FERTILIZER SUPPLIES

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 165, 10 April 1944, Page 6

FERTILIZER SUPPLIES

Compulsory Clause In Use Of Serpentine Super CANCELLATION SOUGHT Uominion Special Service. AUCKLAND. April 8. A move for the euneellation of the compulsory clause in the use of. serpentine superphosphate was made by the Auckland District Council of Primary Production at its meeting this week. - “Some 8000 to 10,000 tons of straight superphosphate are held in Auckland works,” said the chairman. Mr. R. C. Clark. Some of this superphosphate was manufactured before the use of serpentine was made compulsory and some since in order to keep the acid plants going when supplies of serpentine rock were insufficient. Manufaetnrers were of the opinion that to release the straight superphosphate would cause confusion, continued Mr. Clark, yet it was impossible for (lie serpentine company to supply sufficient roek to treat all the superphosphate available as it was made even on the present, rationing basis. “The use of railway wagons for the haulage of serpentine rock is looked on as wholly wasted effort.’ - added Mr. Clark. “It is suggested that (lie council collect as much first-hand information concerning the use of serpentine superphosphate as possible and with this as a guide tackle the problem from the point of view of a permanent solution, not a temporary one. I don't know wild I' is going to be done with the straight supplies on band. It is uneconomic to mix it now. while supplies of serpentine are insufficient for what is now being made.'’

It was decided (hat in view of the large supplies of straight superphosphate held at the works in Auckland, and also in view of the difficulty in obtaining serpentine rod; and the wastage in railway wagons the time had come for the compulsory clause regarding (lie use of serpentine fo lie cancelled. “The quantity in store has been underestimated." said a member. “I understand i( is about 12,090 tons.”