KAURI GUM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 264, 7 November 1931, Page 4

KAURI GUM.

SLIGHTLY IMPROVED OUTLOOK

MAY BE ONLY TEMPORARY

Just at present the outlook appears a little brighter all round, probably to a large extent due to the impetus to general trade that has been given by the abandonment of the gold standard. Although this may be only a temporary influence, the fact remains that merchants are slowly reducing their holdings of kauri gum, and depending more upon recent supplies. It was shown in last month's review that for four consecutive months the shipments to overseas ports had exceeded the supplies arriving in Auckland, and although it is quite likely that part of these exports were shipped on consignment, they have the effect of leaving bare spaces of considerable area in city stores, as compared with the stocks held at the beginning of the winter. White Gum. Rescraped white and seven-eighths scraped continue to move off, and further inquiries are anticipated shortly. Naturally the actual tonnage changing hands in these high grades of gum is very small, as only limited quantities are now being produced, and sent to the city, as explained in previous reviews. Three-quarter scraped white, ordinary white and white nuts are slow of sale, and sales reported abroad indicate a slightly lower range of values. White chips and dust have more inquiry, and stocks arc light. Black Gum. Orders are coming in very .slowly for rescraped black and seven-eighths black, but they are quite sufficient to clear the present supplies. Three-quarter scraped black steel has been receiving more inquiries, with ample stocks available. Washed brown steel continues in demand, and sales have been reported up to £70 per ton. Ordinary brown ungraded gum had sales at current prices, but the ordinary black gum has been quite neglected. Black nuts and clean chips find regular sales at the ruling prices. Supplies and Shipments. Supplies received in Auckland during the month of October amounted to 192 tons, which is the smallest quantity in any month since 1921, with the single exception of January of this year, when digging operations were naturally somewhat interrupted by the holidays. The following table shows in tons the supplies received and the quantities, exported during this year, compared with the trade during the corresponding months of last year:— 1930. 1031. Ex- ExSupplies. ports. SUpplies. ports. January ... 371 235 108 178 February .. 412 433 2SI 125 March 503 442 380 06 W 441 475 300 IDS Ia - 423 304 311 •J" 116 247 258 263 269 Juljr 3011 257 244 **££ August .... I«J4 318 251 340 September.. 214 2R9 ->O,S October .... JJ2S 175 192 250 Totals ... 3453 3305 2G86 2550

llie export returns for October have now been compiled, and these show that the shipments amounted to 250 tons, being again in excess of the supplies received during the same period. A feature in the trade is the preponderating importance of the United Kingdom and the Continent as an outlet for kauri gum, as compared with the United States, and a similar proportion has now been noticeable for several months. Altogether Europe took 173 tons, but only 62 tons went to the States, Japan taking ten tons and Australia live. Fungus. The military disturbances in China have adversely affected the fungus market, and buyers have been giving lower prices for supplies arriving from the country districts during recent weeks. Earlier purchasers have been unable to move off their stocks without incurring a loss, and this has restricted the business passing. However, unless the military position becomes worse it seems likely that a more active demand will spring up very shortly, in order to get all available supplies away before the month is out. Ihis will be necessary if the fungus is to reach its destination in time to be distributed before the Chinese Jew Year festivities, which commence on February 1.