T, Kmz.—On the Utilization of New Zealand Timbers. 459 
the utilization of timber, and for which the next and succeeding generations 
will suffer, nor yet to that necessary destruction over areas in process of 
settlement, so much as to the general neglect to utilize timbers which would 
command aconstant market at remunerative prices in Britain, and in the 
common use, in the Northern districts at least, of best timber for purposes 
that would be equally well served by timber of an inferior quality, In the 
former case the evil is the result of ignorance; in the latter of wantonnesss, 
The magnificent kauri forests of Auckland have often enabled that 
district to pass through periods of difficulties, with comparative ease, by 
finding employment for numbers who would otherwise have been destitute. 
But at the present increasing rate of consumption, this source of wealth 
will have become exhausted within thirty years; the export of kauri will 
have ceased long before the expiration of that period, and there is no 
timber in the colony by which it can be replaced. The suggestion of any 
means by which this period can be retarded is therefore a matter of general 
interest, and from this point of view the utilization of certain neglected 
timbers, which, although inferior to kauri, are still valuable for general 
purposes, is one of considerable importance. 
Again, there are many neglected timbers of great value for general 
cabinet work, marquetry, or other special purposes, which might assist to 
swell our catalogue of exports, and for which a constant market might be 
secured, In most cases these timbers have been neglected from simple 
ignorance of their value, but the excessive cost of land or water carriage to 
the port of shipment has too often proved an insuperable obstacle; this, 
however, thanks to the public works policy of the last few years, is 
being diminished almost month by month. The high cost of labour has 
also contributed towards perpetuating the neglect. The owner of a saw- 
mill, after clearing his bush of kauri or other marketable timber, has not 
cared to incur the cost and risk of converting timber of unknown qualities 
and comparatively small dimensions for an uncertain market. Some of 
these timbers when growing are of solitary habit, which to the ordinary 
timber merchant would present an increased difficulty. 
Although no class in a community can derive benefit from the extension 
of an industry without the community at large benefiting to a greater or 
less extent; yet it must be admitted that the small settlers in forest, 
districts would benefit more largely than any other class by the utilization 
. 0f these neglected timbers. Commencing with little or no capital, our settlers 
would gladly weleome the opportunity of converting a large portion of their 
timber into hard cash instead of ashes, and would thus be enabled to tide 
over the first years on their land with less difficulty than at present, 
