Smith Urges Prompt Aid For Kauri Gum Diggers

Northern Advocate, 28 October 1948, Page 5

Smith Urges Prompt Aid For Kauri Gum Diggers

WELLINGTON, Thu. (Sp.) .—Prompt action for the 000 or 600 families in the Far North who depend on kauri gum digging is needed, according to Mr S. W. Smith (o—Hobson), who stated in. the House of Representatives yesterday that they had not been able to sell their gum for 12 months. Mr Smith had suggested in a question to the Mmistei ot Industries and Commerce (Mr Nordmeyer) that the Government should purchase piled-up gum stocks.

The Government, replied Mr Nordmeyer, was aware of the position confronting the kauri gum industry and the matter was at present under consideration. The matter was urgent, commented Mr Smith, because the only asset 01. the persons he had mentioned was their kauri gum which had been unsaleable for 12 months. In some cases their position was desperate as there was little opportunity of casual labour in their area. Although there was little demand from paint makers for gum, it was still wanted for linoleum and he hoped the Government would take the supplies over for gradual sale. Help could also be given by starting draining works which would open up farming country.

Mr D. Rench. recently of Hamilton, has taken up duties as stock inspector for the Department of Agriculture. Kaikoho. He replaces Mr J. Mitchell, who has been transferred to Clyde, Central Otago.