The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 23
Varnish
Varnish.
So largely docs kauri-gum enter into the manufacture of varnish that it is most desirable that an effort should be made to produce within the colony an article which can compete with that which is now so largely imported. Last year the imported varnish was valued at £12,419—a very large sum to send out of the colony for an article that, without much difficulty, could be made within it. In this case, since encouragement would be given to the kauri-gum industry as well as to establishing a new manufacture, the Government would be justified in increasing the import duty, and in offering a bonus for the first five thousand gallons of New Zealand varnish. In Victoria the industry appears to be established. Last year there were three paint-varnish manufactories, employing twenty-two hands, and with machinery, plant, land, and buildings valued at £16,229.