KAURI’ GUM’S FUTURE

Taranaki Daily News, 5 June 1935, Page 5

KAURI’ GUM’S FUTURE

PRODUCTION COMMERCIALLY.

INVESTIGATION BY MR. FORBES. (Supplied and released by the New Zealand Government.) Rec. 11 p.m. London, June 4. The future of the kauri gum industry has been investigated by Mr. G. W. Forbes, who visited the British Research Association’s station accompanied by Mr. N. Wright, scientific liaison officer attached to the High Commissioner’s office. The Prime Minister learned from the director, Dr. Jordan, that kauri gum produced by the new solvent process undoubtedly has a future as a standardised material in the paint, varnish, lacquer and linoleum industries but, owing to the increasing competition of synthetic products, it was urgently necessary to establish commercial production as soon as possible. For the time being kauri gum had lost its position with varnish and lacquer manufacturers.

The new product had the advantage of being standardised and containing qualities lacking in competitive materials but it was essential that it must be produced at a competitive price. Mr. Forbes also studied the work being carried out by the station for the improvement of paint and other materials used for protective coatings and it was pointed out to him that owing to the large amount of paint used by Government departments it was advisable they should maintain close contact with the developments which were taking place at the station.