THE KAURI GTJiI INDUSTRY.

Northern Advocate, 11 August 1888, Page 4

THE KAURI GUM INDUSTRY.

Foryeaispast the gum industry has been one of the principal sources of wealth to Auckland, but under the influence of hard times it is rapidly sroing to the wall. Kauri gum is only used in varnish , manufacture, and but a limited supply can find a market. For some months past it has been coming in far in advance of the demand, with the consequence oi considerable reductions in price. There are at present on the gumfields about 8000 men, and as at the prices which gum now commands a man would only take to the gumfields as a last resource, these figures are a bitter commentary upon the scarceness of work, for at ruling rates a good hand with ordinary luck caniiot gain much more than ten or twelve shillings a yeek, barely sufficient to keep him in "tucker.' The quotations foi this week are lower than ever — in fact it is more than thirjteeen years since the\ were so low. The market is glutted, and the chances are that at the rate .gum is coming in. prices will still further decline. The dealers can take between 30C and 400 tons a month, at which raft prices would be good, but instead of this they receive 800 tons, the total in hanc for the last month. There is no appareni remedy for the continued depression ii the price except the starting of nev industries that would absorb the laboo: and relieve the »!imfields. Though overproduction i 9 killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, the guuidiggers cannoi help themselves. They must live, anc only take to guradigging when everything else has failed. If they had' noi this to fall back upon they would preforce be thrown on charitable aid. Auckland in this respect is very fortunate, compared witbDunedin and Christchurch where no such outlet for the unemployed exists, and the cities can only trust to th< Government relief works.