NEW EXPORT POSSIBLE

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30369, 19 February 1964, Page 7

NEW EXPORT POSSIBLE

Semi-Precious Stones

“The Press” Special Service DUNEDIN, Feb, 18. New Zealand may have a new export in the future — rough, semi-precious stones — according to Mr J. W. Heinemann, national president of the Jewellers’ Association of New Zealand. M r Heinemann, who is touring the South Island to meet members of. the association, said: “It is only in the last two years that there has been an awakening among New Zealanders about New Zealand precious stones.

“Ten years ago I do not think any of us in the jewellery trade knew these stones abounded in such numbers in the country. “The Geological Survey has disclosed that .a lot of these stones are to be found around Fiordland and on the West Coast. “There are also some beautiful stones in the agate family to be found around Coromandel. “At the moment, there is a trend to use stones such as greenstone for the tourists, but there is a possibility of developing a worthwhile local jewellery interest. “Indeed, a lot of people are now getting interested in polishing these stones and are following the Australian trend of forming dubs.”

Tour By Chou.— The Chinese Prime Minister (Mr Chou En-lai) will visit Pakistan from February 18, it was 'officially announced in Karachi last night. He will be accompanied on his eightday tour of East and West Pakistan by the Foreign Minister (Marshal Chen Yi).— Karachi, February 17.