KAURIE GUM.

Auckland Times, Volume 3, Issue 139, 6 September 1845, Page 2

KAURIE GUM.

Exports from New Zealand have been hitherto the great and grand desideratum of this place. Flax has been tortured with every variety of preparation and appearance that ingenuity could devise, and yet has been unsuccessful. Copper, which promises an inexhaustible revenue, is yet comparatively undeveloped for want of capital, although every experiment has abundantly proved how very rich this Colony is in its mineral productions. There was a promising trade in the unequalled spars of this country; but everything has been unsettled and overturned by the squabbles about land, and the disturbance of what ought to be vested right. We have no reliance upon the generosity of Lord Stanley or any of his successors, and if we must bear the iron weight, and drag the heavy chain of home taxation, everything that indicates the hope of a native production is of course most acceptable.

GUM is now an article of general observance for export, and seems likely to become a lasting one—if we may judge by its early and general acceptance. If the demand for it shall continue, there is ro fear but the supply is inexhaustible. The collectors of, and dealers in, gum had a gala day on Wednesday last at Onionga, when the holiday citizens of Auckland thronged to the place and made it look like a fair; boat racing was projected, but the strong breeze prevented more than a

partial observance of that part of the day’s amusement; three sailing-boats started for the principal prize, two of which were completely hors de combat t and Mr. Haswell’s Petrel won very easily’’. On the beautiful sandy beach at this place, among piles of Kauri Gum, were several Maorie tents, and many of the visitors amused themselves with foot races, leaping matches, &c. t till the arrival of the important hour of dinner, when a very large party sat down at Mr. Forbes’s house, to a wed furnished table, at which, all enjoyed themselves highly; all matters being well arranged and well managed, to a degree far beyond what could have been expected under the circumstances; preparations were made for a dance, and everything was'going on jovially when we left. We notice this little festival ol successful industry the more earnestly, because we do think, with the Governor, that many of our settlers have been too despondent, and too negligent of the resources within their grasp. We forbear to make any observations about the market price of this article, till returns are made from the English and European markets; for at present it is necessarily a matter of speculation ; but we have every reason to believe that Gum may hereafter be looked upon as a staple commodity of commerce ; at all events the “ Gum-gatherers” deserve well of their fellow-colonists, and seem to be in the hio-h-road to that success which we earnestly wish for them.