KAURI GUM TRADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23044, 23 May 1938, Page 5

KAURI GUM TRADE

, DECLINE IN EXPORTS LOWEST FOR THREE YEARS INCREASE IN AVERAGE PRICE A very hca\\v reduction in the quantity of kauri gum exported from Auckland during April is recorded in the official returns. Total exports last month amounted to only 65 tons, or 135 tons less than the total shipments in March, when 200 tons were exported. The figure for last month is the lowest for the past three years. While there was a marked decline in the quantity exported, the quality has shown no' falling off. The average price per ton showed a slight increase from approximately £sl 15s in March to about £52 lis last month. The total value of the 65 tons exported was £3418. Exports during March were valued at £10,353.

The United Kingdom again proved to bo tho Dominion's host market, the quantity taken amounting to 55 tons. Australia imported one ton, Germany four and France was again in thomarket, her purchases amounting to five tons. There was no inquiry from the United States.

While there has been a sharp decline in the quantity of gum exported, the market locally has shown little alteration in tone, according to one Auckland broker. The quality of the gum shipped as indicated by the slightly higher average price per ton was a little better, he said, and there was n<> cause for anxiety. Gum was not being produced in the same quantity as formerly, and there was not the same demand for it.

Purchasers generally bought their supplies sporadically, renewing their stocks as they ran low. It was expected that the United Kingdom would probably purchase larger quantities during the coming month in view of her reduced imports in April. Supplies were coining into the stores fairly freely from diggers, the broker stated, but the stocks held were not particularly heavy, and gave no cause for worry. The American market has been very quiet owing to troubled internal conditions, arid this also had to sonic extent affected the demand. Exporters generally, however, expected to ship a little more gum during the coining month.

DEMAND FOR FRUIT LONDON PRICES FIRM (Received May 'J'J, p.m.) LONDON, May 2t The demand for fruit is maintained, values being slightly higher for popular coloured varieties of apples, also for large culinary sorts. Prospects appear to lie good. The demand for pears also is satisfactory. Homo crops have suffered further severe damage. Apples are firmer. Pears are firm and New Zealand* by the Kangitata sold as follows: —Josephines, lis to lis 9d; Nelis, 10s to 12s; Coles, 7s 9d to 9s 9d PRODUCE IN LONDON The following information regarding prices for New Zealand produce in London is contained in n cablegram, dated May 21, received by the Bank of New South Wales from its London office: —Mutton, ewes, 2Jd to 4d per II).; wethers, 4}d to 5Jd; lambs, 7Ad to "Jd; pork, (jjjd to 7d. Butter, 129s per cwt. Cheese, white 71s per cwt.; coloured, 71s. WHOLESALE EGG PRICES The Auckland Egg Marketing Committee announces that wholesale egg prices are unchanged as follows: Hen: First-grade, 2s BJd a dozen; B grade, 2s sjd; C grade. Is DJd. Duck: First grade. 2s 4Jd a dozen; B grade, 2s 2Jd; (J grade, Is 10} d. Country storekeepers' minimum buying prices for first grade eggs are: —Hen, 2s lid a dozen; duck, Is lOd.