KAURI GUM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 251, 22 October 1937, Page 11

KAURI GUM.

DISAPPEARING INDUSTRY.

CONDITIONS STAGNANT,

\"By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. One of New Zealand's disappearing industries is that of kauri gum. A report on the subject is annually presented to Parliament by the Minister of Lands. This year's report, presented, by Mr. Langstone, shows that the export last year was 3013 tons, valued at £119.049, and that prices had improved, the average being £33 per ton. The demand for linoleum gum from Britain was responsible for the price rise, but the report states that conditions generally remain stagnant as there is still very little demand for varnish

grades. No definite results are yet apparent from research in connection with the purification of kauri gum by the solvent process. A new survey of kauri gumfields has been completed, and this will enable a more accurate estimate to be made of future supplies. "However." adds the report, "unless purified gum can be produced at a cost at least on a par with synthetic resins used in the varnish and lacquer industries it is doubtful whether any appreciable portion of the Wket can be regained."

MAIDEN SPEECH.

MB. H. T. RAT AN A.

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. Rounds of applause greeted Mr. H. T. Ratana (Government. Western Maori) this afternoon when he made his initial speech in the House of Representatives. He rose to express his apprciation of th Government's policy in its application to the Maori people, and said that present conditions for employees of the Public Works Department were so favourable that if the Maoris had their own way everyone of them would be an employee of that Department. Mr. Ratana said he had every confidence that the Government would lead the country into paths of righteousness. All new members of the Hrrase have now been "over the top." i