COST OF FERTILISERS.,

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18395, 31 July 1931, Page 8

COST OF FERTILISERS.,

CRITICISM OF “ RING.” DAIRY COMPANY OBJECTION. COMBINED ACTION URGED. Strong criticism of fertiliser companies in their alleged failure to make suitable reductions in the prices of fertilisers was voiced at the annual meeting of suppliers of the Hinuera Co-operative Dairy Company yesterday. Mr P. R. Hawke moved the following resolution:— “That this meeting takes steps til call all the dairy companies together to discuss the advisability of setting up a committee to explore every avenue for securing cheaper fertilisers." “The merchants and manufacturers of fertilisers are sitting tight, although they are well aware that the very ex-, islence of farmers depends on the use they make of manures,” declared Mr J. Cotter. “I am sorry to say that . the merchants are not standing shoulder to shoulder with the farmer in a time of national stress. The majority of farmers to-day are on a treadmill. They can’t get out of it and they are carrying the monkey without any assistance from outside sources, yet the farmers are the very life-blood of those outside sources. At every meeting farmers should enter an emphatic protest at the attitude of these merchants.” Mr Hawke stated that in the South Island superphosphates cost £4 a ton, whereas the price was £4 15s a ton in the Waikato. All the dairy companies in New Zealand should combine to explore the markets of the world for cheaper fertilisers. There was a ring which bought from the manufacturer cheaper than they would sell it. The dairy companies should buy direct from the manufacturer and distribute direct to the farmers. (Applause.) Mr J. E. West, chairman of directors, said he understood the cost of the raw material was the difficulty. The Government should be approached with the object of securing a reduction in the cost of the raw material. The motion was carried unanimous-. iy.