NAURU AND OCEAN ISLANDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3889, 25 September 1928, Page 25

NAURU AND OCEAN ISLANDS.

The eighth year of operations under Government ownership at Nauru and Ocean Islands terminated on June 30 last, the total shipments of phosphate for the year being 501,915 tons, as compared with 593,340 tons shipped during the preceding year, or a decrease of 91,425 tons. Of this quantity 124,270 tons came to New Zealand, the balance, 377,645 tons, going to Australia. . During the year under review operations at both islands were much impeded by bad weather at the season when it may normally be expected, though sometimes it is escaped. As is frequently the case, the : rough seas then encountered carried away one of the sets of deep-sea moorings, and subsequently a vessel was wrecked at Ocean Island; both accidents caused considerable dislocation of shipping operations. There were also some labour difficulties, and an epidemic of sickness at Ocean Island. In view of all these adverse circumstances, states the New Zealand Commissioner (Mr A. F. Ellis) in his annual report, the shipment of 501,915 tons, as stated, must be considered a very satisfactory result, having been exceeded only in the previous veai” when particularly favourable conditions were experienced throughout. In order to provide full supplies for the Dominion, even in the event of unforeseen difficulties at Nauru and Ocean Islands, purchases of outside phosphate have been made up to 1932, and options of furthei quantities have been obtained, to be exercised should it become necessary. In the phosphate market it is necessary to contract well on ahead. The erection of improved shipping facilities at Nauru and Ocean Island's is proceeding satisfactorily, partieularly at the former, where the work is of considerable magnitude. Satisfactory steamer rates have been secured during the year under review, and the freight market continues favourable. In obtaining good freights for the Dominion the rate of discharge becomes an important factor. Material improvement in this respect has been effected at Auckland during recent years, and the arrangements at Lyttelton are satisfactory. At the other ports where phosphate'is discharged in bulk the commissioner states there appears to be need for better facilities, and it is suggested that the installation of these could well be considered by the authorities concerned, in view of the increasing quantities now being handled. The commissioner's chartering operations will be greatly facilitated when an allround improvement in discharge at Dominion ports is possible. The phosphate is sold at a flat price at the various ports, and it is desirable that the rate of discharge be brought to a uniformly high level.