SUPPLY OF PHOSPHATES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24506, 15 January 1941, Page 9

SUPPLY OF PHOSPHATES

NO IMMEDIATE SHORTAGE AUSTRALIAN COMPANIES' STOCKS (From Our Own Correspondent) SYDNEY, Jan. 2. No early shortage of superphosphates in either Australia or New Zealand is expected as a result of the shelling of Nauru by a German raider. It is stated, however, that any prolonged shortage might seriously reduce Australian crop yields and dairy production. Big stocks have been built up; other, sources of supply are available. A system of lighters may be used at Nauru, even if damage to loading gear there is irreparable; and, in Australia, the long drought has reduced the need for superphosphate this season. Mr H. W. Pickering, chairman oi the Phosphate Co-operative Company of Australia. Ltd., said that because they feared some interference with shipping from Nauru, the phosphate companies in Australia, under arrangements with the'British Phosphate Commission, had ?J*uilt-up large supplies. A large quantity of rock was on hand, and also substantial supplies of manufactured superphosphate. "" y: The representative of a leading Sydney firm said that 'before the installation of loading .•machinery vat. Nauru,, phosphate ships stood out to sea,.and their cargoes were -carried "to them on lighters. The .lighters, he understood were still in'existence, but were being used for -other -purposes;'., "Although a serious curtailment of phosphate would hit Australian wheatgrowers hard under normal conditions, it so happens that because of the protracted drought almost all oyer the continent the immediate effect will not be so serious," said Mr A. H. E. McDonald, chief of the Division of Plant Industry. "Growth of all kinds is invariably, prolific after a long dry spelL This is largely - because the spelling of the soil has permitted it to build up its plant food to a stage when it needs less fertiliser tp enable it to produce heavily. That should; be. the

experience in: the year if good general rains fall. '-• " In a Lgeneral way, however, wheatgrowing is greatly dependent on superphosphate for-its success; indeed, it is estimated that -Australia's yield would be reduced by approximately 33 per cent if the phosphates were totally lacking: This position is not -likely to arise, but a restriction of supplies would probably lead to rationing, thus spreading the effect,over wide areas and so reducing individual loss., The' only areas in Australia where 'phosphates are not essential are northwestern, -and- central western South Wale's, and practically the whqle of Queensland. areas that require phosphates cover 14,000,000 acres, as against 1,000,000. acres on which.it has littU effect."