Poor Quality Spoilt Trade In Bentonite
WELLINGTON, August 30. No export licence would be granted b.v the Customs Department for any parcel of bentonite until such time as sampling and testing had been carried out by Dominion laboratory oHicers, stated the Minister of Mines, Mr M'eI.agan, tonight. The Minister added that there had been a slowlv increasing o^'erseas demand for bentonite produced in New Zealand but the trade received a severe setbaelc by the export of inferior gr'ade material. Bentonite is a variety of clav which swells enormously in water and has strong absorptive properties. It is in growing demand for reconditioning moulding sands for rotary well-drilling muds and many otlier uses, said the Minister. In the past British countries had been dependent on the Unit.ed States for supplies of "bentonite and the development of export from New Zealand would not only be of beneiit to New Zealand but would also conserve the doilar funds of the importing countries. "At the moment it is essential to the development of bentonite that the confidence of overseas importers in the quality of New Zealand bentonite be
restored and maintained and this can only be effected by ensuring that* bentonite for export attains the minimiut specified grade, " said the Minister.
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Chronicle (Levin), 31 August 1949, Page 6
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207Poor Quality Spoilt Trade In Bentonite Chronicle (Levin), 31 August 1949, Page 6
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