KAURI GUM.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 136, 24 January 1916, Page 1

KAURI GUM.

A very profitable business between Japan and New Zealand row otiers itself to enterprising manufacturers in this country, says the "Japan Times." Kauri gum, a resinous substance found in large quantities in the kauri districts in the northern parts of New Zealand, was hitherto bought by Germany for the manufacture of pipe stems and similar goods and as a component for varnishes. Germany bought very large quantities of the gum, and ostensibly used it for legitimate purposes, but since the war broke out it hc.s been found that the Germans have been using it as an important factor in making explosives. The gum industry in New Zealand, according to the latest reports, wa> practically at a standstill, as no market could be found for the product. A progressive Japanete manufacturer should be able to devise means of establishing a profitable industry by importing the gum and turning it to usa herfe