THE SUPPLY OF PHOSPHATES

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 251, 18 July 1921, Page 4

THE SUPPLY OF PHOSPHATES

MINISTER FORESHADOWS LEGISLATION. The question of Nauru phosphates was brought before the Hon. W. Nosworthy (Minister of Agriculture) at Balclutha last week by a deputation from the Farmers’ Union. Mr. Anderson stated that the quality of artificial manures, as supplied to farmers, was often poor, and phosphates showed a, great percentage of what was neither more nor less than rubbish-. Ho pointed out that the percentage of value in Nauru phosphates was known, and he asked the Minister it some check could not be imposed to prevent any danger of undue dilution being resorted to by manufacturers. Mr. Nosworthy, in reply, snoke very plainly, indicating that he was prepared to go to a great length to protect the farmers against an unsatisfactory article. He pointed out that as yet not a great deal of Nauru phosphate had been imported, manufacturers having 'had large supplies on order from other islands. Owing to Nauru not being available till recently, these supplies hod been obtained at a high cost, the result being that manufacturers continued to sell at a high figure. He was watching fhe position very carefully. He had pro posed bringing in a Fertiliser Bill last session, but had 'had to abandon the idea, owing to the amount of legislation to be dealt with. In n short time ths Department he presided over would have its instructions, and manufacturers who did not sell what they undertook would be liable to severe trouble. Supplies for manufacture would only be available from the Government, and any firm not supplying a genuine article would have to go’out of the business. The Minister added that if it should become necessary, a Government plant would be set up’in each Island. The Government would not allow the farmer to be exploited. The manufacturers would havo to play the game, and the Department would see that they did play it.