PHOSPHATE SUPPLIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 783, 2 October 1929, Page 6

PHOSPHATE SUPPLIES

SUFFICIENT FOR NEXT CENTURY NAURU AND OCEAN ISLANDS Fress Association PARLIAMENT BLDGS., Tuesday. There are phosphate supplies on Nauru and Ocean Islands sufficient to last for more than 100 years, said the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, during the discussion of the Estimates this evening. It was indicated that other sources of supplies were available. Mr. IV. E. Parry (Auckland Central) said tlie Minister’s statement was not clear on whether the estimate of future supplies was based on the quantity at present being taken. He was convinced that New Zealand would use much, more phosphate in the near future for the bringing in of the poorer lands. The Minister: There are estimated to be 100,000,000 tons there, and the estimate is based on 1,000,000 tons a year. Mr. Parry said if there was any likelihood of a shortage the country would be behind the Government iu taking, steps to secure other sources of supply. Mr. Parry also suggested that the phosphate might not be broken down in the cheapest way, apd that, if that were so, it might bo advisable to set up a committee to report on the subject. Mr. Lysnar said phosphates could be secured from another source, but he was not at liberty to disclose the locality. Mr. P. Fraser (Wellington Central): Is it on the map? Is it a new island you have invented? Mr. Lysnar: No, it is a genuine island. ’

Mr. W. L. Martin (Raglan) said the previous Minister of Agriculture had indicated that negotiations were ..in train for securing supplies from other islands, and he wondered how far those negotiations had since proceeded.

The danger of a shortage to New Zealand should Great Britain decide to take its full share of 42 per cent, was drawn attention to by Mr. W. J. Poison (Stratford).

The Minister said the negotiations mentioned by Mr. Martin had n.ot reached a point where any definite assurance could be given regarding other sources of supply. However, the position was being very carefully watched, and steps would be taken in conjunction with Australia should suitable options be offered and there was need of further supplies. Mr. Forbes said there was no danger of Britain taking its, full share, as it was able to get supplies from Morocco cheaper than Now Zealand obtained Nauru phosphate.