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1943 NEW ZEALAND

KAURI-GUM INDUSTRY (REPORT ON THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1943

Presented, to both Houses of the General Assembly pursuant to Section 5 of the Kauri-gum, Industry Amendment Act, 1914

Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington, Ist June, 1943. Sir,— I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report under the Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914, for the year ended 31st March, 1943. I have, &c., R. G. Macmorran, Under-Secretary. The Hon. the Minister of Lands. Owing to labour difficulties caused mainly through calls for military service and defence construction projects in the north, digging for kauri-gum has dwindled still further, the production being estimated at only two-thirds of that of the previous year, and of this the greater part is not a first-class product. The demand for gum, however, is still fairly consistent, but very little has been exported on account of the difficulty in finding shipping space. If this were obtainable, the principal purchasers would be Canadian business interests. Fortunately, there is a demand for first-quality gum in New Zealand, and this has had the effect of slightly increasing prices. It is estimated that approximately an amount of 300 tons was used within New Zealand for varnish-manufacturing purposes. During the year, 744 tons of gum were exported, of a total value of £56,135. Kauri-gum Industry Account The assets of the Kauri-gum Industry Account have been realized and the account has been abolished, by statute.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given ; printing (456 copies), £1 10s.

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