PHOSPHATE PRODUCTION

Chronicle (Levin), 11 December 1946, Page 6

PHOSPHATE PRODUCTION

-Press Association

Bv Telearavh—

AUCKLAND, Dec'. 10. Sliipments of pliosphate from Nauru and Ocean Islands during the first six nionths of next year, are expected to total 120,000 tons and althougli an increase in outpu't is expected after tliat, the high production reached be,fore ttie war is not likely to be equalled before 1949. Tliese ligures were supplied by the British Pliosphate Oommission after u conference in . Melbourne which wa.attended by the New Zealand Cominis sioner, Sir Albert Ellis, the Australiau Connnissioner and other leading officials. Eeconstruction of the industry aftei the Japanese oceupation of the isiantlhas been an exacting task. Weathci caused many serious delays, the rainfall reaching an average of 12ins a montli. From July until December 90,000 tons of pliosphate were produeed. Whilc some of the machinery has been ro placed, a lot has been salvagcd as it lias been iinpossible to replace the equip ment because of present world shortages. Iniproved facilities foi discharging inward cargo liave also been provided. Constructing houses foi the staft' - has been a big uudertaking liut good progress has lieen made.