EMPHATIC PROTEST BY FARMERS

Southland Times, Issue 24484, 11 July 1941, Page 4

EMPHATIC PROTEST BY FARMERS

FERTILIZER RATIONING SCHEME Hie following is a copy of a telegram sent on Monday by the Otago provincial president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union (Mr D. H. Cockburn) to the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. J. G. Barclay): — “On behalf of my executive, I emphatically protest against your department’s decision to disfranchise all farmers who fail to have their fertilizer returns completed and returned today. Many have not yet received their forms, while inquiries among merchants reveal that only about 50 per cent, of the forms sent out have been returned to date, and many of these are obviously filled in incorrectly. Although we consider the present scheme ill-considered and unworkable, we are prepared to co-operate with its underlying principles, provided an extension of time is given for the returns, and that you reconsider the quantities for cropping. We are satisfied that this can be done without alteration in the present allocation of phosphate for the South Island. We would appreciate your immediate action. The only alternative would appear to be a continuation of the regulations as drawn up, with the certainty of an„ inevitable breakdown a month hence.” MANURIAL REQUIREMENTS OF FARMERS The Department of Agriculture announced yesterday that returns of fertilizer used for top-dressing during the last two years must be received, by the Primary Industries Controller from merchants not later than Monday next. To enable this to be done, and to allow farmers to participate in the fertilizer rationing scheme, farmers should send their forms to the merchants by today at the latest.