KAURI GUM INDUSTRY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 77, 7 May 1914, Page 15

KAURI GUM INDUSTRY.

SWAMP DREDGERS. Press Association. AUCKLAND, May 6. A new departure in connection with the kauri gum industry which it is anticipated will result in important developments in the near future is about to be inaugurated in the north of Auckland. This is the application of dredging to the winning of the gum which exists in large quantities in many of the swamps in the northern peninsula. A company with a capital of £30,000 has recently been formed for the purpose of working the ffrst gum dredge, which will start operations in a swamp at Awanui. The company has purchased a golddredge in Otago and the alterations necessary to adapt it to gum-dredging are being made. The dredge will shortly be shipped to the north, and it is expected that operations will be commenced some time during the present year. There are many thousands of acres of swamp in the gum-bearing areas of the north, and it is anticipated that the dredge about to be placed in commission will be the forerunner of many others. The swamps after being dredged will be drained and will then be available for cultivation. The land will make excellent dairying country.