WASTE METAL IN N.Z.

Southland Times, Issue 23740, 11 February 1939, Page 8

WASTE METAL IN N.Z.

Dumping Valuable Scrap LIFTING BAN ON EXPORTS Merchants Suggest Policy Change (Special to The Times) AUCKLAND, February 10. A change in Government policy towards scrap metal, resulting either in the lifting of the export ban or in the establishment of State-owned mills to produce reinforcing iron from scrap, is believed possible by several of those interested in the trade in Auckland. Waste due to the dumping of scrap metal is estimated at about £70,000 a year in New Zealand, and there is general concern in the trade at the present position. “What was an asset in the past is definitely a liability today, as many firms are paying to have scrap carted away to be dumped,” said Mr G. A. McKendrick. He said he understood that the Government was investigating the matter and it was possible that arrangements might be made to meet the position. LESSON FROM OTHER COUNTRIES Several merchants expressed the view that the lifting of the export ban would be the simplest way out of the difficulty. It was stated that the waste was colossal, and every other country was either using the scrap metal it produced, or else exporting it. In Australia, tin clippings were worth £lOO,OOO a year, but in New Zealand similar scrap worth £20,000 was thrown on dumps, or else buried. The hope that the State would erect small roller mills to roll reinforcing iron, and so provide a market for scrap metal, was expressed by another merchant. He said that in default of permitting the export of scrap to England or Australia, the Government might consider establishing small roller-mills, as most people would be only too pleased to dispose of scrap at as low as £1 a ton. At present it was costing 5/- a ton to get rid of it, for no return. SUGGESTION FOR DEPOTS Following a suggestion at a meeting of the Newmarket Borough Council on Wednesday, that the Government should establish depots to collect scrap metal, Mr F. Appleton said yesterday that thousands of tons of material were being wasted. If the Government would start depots and provide free cartage, he was sure that many firms would be pleased to give it away. “I cannot see why the Government does not have depots and keep scrap metal in reserve until it wants it.” Mr Appleton added. “In 10 years it would be almost as good as it is today. All over the world scrap is being used and a shortage exists ”