THE KAURI GUM TRADE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 11 March 1908, Page 40

THE KAURI GUM TRADE.

PROSPECTS DISCOURAGING. (FaoM Our Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, February 27. "I don't believe that there are more than a thousand men on the gumfields at the present time, although some people give a higher estimate," said one competent to speak, in conversation with a Star representative. The production of this " vegetable mineral " has fallen off rapidly of late. Last year there was a shrinkage of 700 tons, as compared with the previous year. This year the decline, if the present rate does not improve, will be nearer 14-00 tons, the shortage experienced already totalling 475 tons. Last year the total production was 8287 tons. The year before the export was 9514 tons, and the previous year 10,883 tons, so that the decline totals over 1000 ~tons a year. The prices 6howcd a sharp advance, fully compensating for the loss of production, but there are indications that high water mark has been reached. Last month London stocks were but 521 tons, and one has to go back 10 years to find as low a level. Notwithstanding this, there has been a very poor demand, and at the London sales of Thursday last a decline was reported. One gentleman interested in the trade, who has just returned from a round the world trip, went Home convinced that kauri gum was a necessity in the manufacture of varnish. His experiences at Home had corrected that impression. That it was the best material was undisputed, but it could be done without, and, in his opinion, there will certainly be less used unless it can be more cheaply procured in New Zealand. Notwithstanding the shortage in production, however, as it is the, best, and people want the best, there is hope for the industry. At the same time extreme prices must not be too confidently anticipated.