SALE OF KAURI-GUM

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 45, 17 November 1925, Page 10

SALE OF KAURI-GUM

“NO GROUND FOR FEARS”

MINISTER STATES POSITION

A statement relative to the rights of dealers in kauri-gum to dispose of gum purchased between the date of the passing of the “control” legislation last session and the date when the appointed board assumes control of the industry, was issued by the Minister of Lands (Hon. A. D. McLeod) yesterday.

“It has been brought under my notice,” stated the Minister, “that an acute position exists on the kauri-gum fields owing to dealers, storekeepers and others being induced to believe that any kauri-gum. purchased by them subsequent to the passing of the* Kaurigum Control ;Act, 1925, will be unsaleable after the Kauri-gum Control Board commences to exercise its functions. For their information it may be mentioned that the Kauri-gum Control Act will not come into force until April 1, 1926, and that by the time the necessary regulations can become effective; and the election of the gum-producers’ representatives as members of the board can take place, it will probably be June next when the Control Board commences to function. “Under the provisions of the Kaurigum Control Act, 1925, the board will be at liberty to determine whether its control over any kauri-gum shall be absolute or limited. Section 16 of that Act specifically provides that the board shall not exercise its powers with respect to (a) kauri-gum which comprises stocks purchased before April 1, 1926, bv anv person who is not a producer, 'if it 'is satisfied that such kaurigum ’is not being dealt with in such a way .as to defeat the purposes of the Act; (b) kauii-gum with respect to which there subsists a contract for its sale and purchase made before April 1 1926, to be performed not later than September 30, 1926. “As the board will not assume control of kauri-gum purchased prior to April 1 next, or, perhaps a later date, ' added Mr. McLeod, “it will be seen that no grounds exist for the fears expressed bv dealers and purchasers of gum that'thev will be prevented from disposing of gum purchased during the period between the date of the passing of the above-mentioned Act and the date when the board assumes control.