NAURU PHOSPHATES.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 March 1921, Page 8

NAURU PHOSPHATES.

70,000 TONS FOR THE FIRST YEAR. METHOD OF DISTRIBUTION. ‘ln answering a question put by Mr. H. Poland (Ohinemuri) in the House of Representatives last week, the Prime Minister gave some interesting information in regard to the supply and treatment of Nauru phosphate rock. He tfaid New Zetland took over its share in the islands On January 1 last, aud the first cargo under the new agreement had already arrived here. Arrangements had been made for the delivery of about 70,000 tons during the year to the manufacturer® in this country. There was going to be a tremendous demand for our phosphates, and from a financial and commercial point of view the purcliase of the islands would be a very satisfactory (speculation indeed. A certain quantity of phosphates had been sold to other countries. At one time he thought that we would not get rid of all the phosphates, but he saw now that we should not be able to supply the full outside demand. In reference to the Press cable that had been published he jnight say that Britain had not sold its interests in the island, but only its output. Not only was he satisfied that New Zealand’s investment was a really good one, but he was also satisfied that we were to get all the phosphates we required from the, two islands and at a reasonable price. The phosphate rock would be landed in New Zealand at £4 5s per ton. Most of it would be ground fine, and used in that form, but he thought it must eventually be made into superphosphates. The cost of grinding the rock would be about lss fid per ton, and if they added another 10s per ton they could get an idea of the cost to the 1 farmer. Mr. G. W. Forbes (Hurunui): What about the {South Island ? To whom will it go there? Mr. Massey: In the first instance to Wright, Stephenson and Co., and Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. Quite a number of people are 'building large works. Mr. J. P Luke (Wellington North): You want one in Wellington. Mr. Massey: I know we do, and if firms' here do not undertake to establish one it may be necessary for the Government to do so. We nave already secured an excellent site. Mt. T. W. Rhodes (Thames): Is the Government going to control the supply ? Mr. Massey: In the meantime it will sell to those who have the plant to deal wiith it. Mr. Rhodes: Will you see that the price is reasonable? Mr. Massey: Yes; We are seeing to that. The whole thing should be in full swing in another 12 months. Mr. A. S. Malcolm (Clutha): Will steps be taken to prevent their establishing a monopoly and charging unfair prices Mr. Massey: It will not be possible to establish a monopoly, because we have the supply and can control it. Mr, J. Hamilton (Awarua): The South Island supplies are going to Kempthome, Prosser, and Wright, Stephenson ? Mr. Massey: Yes. Mr. Hamilton: That is just what we have bpen fighting against. Can anyone who has a crushing plant get supplies ? .Mr. Massey: Yes. Anyone who is capable >f crushing the phosphate can get a supply.