ISLAND PHOSPHATES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22261, 8 November 1935, Page 15

ISLAND PHOSPHATES

RECORD MONTHLY OUTPUT FERTILISER IN KEEN DEMAND Judging by the present output of phosphates from Nauru and Ocean Islands the improved market prices for produce are stimulating the use of farm fertilisers throughout Australia and New Zealand to a marked degree. Last month the two islands put out 80,000 tons of phosphates, which is a record for any" similar period since the industry was founded there. Mr. A. F. Ellis, of Auckland, representative of the New Zealand Government on the Board of the British Phosphate Commissioners, who returned to Auckland on Wednesday by the Wanganella alter two months' absence visiting the islands, reported that the market for phosphates is very active, both in Australia and New Zealand, and every preparation is being made at the islands to cope with the increased demand. Before returning to Melbourne on the Triaster Mr. Ellis took part in a very successful recruiting trip to the Gilbert Islands, where 600 new labourers were obtained for the work on Ocean Island. Mr. Ellis found the general health of the inhabitants good, and the work going ahead satisfactorily. The mechanical appliances for loading at Nauru Island are now so satisfactory that it is a regular thing to load an 8000-ton vessel in one day. Improvements are being continued at both ports with a view to keeping pace with the continually expanding demand for phosphates. x t , The great bulk of the output from the islands goes to Australia and New Zealand, though some is sent to Europe and some to Japan. Its sole purpose is for use as farm fertiliser.