FOOD FOR SOIL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 234, 2 October 1929, Page 9

FOOD FOR SOIL

PHOSPHATE SUPPLIES NAURU ISLAND DEPOSITS QUESTIONS ASKED IN HOUSB ~~ [Per Press Association ] WELLINGTON, Oct. 1. In the .House of Representatives to* night Messrs G. K. Sykes and W. D. Lysnar stressed the importance of ascertaining the extent of the supplier of rock phosphate, when the Nauru and Ocean Islands Account estimatf (£600) was submitted. Mr Lysnar stated that if then were any signs of supplies at Kauri becoming exhausted immediate stepi should be taken to investigate th< possibilities of other sources. He pointed out tluit Britain might at any tim< demand her share of the output. The Minister, the Hon. G. W. Forbes stated that it was estimated that the supplies at Nauru would be sufficient for 100 years. {Should Britain demand her share of tho output it would be necessary to develop it more rapidly than at the present time. Mr W. Parry pointed out that there was a probability of a greater demand for this product in the near future, in view of the amount that would be required to assist in breaking in land for closer settlement. Mr Forbes: Supplies are estimated at hundred millions tons which allows a million tons yearly for 100 years. The output is approximately 500,000 tons. Cheap Supplies Mr Parry urged that every step should be taken to ensure that phosphate was being produced and made available to farmers as cheaply as possible. Messrs W. R. Martin and W. J. Polson also emphasised the necessity, in the interests of the prosperity of ths country as a whole that supplies should not be allowed to fall short of tho demand. Mr Polson stated that it wai •ccessary that the proportion of tn< output to which New Zealand was entitled should be revised. Britain, at the present time, was entitled to 42 per cent, but did not use it all. It might be possible to arrange that a part of that share should be allotted to New Zealand.

Tho Minister stated that the extent of the supplies of rock phosphate Wai being carefully watched. The Government realised the importance of the product to New Zealand and would lose no opportunity to securing k further supply. There was no danger of Britain demanding her full share ol the output, because it was possible for her to obtain supplies cheaper from Morocco. Tho vote was passed.