PHOSPHATES FOR THE FARM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1235, 21 April 1914, Page 3

PHOSPHATES FOR THE FARM.

Auckland, April 18

Mr G. M. Thomson, M.P. for Dunedin North, delivered an interesting address to a large gathering of farmers at the Ruakura State Barm, on phosphatic manures, Mr C. M. Alexander, chairman of the Te Awamutu branch of the Farmers’ Union, presided. The lecturer, in referring to the general deficiency of phosphates in New Zealand soils, said that the only phosphatic deposits in the Dominion were at Milburu (Otago) and near Whangarei. Quoting figures relating to the importance of phosphates, Mr Thomson declared that the prices at which they were sold in New Zealand were much higher than the cost of production warranted. He strongly advocated the acquisition by the Government of the phosphatic deposits in New Zealand, and also, if possible, one of the phosphate bearing islands ol the .Pacific. He further suggested the sending of an expert to America and other countries to make enquires regarding the obtaining of supplies, and recommended experiments with a view of finding a cheaper substitute for basic slag. American experiments bad demonstrated that such a manure could be produced at about half the cost of basic slag, Subsequently a deputation waited on the Prime Minister to urge action along the lines indicated by Mr Thomson. Ihe Premier informed the members that an officer of the Agricultural Department left lasj week by the Niagara to make enquiries as to the possibility of obtaining supplies of phosphates. He assured the deputation that all the questions raised by Mr Thomson would be carefully considered, and that experiments would probably be carried out at the Ruakura farm.