KAURI GUM OIL.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1916, Page 6

KAURI GUM OIL.

DISTILLATION FROM PEAT. AN INDUSTRY RESUSCIATED. Dargaville, August 20. Tile distillation of kauri gum oil from peat has boon resuscitated after the lapse of years. At Kaimaumau, and at other gum centres, satisfactory operations are progressing, and those interested in the ventures express complete gratification at the results. The peat yields from 20 to 30 gallons per ton, and 25 per cent, of the yield resembles petrol, which can be, and is being, used to piopel motor-cars and launches. The residue contains 2S different kinds of heavy oils, some of which make good var-rii-.li material, nearly equal to the best i v .1. ' . the Far North there are extensive ! L'hcs of country which abound in : Hilar kauri gum. In some cases beds of shallow lakes, which dry up luring summer months, are abnormally : icli in the- deposits, and it is in order to exploit to the full the value of the resin so situated the distillation of the ancient forest residue lias been resumed. The stills, or retorts, are very interesting in their working, and can be heated bv gas obtained from the peat. One man can attend to eigilit retorts, and it is anticipated that in the near future the production of oils will employ a large body of men, and add considerably to the wealth .production of North Auckland. j Over a decaile ago the distillation of peat for kauri gum oil was started at llangawhare, in the Dargaville district. Some prominent Auckland men were associated with Mr. A. R. Harding in the venture, and a costly plant was erected. Opeiations were conducted for two years, iand considerable quantities of various grades of oil were obtained. The promoters of the sdheme in time recognised that more modern appliances and machinery were necessary to ensure tile most payable results, and laid the matter before American experts. Unfortunately, owing to unforeseen circumstances, the expected development did not materialise, and eventually the plant was closed down after the expenditure of some thousands of pounds.