NEW ZEALAND KAURI IN GLASGOW. FULL CARGO SOLD.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 280, 11 July 1888, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND KAURI IN GLASGOW. FULL CARGO SOLD.

The "Glasgow Herald" bays: The h'rt>t entire cargo of Kauri pine ever imported into Glasgow ib ad present being 1 discharged at Voikhill Wharf tx Aurora, horn Kaipara, a port a little to the north-west ot Auckland. This timber is alone found in extensive forests in the North Island of NewZealand. The tree&gi ow " tall and grand. " The largest known specimen measuies 72 feet in circumference and 80 feet to the branches, and is aged about 2,oooyears. The wood appears to be nearly faultless boingfree from knots and strafes. The sizes landed here confirm the stories of "mammoth" Kauri pine trees. We have seen one plank at Yorkhill 15 feefc long, 9 inches thick, and 41 feet wide ! Wider planks could be sent if they were needed. An Admiralty timber inspector, who visited New Zealand, report*: — "The Kauri pine (Dammara Australis) is ot a yellowish white or straw coloiu, moderately hard for pine, strong, clean, fine, close and straight in the grain It has a very pleasant and agreeable odour ; when worked, planes up well, and leaves a beautiful silky lustre upon the surface, resembling in some degree the plainest satinwood. It .shrinks very little, and stands well after seasoning. Further, it takes a good polish : it possesses lightness, elasticity, and strength ; i& more durable than any other pine, and will stand a large amount ot work before it i& thoroughly worn out. It is very suitable for cabin and other fitments in .ship&, for joiners' wo* k generally, or for ornamental purposes. It is also employed for decks, as from the regularity of its grain and the absence of knots it looks well. Besides, it wears more evenly, and does not require the reconciling or planing over which is frequently found necessary if other woods are worked. It may be considered one of the best woods for working that the carpenter can take in hand." The high freights from the Antipodes have hitherto prevented this wood from finding its way to the Clyde. Sydney and Melbourne cabinetmakers have for years past turned out superb bed -room suites of Kauri pine. In wardrobes and chests of drawers, where large panels can be shown, the Kauri pine is said to have the appearance of a bold-grained satinwood and an extremely brilliant effect. The cargo was subsequently sold by auction and realised from 2s 5d to 2s 9d per cubic foot, or equal to 21s per 100 superficial feet.