FERTILISERS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 3 September 1919, Page 7

FERTILISERS.

NEED TO LOOK TO THE FUTURE

Ihe announcement of the acquisition by New Zealand of an interest in the island of Nauru will be received with satisfaction by the farming community as this island has large deposits of Ijhoppiiatie manure-, which is in great demand in New Zealand. So> as to ensure that it will be supplied at firsthand cost, the Industries Committee urge that the handling of the output be _ undertaken by the Government; and, that they also, if necessaiy, provide the requisite shipping. r In connection with the shortage of the world's supply of nitrates, it is important to note that New Zealand has abundant supply of waterpower and unlimited deposits of lime thus placing the Dominion m a good position to produce its own supplies at a reasonable price. At the same time an export trade -might be developed. A syndicate is prepared, if it can get the Bowen l<all rights for power, from the Govern-i meat, to undertake the manufacture of nitrates; and the Committee urge that the Government itself undertake the manufacture; or, failing that, that private enterprise be encouraged to do so and that the requisite water rights be granted, with certain safeguards as to the price of tho product and the right of: resumption. There should be no further delay in dealing with this question. . ■

Dunng the war there hare been no importations of potash, a valuable fertiliser, and in consequence much, of our land is suffering more or less impoverishment. It is understood that the available source of supply is under the control orthe French Government, and the Committee recommend that the.Government communicate wiih the French Government without delay, and, if the pvice i be: not prohibitive; aiTange for a supply. .. ;