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1946 NEW ZEALAND

KAURI-GUM INDUSTRY (REPORT ON THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1946

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, Sir,— ' Wellington, 28th June, 1946. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report under the Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914, for the year ended 31st March, 1946. I have, &c., R. Gr. Macmorran, Under-Secretary. The Hon. the Minister of Lands.

REPORT There has been an increase in the quantity of gum. won during the past year, mainly •due to certain areas being workable owing to drought conditions and the return of diggers on cessation of hostilities. Increased activity in the operation of sluicing and •washing plants is also taking place, but the full effects of this will be reflected in next season's production. The chief class of gum produced is chips, and, owing to strong export demand, the price of chips has risen from £4O to approximately £6O per ton. The quality of the chips produced is far from satisfactory, but while synthetic substitutes are difficult to •obtain sales are taking place. Exporters are concerned over the quality of the gum produced, and also consider that while the lower grades of gum used in linoleummanufactures will find a market, the higher grades of varnish gums may. shortly encounter opposition from increasing supplies of synthetic substitutes from overseas. Local demand for first-quality gum for varnish and wax-match manufacture is quite strong, chiefly owing to import restrictions and shortages of synthetic substitutes, but it is believed manufacturers are hopeful of obtaining increased supplies of synthetics. During the year 1,138 tons of gum were exported of a total value of £94,819. 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 (560 copies), £llos.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1946. Price 3d.]