AMERICAN TRADE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 426, 6 May 1937, Page 7

AMERICAN TRADE

KAURI GUM AND TUNG Visitor To Investigate Possibilities Auckland, May a. The -export, of kauri gum and tung oil from New Zealand o the United States is to be investigated by Dr. W Krumbhaer, De’Toit, who arrived a. Auckland by the Niagara from Van couver. It was recognised by the American varnish tnsd-e-, he said, hat there was nothing in the world more suitable for r;s purposes than kauri gum, and it only depended upon the price whe'her the New Zealand product could niee the competition of gums from o'her countries and regain a large portion of 'the trade it once held wi h the United States. At one time there had been an enormous export trade from Auckland to the United States in kauri gum, but a gradual increase in price and the arrival on the market of competitive commodities had been responsible for a diminution in this trade. The Belgian colony of Congo had established an imporpnt trade in gum that was dug from the soil in much the same way as New Zealand’s kauri gum and, although it did not possess the same technical and trade, value as kauri gum, it was a very good article and Us low price, made possible by low labour costs, find given it an advantage over New Zealand’s product. Now Great Britain was importing about 600 tons of Congo gum every month and the United- Slates varnish trade accounted for lenother 200 tons. Kauri gum was still waited in 'the United States, however, said Mt Krumbhaai' It was eminently suitable for the finer grades of, varnish, and there was a good prospect for » revival ip 'trade wi h the United States, but it was essential that the New Zealand diggings should e industrialised, |and lie was going to investiga'e ‘the possibilities of using modern plants so that the gun could i igain be brought into general use. The price had to be brought down to | a lower scale, and lie,'thought only Ini dustrialisation on a modern basis I could bring this about. The growing of tung oil trees in New Zealand was another matter he wished to examine. If New Zealand could successfully develop such an industry 'there was a large market waiting for it in the United States, especially for the finishing of motorcar bodies. At present there was a 'tremendous demand for oil and world shortage niiade the establishment of the industry in New Zealand an ex-, ce-Jlent industrial prospect jf tj l3 country was suitable for its development. Mr. Krumbhaar, who is accompanied by Mrs. Krumbhaar, intends to visit Coromandel and the northern gum-fields, /and also to obtain information about attempts Ifhat have been made to grow tung oil trees for commercial production. He will then go on to Australia before returning to 'the United States.