Abstract
A SMALL pamphlet, Leaflet No. 26, on “The Properties and Uses of Kauri”, Agathis australis, by A. R. Entrican, has been issued (Government Printer, Wellington, N.Z., 1935). This timber is one of the most useful of the coniferous softwoods, and has been known in international trade for more than a century. The kauri is the monarch of the New Zealand forests, dwarfing all other species. The bole in mature trees has singularly little taper; thus, although it does not attain the height of the North American redwoods (Sequoia) and the Australian eucalypts, it ranks among the largest timber-producing species in the world. It is said that in yielding flawless timber of exceptionally large size, the tree is unsurpassed by any other known species. The extensive virgin forests of the early European occupation have been severely depleted, but it is of good hope for the future to hear that the remaining stands are being placed under a system of forest regulations whereby a sustained yield of this valuable softwood will be assured. Owing to its evenness of texture and ease of working, to its small shrinkage powers, medium density and excellent strength properties and high durability, the timber is able to meet the most exacting requirements. It is made use of in all classes of building and general construction, in shipbuilding, car and wagon construction, tank and vat manufacture, military bridging, and the production of dairy and agricultural machinery and so forth. It is not surprising, as has been the case with fine species in other countries, that the brunt of the fellings for ordinary utilization by the increasing population of the country fell upon this beautiful tree.
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The Kauri. Nature 138, 158 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1038/138158a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/138158a0