NAURU PHOSPHATE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1927, Page 3

NAURU PHOSPHATE

INCREASE IN OUTPUT.

WELLINGTON, Sept. 8.

A record production of phosphates from Nauru and Ocean Islands is indicated in a report by the Director-Gen-eral of Agriculture, "ho gives details of improved loading arrangements which should greatly increase the output:. The total shipments to June last, 593,300 tons, were 200,000 tons ahead of those for the previous year, when the weather was unfavourable. Deliveries of Nauru-Ocean phosphate to New Zealand for 1926-27 are approximately 135,000 tons, compared with 57,800 tons. These quantities have been insufficient to meet the rapidly increasing demands for this Wigh-grado material, and the l’liosphate Commissioners have purchased, on behalf of fertiliser manufacturers, considerable quantitos of phosphate from outside sources at the lowest prices obtainable, though at a considerable increase on Nauru-Ocean rates. This outside phosphate is of lower quality, but by judiciously mixing it with a relatively large supply of high grade the manufacturers have been able to maintain the high standard of phosphatic fertilisers, obtaining In this market, and which is a factor of great economic importance to the country. IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS AT NAURU. With a. view to increasing the output from Nauru and Ocean Islands, an extensive programme of development has j been decided on, starting with tho improvement of shipping facilities. Contracts were signed in March last for the construction of n. loadin’; cantilever at Nauru and an improved steel jetty at Ocean Island. This work will probably extend over two years, entailing an expenditure of about £250,000, which will lie financed bv the Commission. The cantilever for Nauru embodies some unique features suited for the special conditions pertaining there. It will nrojeet about ISO feet beyond tho edge of tho reef, and will permit of dispensing with the present system of loading bv moans of small lighters. Material will lie transferred from a 12,000 ton shore storage bin to the discharging points of the cantilever hv rubber belt conveyers, with a total capacity of 600 tons an hour, thus enabling the loading of a 6CO ton vessel in a day. The outer arms of the cantilever will operate on the principle of a wharf crane, permitting them to swing in on the reef when not in use. The whole plant will be operated electrically. It is hoped that on the completion of the cantilever installation, tne output capacity will he increased to 700,000 tons. Other improvements facilitating production and transport are also to he put in hand at 'both islands, with n view to getting the best possible service from improved shipping arrangei ments.. The report adds that freight , and marketing arrangements have been satisfactorily dealt with by the , Commission during the year.