VARNISH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9009, 23 March 1888, Page 3

VARNISH.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —Permit me to draw attention to a subject upon which I am very ignorant. The subject is kauri gum. We exporb thousands of tons of this article as it is dug. It is manufactured in Europe and America into varnish, and probably into other preparations. Could it not be manufactured here ? lam told that oil is largely used in its manufacture. We export a considerable quantity of oil. The manufacture of the gum and oil into varnish would give employment to men employed in the manufacture, and to coopers and tinmen making vessels to contain the varnish for exportation. Men skilled in the manufacture could be obtained, and foreign capital might be as ready to invest in the manufacture as it ia to invest in the extraction of our gold. Perhaps there is a sweeping objection which knocks the feet entirely from under this speculation. If so, I would like to hear it; but unless the objection proves that the speculation would be unremunerative it need not be urged. If the gum wero manufactured here, the industry of gum merchants and sorters would take a new direction, and would be increased. There are varnishes imported, but the importation of these compared with the exportation of gum and oil is inconsiderable, and the importers would have little reason to oppose the manufacture. The importers of soft) goods and of boots and shoes could not feel kindly towards the establishment of weaving and boot factories ; but these have been established and have succeeded, and unless the sweeping objection that the manufacture of varnish " will not pay" exists, I do not see why we should not have varnish factories.—l am, etc., A. Campbell. 21st March.

[A varnish manufactory has been started, and has been in operation for the lasts eighteen months or two years at Avondale. —Ed.]