BASIC SLAG.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 285, 11 May 1915, Page 3

BASIC SLAG.

To the Editor. Sir, —The correspondence re the above is, I have found, attracting considerable interest amongst farmers, and it is hoped • the element of doubt as to New Zealand's capabilities to produce a good manurial product will be set at lest, for it cannot be but evident that tlie production in the colony will mean a tremendous saving to the men on the land, besides giving employment to a large number. In the past we have had statements in the Press bv experts to the elicit that at Para para there was sufficient iron ore in sight to last the whole world "200 years on the then basis of production. Has any analysis' been published regarding the value of slag made through the smelting process of that ore? Bonuses have been given by the (iovcrnmcnt to bolster up various industries, and I claim that in this iron business we have an industry that should receive, strong and immediate support if only for the benefit of basic slag production, because of the immense good to the 'Dominion's farmers of all grades. Ido not recollect any mention having been made by the Government as to the manurial quan tity of the by-product when offering a bonus for the production of so many tons of iron in the country. Surely the inclusion of such would be an encouragement to starting the industry, and the successful production "will mean a cheaper manure, a bigger increase in its use, and a resultant increase in the products from the land. Xo wonder I find men in various parts of the district taking note of the discussion in the News' columns, and I fancy the conversations one hears as to the apathy of the State to do something towards lessening the cost of basic slag must be ear-warniing to the bigwigs. 'A lot of people quote the farmers as having a good time, and raking in money, etc., but I'm thinking : if some of them would change places for a term the manure bill alone would fairly stagger them. 'AVe must have the com-' modity and an increasing amount yearly at that. Surely the farmer has sufficient reason for wishing that the question of j basic slug production from our own ores ; is thoroughly thrashed out! And I venture to say the matter is one that could j be well ventilated if the branches of the | Farmers' Union would bestir themselves. The amount of slag imported to this country for, say, five years, and its value would, T think, be an eye-opener—■ and all out of the pockets of the men on the land. Townspeople grumble at the price they pay for butter, bacon, etc., but they cannot recoirriise what the farmer has to pay out for the necessary requisites to the production of the same. Basic slag being one of the costliest (and most important) items should be the first to bo reduced in price, and if wc can make it from our own ores let us know the reason why it is not done, — I am, etc., ,TOE B. SIMPSON. Durham Road, May 9.