KAURI GUM DREDGING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 14, 7 May 1914, Page 7

KAURI GUM DREDGING.

A NEW DEPARTURE. [Pke Piiesb Association.] Auckland, May 6. A new departure in connection with the kauri gum industry, which, it is anticipated, will result in important developments in the near future, is about to be inaugurated in the north of Auckland. This is the application of dredging to the winning of the gum, which exists in large quantities in many of the swamps in the northern peninsula. A company with a capital of £30,000 has recently been formed for the purpose of working the first gum dredge, which will start operations on a swamp at Owanui. The company has purchased a gold dredge in Otago, and to this alterations necessary to adapt it to gumdredging are being made. The dredge wjll shortly bo shipped to the north, and it is expected that operations will be commenced some time during the present year. There are many thousands of acres of swamp in the gum-bearing areas of the north, and it is anticipated that the dredge, about to be placed in commission will be the forerunner of many others. The swamps, after being dredged, will be drained, and will then Be available for cultivation. The land will make excellent dairying country.