Nauru Phosphates.

Tuapeka Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 6689, 16 August 1919, Page 3

Nauru Phosphates.

AVelliugton, August 12. Speaking of the Xanru proposition today, .Mr Massey said : I think it will be quite possible to export half a million tons of phosphates from Nauru when -the entrance is fully developed. This may not be for a few years ; but when the initial diflieulties are overcome 1 am sure New Zealand will be very glad to have these phosphates from Xauru—first, because the sea carriage should not be expensive over such a relatively short distance ; and, secondly, because the phosphates are of a high quality. Of the total output—which 1 have suggested may be 500,000 lons a year—Xew Zealand will probably require 1,000 lons, and Australia will need at least double that quantity; for 1 understand tliey are using phosphatic manures to treat ground that is being prepared for Ihe wheat crop, Mr Massey thought that the payment would probably be made by debentures bearing interest, and the Government would have stabilised sinking funds at such a rate as to make possible the redemption of the debentures in 25 or 30 yoars.