PHOSPHATE SUPPLIES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26748, 17 April 1948, Page 8

PHOSPHATE SUPPLIES

SHIPMENTS FROM NAURU RESTORATION OF LOADING MACHINERY P.A'. AUCKLAND, Apl. 16. An announcement that the first arm of the huge loading cantilever at the phosphate island of Nauru would be completed shortly and that the second arm would be ready about three months later was made by Sir Albert Ellis, New Zealand representative on the British Phosphate Commission. Sir Albert said that when the cantilever was restored to its; former condition the commission expected it would again be able to load a 10,000-ton steamer in one day. ,The cantilever was extensively damaged by shell fire from a German raider in 1940. The cantilever system was the most important part of the equipment on the island, and since the exports of phosphates were resumed two years ago all cargoes have had to be taken to the ships by lighters. Sir Albert statedi that delays have occurred in obtaining repair materials, some of which have had to be sent from England. When the first arm is ready it will be used to feed phosphate directly into one hold of the loading ship. The ship will then be moved from her moorings so that the arm can then fill the second hold. When the second arm is in service both holds will be filled simultaneously. Much repair work is also being undertaken on installations for mining, drying, and crushing phosphates, said Sir Albert. “ The whole plant is being repaired and restored, and the operations are progressing very satisfactorily both at Nauru and Ocean Island,” he said. “The programme for phosphate supplies is being maintained, and we expect to give New Zealand all the high-grade phosphate needed this season.” Sir Albert will visit the phosphate islands in July.