NAURU ISLAND DEPOSITS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1919, Page 8

NAURU ISLAND DEPOSITS.

THEIR VALUE TO NEW ZEALAND By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Referring to-day to Mr. Hughes statement regarding the phosphate islands, Mr. Massey said that the title of the British Phosphates Company to the Nauru Island deposits was investigated thoroughly by the Imperial authorities He thought it would be a good thing for the Government to acquire Ocean Island, hut it would be a somewhat serious undertaking. When in London he had discussed the proposal to acquire Ocean Island with the Colonial Secretary, who seemed opposed to the idea on the ground that the Nauru Island deposits would ba sufficient for the purposes of the three Governments. Mr. Massey added that his own impression was that Nauru Island could supply all the phosphate New Zealand required. The Board of Agriculture had reported in all probability Nauru Island could supply New Zealand's needs for the next two hundred years. He had referred this report, with some other documents, to the Agricultural Committee of the House. This committee could consider the matter, and make a report to the House. Then he would ask Parliament to deal with the subject either by Bill or resolution. He thought a resolution would be sufficient. He had no doubt at all that if New Zealand failed to avail itself of the opportunity that offered at Nauru Island now future generations would have reason to regret the policy. The interest in the phosphate deposits of the island would be worth millions to New Zealand in the years to, come.