KAURI GUM INDUSTRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22470, 14 July 1936, Page 13

KAURI GUM INDUSTRY

Sir, —In your issue of July 2 appears a report of the gum-producers' meetings held in various parts of the North re the latter approaching the Government with a request that they take over the kauri gum industry. Your correspondent says that £3O a ton would be about the average price the Government would be asked to pay the gum producers. As far as I know, no fixed price has yet been decided on by the producers or their representatives, the question of price per ton of any, or all, grades of gum has yet to be decided, and it will probably be £56 a ton average for all grades of gum. At the latter price it would be possible for the producers to maintain a decent standard of living, instead of the miserable existence that has been their lot during the past five years. In taking over the kauri gum industry the State would provide permanent work for three to four thousand men now on Public Works Department or relief work, at the same time holding security for the money advanced in the purchase of gum. As secondary industries are of such vital importance to New Zealand's Labour Government in its efforts to provide permanent work for unemployed, the local manufacture of lacquer, varnishes and linoleums should prove a profitable investment to the State. Mark Hoggard.