EARLY DAYS OF THE TIMBER INDUSTRY
WHEN THERE WERE NO LABOUR' TROUBLES. The superiority of tho kauri over other timbers for the masts and spars of the old-time sailing ships was early recognised by traders to those shore's, and a number of vessels were engaged in shipping logs to Australia and even to England. The felling of the trees and the Work of transporting the logs to the sea coast for shipment was, says a correspondent, performed by the Maoris, who used very primitive methods. European axes were used for felling these giants of the forest, which were then hauled along rough skidways by sheer strength, of tlie united muscles of hundreds of powerful warriors plying block and tackle supplied bv the shijimasters. Several descriptions of the stirring scene have been handed down by old-time settlers, who describe it as similar to that enacted at the launching of a big war canoe. The leading chief mounted the fallen trunk, and with flashing eyes and violent action urged the straining warriors on. With savage songs and shouts of triumph, the big log would be 'hauled foot by foot to the edgb of the sloi>e leading down to the beach; then, with a final heave, the mighty mass of timber would be launched on its way to the water’s edge. These strenuous activities always ended up with a. great feast nnd plenty of savage oratory, in which the vanquishing of the monarch of the forest and its final disposal were picturesquely dealt with. They were days when the captains of the ships had to keep a close eye on their untamed timber-getters also, for the warlike Maori was never averse to the healthy excitement provided by the capture and looting of a pakdha ship. Eighty odd years from these _ stirring times we find it hard to provide sufficient timber for our own needs, and have to set up' a State Forest Service in an endeavour to save the remnants before even they have vanished.
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Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 80, 28 December 1921, Page 5
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332EARLY DAYS OF THE TIMBER INDUSTRY Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 80, 28 December 1921, Page 5
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