RADIUM DISCOVERY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 18762, 29 December 1930, Page 4

RADIUM DISCOVERY.

BELGIAN MONOPOLY SHATTERED. Confirmation of recent reports from Lindsay, Ontario, that radium has been discovered in sufficient quantities to shatter the world monopoly now held by the Belgian Congo, was given in Toronto by Dr G. E. Richards, head of the X-ray department of the Toronto General Hospital, and an internationally -known radiologist. According to Dr Richards the deposits could be brought into production within six months. They are situated near Wilberforce, Haliburton County. There is a possibility, it was learned, that the provincial Government of Ontario, armed with powers provided by special legislation may Step in and expropriate the mine if the property lives up to the present promises. Mr M’Crea, Ontario Minister of Mines, said the Government had not yet considered expropriation. Provincial geologists had investigated, and the Government was very anxious for the mine to be proved. Mr George S. Henry, Acting-Prime Minister said the whole question would undoubtedly come before Cabinet. Public ownership of radium deposits would follow along the public health policy of the Government. The Premier had recently announced that the province proposed spending 500,000 dollars for radium to combat cancer. The group behind the discovery are known to consist largely of medical men,whose sole interest is the quick development of radium for medical treatment. It is believed the Haliburton deposits, if they live up to expectations, will cut the cost of cancer treatment and place it readily at the disposal of all sufferers in the Dominion of Canada. At present market prices radium sells at 70,000 dollars a gramme. This amounts to 601 dollars each milligramme The ore in Haliburton is believed to assay about 186 milligrammes to the ton. The Congo deposits are said to average 160 milligrammes each ton. From a mining standpoint the Haliburton deposits are said to be easy to work. Dr Richards believes they will supply enough radium not only for Canada, but for the whole British Empire.