government be urged to take an early opportunity of getting an alteration in the Nauru agreement so as to secure to New Zealand a larger share, or at least 30 per cent, of output.