MAORI MEMORIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 April 1940, Page 2

MAORI MEMORIES

GIANT KAURI. (Recorded by J.U.S. for the “Times-Age.’’) The Kauri is regarded by botanists throughout the world as the best and most interesting of the whole pine family. It grows only in New Zealand, and though its resinous gum makes it an ideal fuel for fire lighting, it was absolutely Taptt for that purpose to the Maori, being reserved for canoes.

Every portion of the living tree, from the green leaf to the branches, the huge trunk and the roots exudes I transparent gum in viscid liquid form. When dry, it resembles coloured glass from pale amber to golden brown in which insects became imbedded and preserved for centuries. Thanks to a Dargaville jeweller, the only comprehensive collection of this unique product in existence is to be seen at “The Treasure House,” near Auckland. It has many thousand interesting specimens, and was bought by an American for £17,000. but legislation wisely prohibits the export of native curios, and the bargain was oil. Gum digging was more profitable than gold seeking. Up to December, 1907. 10.000 tons realised £12.000,000. and this splendid timber of untold value was used here and exported until it is as rare at walnut. At Mercury Bay there is a Kauri tree 100 feet high and 100 feet in circumference 10 feet from the ground. Judged by the “age rings" of many specimen!, the Kauri grows a foot in diameter every 60 years. This giant therefore, started to grow about 460 B.C.