T, Kirk. — On ih Vt'dkation of Xew ZcalanJ. Timbers. 450 



the utilization of timber, and for wliicli tlio 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 Avhicli would 

 command a constant 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 tlio 

 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 case, 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 

 havo 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 utihzation of certain neglected 

 timbers, which, although inferior to kauri, arc 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 ba 

 secured. In most cases these timbers have been neglected from simple 

 ignorance of their value, but the excessive cost of laud 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 mouth. 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 

 of these neglected timbers. Commencing with little or no capital, our settlers 

 would gladly welcome 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 then- land with less difficulty than at present, 



