PHOSPHATE IMPORTS

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 53, 11 September 1928, Page 4

PHOSPHATE IMPORTS

NAURU AND OCEAN ISLANDS SATISFACTORY RESULTS Tho eighth year of operations under Government ownership at Nauru and Ocean Islands terminated on tho 30th June last, the total shipments of phosphate for tho year being 501,915 tons, as compared with 593,340 tons shipped during tho preceding j'ear, or v decrease of 91,423 tons. Of this quantity 124,270 tons came to Now Zealand, tho balance, 377,045 tons, going to Australia. During tho year under review operations at both islands were much impeded by bad weather at tho season when it may normally be expected, though sometimes it is escaped. As it frequently tho easo, the rough seas then encountered carried away one of tho sets of deep-sea moorings, and subsequently a vessel was wrecked at Ocean Island; both accidents caused eonsidorablo dislocation of shipping operations. There woro also some labour difficulties, and an epidemic of sickness at Ocean Island. In view of all these adverse circumstances, states the New Zealand Commissioner (Mr. A. 1\ Ellis) in his annual report, tho shipment of 501,915 tons, as stated, must be considered a very satisfactory result, having been exceeded only in the previous year, when particularly favourable conditions were experienced throughout. Tho larger proportion of outside phosphate which it was necessary to import during the year under review has been successfully handled by tho fertiliser manufacturers. By judi- , ciously mixing it with tho main supplies of higher grade article from Nauru and Ocean Islands the standard quality of superphosphate has been maintained, and it is hoped that this' desirable result can be continued. For tho current year the indications aro that about 207,000 tons of phosphate will bo required, in which case there wffl.again be a material advance on the previous year. . In order to provide full supplies ior the Dominion, even in the event of unforeseen difficulties at Nauru and Ocean Islands, purchases of outside phosphate have been made up to 1932, and options of further quantities have been obtained, to be exercised should it becomo necessary. In the phosphate market it is necessary to contract well on ahead. The erection of improved shipping facilities at Nauru and Ocean Islands is proceeding satisfactorily, particularly at the former, where tho work is of considerable magnitude. Satisfactory steamer rates have been secured during tho year under review, and the freight market continues favourable. In obtaining good freights for the Dominion the rate of discharge becomes an important factor. Material improvement in this respect has been effected at Auckland during recent years, and the arrangements at Lyttelton are satisfactory. At the other ports where phosphate is discharged in bulk the Commissioner states, there appears to be need for better facilities, and it is suggested that the installation of these could well be considered by.tho authorities concerned, in view of the increasing quantities now being handled. The Commissioner's chartering operations will bo greatly facilitated when an all-round improvement in dischargo lit Dominion ports is possible. Tho phosphate is sold at a flat price at the various ports, and it is desirablo ■ that- the rate of discharge be brought to a uniformly high level.