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1947 NEW ZEALAND

KAURI-GUM INDUSTRY (REPORT ON THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1947

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, 30th June, 1947. 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, 1947. I have, &c, D. M. Greig, Under-Secretary. The Hon. Minister of Lands.

REPORT

G-um won during the past year consisted mainly of chips, and the high price obtainable for this product has led to increased activity in the industry. A feature in the development of this class of gum-production has been the establishment of gum washing and sluicing plants by ex-servicemen. It has been noticeable, however, that the better-grade gum has come from accumulation stock piles, which are being -released now that prices are attractive. More than £7O per ton was recently obtained for gum-chips, but, unfortunately, the high price has had an adverse effect on the quality of gum-chips produced. Exporters are of the opinion that the more uniform quality obtained from synthetic substitutes and from the cheaper-priced gum of Central Africa may limit the demand for kauri-gum in New Zealand. Local manufacturers show a strong preference for the imported article because its use presents fewer difficulties than kauri-gum. As first-grade kauri-gums are required for paint and varnish manufacture the present buoyant state of the kauri-gum industry will continue only so long as producers maintain a high-quality product. Overseas competition from chear/er substitutes will definitely affect the prospects of the industry in New Zealand. Modern methods of systematic extraction are proving quite profitable at present market rates, and large quantities of gum still remain available for extraction by these methods. There have been a number of instances where bleeding of trees has been detected. The Department has had to adopt strong measures to stop this practice where trespass has occurred on Crown lands. 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 (533 copies), £2 15s.

By Authority: E, V. Paul, Government Printer, Wellington. —1947. Price 3d.]