Subsidy On Fertilisers

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 74, 28 July 1948, Page 5

Subsidy On Fertilisers

FARMERS AT ONEPU URGE RESTORATION At a meeting of 40 Onepu settlers on Saturday evening, Mr W. Sullivan, M.P., fully explained the removal of the'fertiliser subsidy by the Government, and dealt extensively with the Stabilisation Account balances. A resolution was carried requesting the Member again to approach the Government to correct the damage being done. Also a copy of this resolution is to be forwarded to the Prime Minister, the Minister for Agriculture and the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Sullivan said/in his opinion, there was a strong case for a continuing subsidy on fertiliser; also that the phosphate subsidy question had been badly handled by both the Government and the Leaders of the industry. Steps would have, to be taken to give assistance to those farming on light and pumice lands. Any cost to the State would be returned tenfold by increased production; increasing both exports and imports. There were, large balances in the Stabilisation Account which were growing. These balances may, at the end of 1949 season amount to 45 millions, or more, Mr Sullivan pointed out. Farmers must see that these balances were used directly for the benefit of the industry and for no fjther purpose. Onepu Settlement, which is chiefly Crown lease, comprised chiefly light land; and the increased cost of superphosphates exceeded the compensating price equal to about £2 per cow per acre. This meant a loss of £IOO on a 50 cow farm. For some time now, the Government had promised to adjust this anomaly. As yet, nothing had been done. Mr Sullivan advised those present to work through their own organisations, and to communicate. direct with the Prime Minister and Mr Holland. He himself would do all possible to bring about a restoration of subsidy.