BOOSTING PRODUCTION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 76, 18 October 1939, Page 8

BOOSTING PRODUCTION

SUBSIDY ON FERTILISER

FARMERS THROW REMIT OUT

A Pongakawa remit suggesting that the most effective Avays of increasing production Avould be to pay a substantial subsidy on fertilisers Avas discussed at Thursday's meeting of the sub-provincial executice of the Farmers' Union. The most satisfactory way to increase production is to paj r the farmer a fair price for his butter said one delegate. The chairman agreed. He thought the subsidy business put them in a false position. Other members agreed that a failprice and no subsidies would be best The community had no idea of Ihe losses incurred by farmers through stock mortality due to lack of veterinary service and an end'eavour to force production. The farmers had to light a definite bias against them said Mr P. H. Keam (Tauranga). Manures in his opinion did not improA r e the health of the stock. The Hon C. 12. McMillan (Tauranga) said lie could not understand AA r hy anj r man should object to the use of fertiliser or of a subsidy on it. The suggestion Avould fail in its objective said Mr A. E. Lambert. Farmers would not buy fertiliser until thej r got a just price for their produce. Mr Lambert saickthat in his opinion the seasons had not been the main reason for the production drop, it Avas the fact that high costs had made it necessary to reduce herds and staffs. "You neA-cr get something for nothing. This business of a constant blood transfusion for the farmer is not right," said Mr H. C. McCreadv. "Would you approA'e of a subsidy on rates?" asked Mr V. S. Moffatt (Tauranga). "I don't approve of rates at all," said Mr McCready. That as the guaranteed price for the present season is inadequate to meet farmers' costs, the union stresses the necessity for a subsidy 011 fertiliser. This amendment was moved by Mr Moffatt. Both motion and amendment Aveie lost.