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1950 NE W ZEAL A N T)

KAURI-GUM INDUSTRY (REPORT ON THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1950

Presented to Both Houses of the General Assembly Pursuant to Section -5 of the Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914

Department of Lands and Survey, Str, — Wellington, 4th July, 1950. I have the honour to submit herewith the annual report under the Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914, for the year ended 31st March, 1950. I have, &c., 1). M. Greig, Director-General of Lands. The Hon. the Minister of Lands.

REPORT The unstable conditions ruling at the close of the 1948-49 kauri-gum digging-season resulted in a loss of confidence in the early part of the 1949-50 season among the reduced number of diggers who were operating, and, consequently, production of kauri-gum for the year ended 31st March, 1950, was lower than usual. The close of the year reflects a better tone and a more hopeful outlook in the industry. A combination of circumstances affecting the price factor overseas, coupled with a greatly increased demand for the small quantities of gum offering, have brought about a sharp increase in the prices being offered as compared with previous years.