kauri-gum

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


the resin which exudes from the Kauri (q.v.), used in making varnish.

1867. F. Hochstetter, `New Zealand,' p. 140:

«In the year 1859 the amount of timber exportation from the Province of Auckland was L 34,376; that of kauri-gum exported L 20,776.»

1874. G. Walch, `Head over Heels,' p. 15:

«He paid his passage with kauri-gum.»

1893. `Murray's Handbook to New Zealand,' p. 62:

«The industry which will most interest the tourist is theKauri-gum. . . . The resin or gum which they [the Kauri-trees]contained fell into the ground as the trees died, and (notbeing soluble in water) has remained there ever since. Men goabout with spears which they drive into the ground, and if theyfind small pieces of gum sticking to the end of the spear, theycommence digging, and are often rewarded by coming on largelumps of gum.»

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