MANURE PRICES

Hokitika Guardian, 3 August 1928, Page 4

MANURE PRICES

SOUTH ISLAND SUFFERS. WELLINGTON. Aug. 1. The attention of the Minister of Agriculture frequently has been called in tlie House this session to the disparity between superphosphate prices in tlie South Island and those in the North Island. The latest to complain was the member for Awarua, who asked far nn investigation, and if it proved that there was no sound, legitimate reason for charging 17s Cd more for the same article to South (Island customers whether the Government would take steps to see that South Island farinors were protected against this injustice, seeing that the Government supply the raw material to the manufacturers at tlie same mice at South Island parts as to the Noith Island. “The question of disparity of superphosphate prices between the South Island and tlie North lias oil more than one occasion been investigated by the Government, it being realised that it is highly desirable that South Island farmers should be enabled to purchase fertilisers to the best passible advantage,’’ replied the Minister. “The information obtained js to the effect that in tlie south longer haulages, the cost of which has to be met largely by the manufacturers, and higher works cost consequent on the smaller scale of production necessitates a higher selling price. Raw phosphate from Nauru and Ocean (Islands is landed at the same price in the South Island as in the North. It may he pointed out that the present price 44-46 superphosphate at Auckland, New Plymouth and Wanganui is £4 17s 6d per ton net f.0.r., while at Hornby, Burnside and Invercargill it is £5 15s per ton, less 5 per cent, discount for cash, f.o.r. the difference between the North and South Island thus being 11s 9d per ton -when a discount is given. Having regard to the necessities of farmers and to the member’s request the Government will institute further inquiries as to tlie present day position.” At to-day’s sitting the Government agreed to furnish a return desired by Mr Jones (Ellesmere), showing (1) the difference between the cost of superphosphate in the North and South Islands, and the Government’s proposals to adjust the same; (2) tlie price superphosphate can he landed c.i.f main ports, New Zealand.