PHOSPHATES FROM NAURU.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 June 1920, Page 5

PHOSPHATES FROM NAURU.

EARLY SHIPMENT EXPECTED.

(By Telegraph—Special Correspondent.) Wellington, Last Night.

Mr. Massey told the House to-day that the payment covering New Zealand's share in Nauru Island and ocean Island was to bo, made in London on Thursday, and he anticipated that the shipment of raw phosphates to the Dominion might be<jin within a few weeks. He recognised the urgency of the need for manures on the farms.

Answering various question, Mr. Massey said he could not give the prices. The cost of shipping and labor had increased, but the phosphate would he sold to farmers as cheaply as possible- The Government would watch the product right from the Islands to the farms, and, if necessary, the Government would erect works for the treatment of the phosphate but this could not be done quickly. Most of the stuff would be turned into superphosphate, but he was informed that, if finely ground, the crude phosphate rock could be used successfully as manure.

Asked if he would facilitate the manufacture of nitrates from the air in the South Island, Mr Massey said that personally he approved. The trouble was Germany's possession of secret information regarding the processes, and it was doubtful if New Zealand could produce the nitrates. Nauru Island phosphates* undoubtedly would he available quiclcly in large quantities.