MR. WALSH URGES N.Z. FARMERS TO BUY MORE FERTILISER

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 September 1947, Page 6

MR. WALSH URGES N.Z. FARMERS TO BUY MORE FERTILISER

(P.A.) Parliament Bldgs., Sept. 29. •‘Farmer s should be encouraged to buy as much fertiliser as possible—this is essential to make the drive for food for Britain as effective as possible, and farmers are in a position to do this because provision to meet the extra costs involved has been made or is to be made in the new season’s prices for primary produce.” This statement was made tonight by Mr. F. P. Walsh, chairman of the Stabilisation Commission and chairman of the Aid for Britain National Council, when referring to a number of reports suggesting that the withdawal of subsidies, such as that on fertiliser, would have an adverse effect on production. ‘There ere no grounds for informing farmer s that the withdrawal of the subsidies will mean any lowering of their net incomes,” continued the statement. ‘‘Today when all sections are being asked to combine in efforts to increase production, statements that farmers will suffer a disadvantage are mischievous and very harmful. Prices have been fixed or discussion is taking place to have them fixed, in which allowance « made for the increased costs. Thus there will be adequate incentives to farmers in the new season’s schedules. The new meat prices provide an example. The new basis was established after negotiations between the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board, the Stabilisation Commission and the Government. The board is satisfied that the additional costs will be covered adequately. Dairy prices will be announced shortly and farmers can rest assured that in their settlement the increased costs will have been taken into account.”