KAURI GUM EXPORTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22887, 16 November 1937, Page 5

KAURI GUM EXPORTS

PRICES REMAIN STEADY

LARGER QUANTITY SHIPPED

THE ADVANTAGE OF CLEANING

Pi •ices for kauri gum exported from Auckland continue to rule at satisfactory levels. The average value for gum shipped during October was' almost £52 10s a ton. representing a decline of about £2 10s since the previous month, but still considerably in advance of prices a year ago. However, these prices were for orders placed •several months ago, while those of last year were for orders made as far back as the depression years.

While these export values cannot be taken as a true guide to the market, there is no doubt that considerable improvement has taken place during this year. The total amount, of gum shipped in October was 252 tons, an increase of 88 tons over the September figure. The total value of £13,217 compares with only £9036 in September. The following table gives details of tiro amounts of gum shipped in October, the country to which it was consigned and the value: Country Tons Value United Kingdom .. 100 £.1,2.10 Canada .. •• 2S 1.1 \J Australia .. .. 1 I* s " Germany .. .. 11 -N® Netherlands .. 10 480 Sweden .. .. SO 000 Japan .. 5 ■U.S. America .. 5S 4,304 252 £13,217 Little Change Recently Consignments to the two main purchasers, the United Kingdom and America, showed fairly considerable increases, particularly in the case of the latter. Canada maintains her place as a fairly substantial buyer. Sweden and the Netherlands arc two countries which have not purchased for some time, and shipments to these countries have contributed largely to the greater amount exported. Japan continues to buy but her order is only small. "There has been little change in the kauri gum position during the past month.'' said a prominent merchant yesterday. "The gum is coining forward in slightly increased quantities, probably owing to the more settled weather, but the market is by 110 means overloaded. Overseas buyers are staying their hands and there has been a slight lull in the market, but it is nothing to become concerned about. Fairly heavy quantities have been bought and buyers are now taking only their immediate requirements. Better Price lor Cleaned Gum

"The position is not so bad that we have tf> bring prices clown to obtain the order:-;. The lull is merely seasonal, but unlike other lines, in kauri gum it does not come regularly. If it had not conic now it would have been later in the season. Buyers probably think that there is plenty of gum available in New Zealand, but that is not so, and it appears that they will have to buy sooner or later. "There is one point which I would like to stress for the benefit of the diggers. That is that they are only doing themselves harm by not sending their gum into the stores in a properly cleaned condition. Poor chips are not selling very well, simply because the overseas buyers realise that if they pay slightly more they can obtain a better gum and save expense in the long run. They have to employ men cleaning the gum and it is all extra expense. If tho diggers would only take tho trouble to clean the gum thoroughly it would be to their advantage as much bettor prices could then be paid." CONTINUED PROGRESS

BETTER FIJIAN TRADE IMPROVED SUGAR PRICES [fKO.M OUII OWN COItHKSrONDENT] SUVA, Nov. 6 A substantial increase over the corresponding period last year is shown in the trading figures for the Colony for the nine months of this year, imports totalled £1,309,291 and exports £1,5-12,972. a total of £2,852,263, compared with the following figures for the same period ill 1936: —Imports, £1,099,697; exports. £1,348.971; total. £2,-118,668. For the period under review the balance of exports over imports Avas £233,681.

The exports for the period were £191,001 in excess of the previous year, sugar being responsible for £98.917 of tliis total. There was little difference in the quantity shipped, but values increased considerably. Copra showed' an increase of £78,-151, although the tonnage was some 500 tons less. Bananas were down in quantity and value. Gold bullion increased by .approximately £15,000 and "other articles" by aoproxiniatelv £IB,OOO. AN UPWARD TREND AUSTRALIA PROSPEROUS MANUFACTURER'S COMMENT Reports of prosperity in Australia made frequently bv visitors from the Commonwealth were confirmed by Mr. X. E. Sheppard, a Melbourne manufacturer, who was a through passenger for San Francisco on tlio Mariposa, which arrived at Auckland yesterday. Mr. Sheppard said that unless alarming developments in Europe intervened it appeared as though the Commonwealth would enjoy a good period of prosperity. Referring to conditions in the manufacturing business, Mr. Sheppard said the manufacturer in Australia was assisted h.v high tariffs on imports. In that respect be understood Australia was in a better position than New Zealand. Secondary industries had been affected in Australia by legislation in the past much after the manner in which < New Zealand manufacturers were now affected by new labour laws, but after a time there was a levelliiigout process and industry was not retarded for a length of time.

"Australia lias boon fortunate in a Prime Minister of the calibre of Mr. Lyons," lie added. "He took the countrv through a difficult period in an excellent manner. With most districts recently experiencing rain, there is every indication that we will have a good season to give an impetus to the general improvement."