OUTPUT OF PHOSPHATES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20364, 19 September 1929, Page 9

OUTPUT OF PHOSPHATES.

NAURU AND OCEAN ISLANDS.

INCREASE ON PREVIOUS YEAR

[BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday.

The ninth year of operations at Nauru and Ocean Islands under Government ownership is reviewed by Mr. A. Ellis, New Zealand commissioner on the British Phosphate Commission, in a report presented to Parliament to-day. Shipments from Nauru Island amounted to 342,770 tons in the year ended June 30 last, while tho shipments from Ocean Island amounted to 233J820 tons, a total of 576,590 tons. This is an increase of 74,675 tons on that shipped in the previous year, but it fell short of the pievious year by 16,750 tons. In May a record month's work was established, viz., Nauru 44,500 tons, and Ocean 23,825 tons, a total of 68,325 tons. Tho previous best month for Nauru was 41,931 tons shipped in' June, 1928. As regards phosphate dried and stored ready for shipment, the ninth year constitutes a record, the total being 598,513 tons, against 528.130 tons in 1928, and 582,057 tons in 1927. In this connection it may bo noted that under present conditions Ocean Island has no chance of an increased output, owing to the phosphate workings becoming more restricted each year through the difficulties in acquiring further lands. There is, however, reason to think the matter will be settled within a few months. With regard to the percentage of the Nauru and Ocean output coming to New Zealand the figures for the last three vears are as follows Seventh year, 21.95 per cent,.; eighth year, 24.76 per cent.; ninth year, 24.66 per cent. They could have supplied a further cargo this year, but it was not convenient for tho manufacturers to take it owing to their storage bins being practically full, and it was accordingly, diverted to Australia.