NAURU ISLAND.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11760, 20 February 1919, Page 5

NAURU ISLAND.

H.Z. AND AUSTRALIAN CLAIMS. Anst. N.Z, Cable Association. London, Feb 18 Official: In reference to the disposal n{ Nauru, a small island south of the Equator, for which Mr Bngtes, on behalf of Australia has lodged a claim for mandatory control, Mr Massey has circulated amouii the British Empire delegates tmeruorandum explaining New Zealand's interests in the future of Nauru, pointing out that although to island was formerly held by Germany, for many years it was exploited by a British company by arrangement with the German Bnth»’rlties for phosphates deposits. He emphasises the fact that New Zealand, like Australia, is already a large producing country, which requires, in order to maintain the fertility of depleted soil, a good supply of phosphates at a reasonable price. There are ample supplies at both Nauru and Ocean Islaud, which are about equidistant from Auckland and Sydney. Mr Massey urges tbat’thesa supplies should be made available for New Zealand and [Australia, and expresses confidence that ffie British Government will do what is right in the circumstances.