CITY SEWAGE

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 1188, 3 October 1945, Page 3

CITY SEWAGE

COMPOSTING OF RICH ORGANIC MANURE MR W. J. BROADFOOT, M.P., SUGGESTS VISITS BY EXPERTS The composting of city sewage or refuse for the purpose of making available large supplies of rich organic manure for the primary industries was raised in the House of Representatives by Mr W. J. Broadfoot (National, Waitomo), who, in a question suggested that before any further sewerage schemes were installed in the Dominion, the Government should invite Sir Albert Howard, of Great Britain, or Mr Van Vuren, of South Africa, to investigate the possibility of composting city sewage. Many municipalities in Great Britain and 101 cities, towns and villages in South Africa had already adopted the composting of their sewage and refuse, with excellent results.

Replying, the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Roberts) said he understood that a petition would be presented on the question of sewage disposal, and when that was reported upon, the Government would determine whether it was necessary to secure advice from overseas.

Discussing the Minister’s reply, Mr Broadfoot said the matter was one of the greatest importance t'o the country. The present methods of handlingsewage and refuse were out of date. South Africa, by treating it under moderp methods, conserved some quarter of a million tons of organic manure a year, and he thought that if New Zealand adopted similar methods it could save 200,000 tons. The idea of composting sewage and city refuse was supported by many eminent men —for instance, by Mr Howard, who was one of the greatest experts in soil cohservation and modern agriculture. Many farmers preferred organic manures to' the artificial, and this was one method of getting organic manure .to them. Mr Broadfoot

said he wondered when the prohibition against the use of blood and bone for drop dressing would be lifted. Many of the most successful farmers preferred it to superphosphate.