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At the root of the leaves is found a semi-liquid gum-like substance 
which serves the Maoris as a substitute for sealing-wax and glue, 
and is also eaten. The dried flower-stalks, the pith of which, when 
ignited, keeps glowing like tinder, arc to the travelling Maori 
excellent slow-matches by means of which ho is enabled conti- 
nually to carry fire about him. The most different uses and bene- 
fits, however, are derived from the loaf Green on the bush or 
cut, it serves the modern Maori that knows how to read and write, 
the purpose of writing-paper; with a sharp-edged shell he engraves 
his thoughts upon it. Split and cut into broader or narrower strips, 
and bound together longer or shorter, it serves by virtue of the 
extraordinary tenacity of its fibre, instead of cords, ropes, straps, 
and all sorts of strings, lines and tows. As a universal means for 
binding and strapping, it is of invaluable service in Now Zealand, 
and indispensable to the natives in the building of huts and canoes. 
The green strips of the leaves are plaited by the women into very 
