FARM SUPPLIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 April 1940, Page 4

FARM SUPPLIES

SHORTAGE AND HIGH PRICES. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION, Referring to the shortage of fencing wire, Mr Hugh Morrison, president of the Wairarapa Provincial Executive of the Famrers’. Union speaking at today’s meeting said that under the inflated conditions ruling it was not likely farmers would be carrying out fencing in a big way, but there would always be a certain amount of fencing to do. He considered the executive should write to the head office and ask it to advise the executive about the position of supplies and if there was any profiteering taking place. Mr H. Bennett said it was not only the shortage, but the prohibitive price. Could they not get Australian wire? A voice: "It is Australian wire that is £46 per ton.” Mr Bennett said he saw no reason why it should be that price. Mr W. J. Thomas said the Government. should inquire into the prices of various essential farm commodities. He mentioned sulphate of ammonia as a case in point, and said there appeared to be ample supplies in Britain, It appeared to him, he said, that certain firms in New Zealand were taking advantage of the shortage in certain commodities to put up the price. He thought the Government would be sympathetic to any representations made. It was agreed_ to make inquiries as suggested, from the head office.