114 AMERICAN LUMBER IN FOREIGN MARKETS. 



there is no doubt in the minds of those familiar with it that it will 

 prove equally durable with its congener, L. bidwillii, already noticed. 



Manoao (Daerydium colemoi). This is a small tree 30 to 40 feet 

 high found in various parts of the country, but has scarcely been used 

 except locally for house building, although well known even to the 

 natives as being one of the most durable timbers in the colony. 



Pukatea (Atherosperma novce Zealandice). This is a striking tree, 

 frequently found 150 feet high, with a trunk of from 3 to 6 feet and 

 upwards in diameter. It is common in swampy places. Timber soft, 

 but apparently durable in water. It has been used in Auckland for 

 boat building, but is not greatly valued. 



There are several other trees that might be mentioned, but so far 

 they have not been found to be of any commercial value, therefore their 

 inclusion in this report would not afford any useful information. 



I am much indebted to a work published by Mr. Ashley Hunter, 0. 

 E., on the " durability of New Zealand timber." The work mentioned 

 is very complete, giving as it does in detail the durability and strength 

 of the different woods referred to. But the details are too minute and 

 elaborate to be included in a general report of this kind. I send with 

 this report 13 samples of the New Zealand timber which are most 

 esteemed for their commercial value and usefulness. * 



KINDS OP LUMBER USED. 



Kaure timber largely enters into all kinds of construction work in 

 the North Islands in preference to any other kind. It is admittedly 

 superior for general purposes, and is used in all kinds of building and 

 constructed works, from a window sash to the masts and spars of a ves- 

 sel. 



For boat building, Oregon pine and spruce are occasionally used for 

 spars and sculls. For the latter purpose the best selected Oregon pine 

 only is used, and costs laid down here, duty paid, about 10 cents per 

 superficial fot)t. 



Most of the American lumber used in this county is imported from 

 Melbourne and Sydney; but Oregon pine imported from either of the 

 above colonies costs, laid down here, about $6.30 per 100 superficial 

 feet. 



American hickory and ash are largely used for coach building in 

 this country, and give the greatest satisfaction. Hickory and ash are 

 preferred to all other woods for coach and carriage building, and would 

 be more generally used if less expensive. It has been found impossible 

 to use the above-mentioned woods in the shipbuilding trade owing to 

 the cost being excessive. Small quantities of hickory and ash were 

 imported direct from New York last year, but just how much I have 

 been unable to ascertain. There is an average of one sailing vessel 

 a month leaving New York for New Zealand ports, in addition to 



* Samples filed in the Department. 



