SUPERPHOSPHATE WORKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22512, 1 September 1936, Page 9

SUPERPHOSPHATE WORKS

PROPOSAL IN HAWKE'S BAY FARMERS' OPINIONS SOUGHT [by telegraph—owx correspondent] NAFIER, Monday The establishment of a superphosphate works at Napier has been occupying the attention of prominent Hawke's Bay farmers, according to a letter from Messrs. R. S. Chadwick, John Barker, and E. Averill, received by the Hawke's Bay branch of the Farmers' Union, which has been asked to supply certain information. The movers in the scheme state that tho authorities are willing to assist in any way possible, and that a most suitable site for the works could be made available. The site would make the unloading of phosphate rock the most economical of any works in Js'ew Zealand. It is understood that before the project could be brought into being permission would have to be sought from the Government.

"It is stated that during the past year over 17,000 tons of manufactured, superphosphate were used in Hawke's Bay," states the letter. "It has, however, been reported to the Minister that in the near future we can look for a further increase of only 2000 tons. This, we think, is very wide of the mark, as we are confident that very soon Hawke's Bay, together with the Wairoa district, will be using between 30,000 and 40,000 tons, if this output can be attained. We are also confident that a supply can be made available for use in this district cheaper than it is to-day." Accompanying the letter was a.questionnaire, the following being the questions asked and the replies givwi by the branch:—Did consumption of superphosphate decline to any extent during the slump?— Yes. Given reasonable values for produce during the next three years, to what extent' do you think consumption will increase?— Will slightly .increase. Do you consider cheaper superphosphate would increase consumption to any extent ?—Slightly. Are farmers in 3 T our locality fully alive to the value and use of phosphates for increasing production?— Yes. What, additional area of in your district would benefit by the use of superphosphate?—A considerable area.