Southerners Threaten Fertilizer Boycott

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 188, 29 October 1927, Page 12

Southerners Threaten Fertilizer Boycott

NORTHERN “ALLIANCE” WILL IMPORT THEIR OWN (THE SU'NS Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Friday. So incensed are some of the farmers in the South Island at the effect which the fertiliser war is having upon them that a move is to be made after Parliament adjourns to induce them to import their own manures and break the high price which is at the present time.

This determination to organise the farmers to direct action in their own interests was expressed in the House of Representatives to-day by Mr. D. Jones, member for Ellesmere, who explained that there existed in the South what he termed an “unholy alliance” between Kempthorne Prosser and Co,, and the merchants to whom they sold the fertiliser to the effect that discount was given only on condition that the merchants did not import superphosphates into the island.

Mr. Jones asked if this were not a breach of the Commercial Trust Act, and declared that when he returned to the South he. was determined to impress upon farmers the desirability of importing manures from the Continent and breaking down the big price wall that had been erected against them. Manures could be brought from the Continent for £ 5 a ton, while the price that was being paid at the present time was £5 12s 6d, against £4 2s 6d in the North Island.

Mr. W L. Martin, Raglan, said that the reason why South Island farmers had to pay higher prices for their manures was that the combine of manufacturers was penalising them for the purpose of keeping prices lowin the North Island so that they could retain control. The losses in the North were balanced by profits made in the South.

After some further discussion, the Minister of Lands, the Hon. A. D. McLeod, said that he would instruct officers of his department to investigate the position. As a possible solution of the difficulty the Hon. W. Noswortliy, Post-master-General, suggested that works should be establshed at Timaru, or that farmers should import fertilisers on a co-operative basis. Mr. H. E. Holland, Leader of the Opposition, urged the Government to bring clown legislation this session to deal with the position. The Hon. O. J. Hawken Minister of Agriculture, poured cold water on the suggestion that Government fertiliser works should be- established. He thought manures could be imported from Europe at a reasonable price. The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates said that the difference in price between the North and South Islands was disturbing but difficult of solution The Department of Industries and Commerce was still investigating the position, and he hoped to make an announcement shortly.