SUPPLY OF NITRATES.

Northern Advocate, 22 January 1920, Page 2

SUPPLY OF NITRATES.

I The committer set up to consider the i practicability 'of making the British Phupire independent in regard to its supply of nitrogenous compounds has issued its linal report affivnring the desirability of taking action in this direction. It is pointed-out that this action is important not only on account of the essential value of nitrogenous manures, but because an adequate- supply of nitrates would be a vital matter should the Empire again be involved in war. According to the report, Canada, "with its exceptional water-power and the accessibility of its seaboard, could produce nitrates much cheaper than any other part of the world," but. it is added that New Zealand and Tasmania also offer possibilities of cheap manufacture of synthetic nitrogen products. The pre-eminence credited to Canada, perhaps :efers mainly to the supply of European markets. At all events, some parts of New Zealand offer altogehcr exceptional facilities for the economical manufacture of nitrates. Prominence was given some time ago to the fact that at the Bowen Falls water-power which would suffice to run a nitrogen-production plaflt on a considerable scale is available right alongside deep water berthage. The Government rejected an offer by a private syndicate to establish the manufacture of synthetic nitrates there, but has taken no steps to develop the resources by State enterprise. Ihe venture would be a profitable one for this country to undertake and it is well worthy of attention withtout deity.