Survival of the kauri

Press, 7 March 1987, Page 23

Survival of the kauri

**“* **" uSSL."* JL, y - •st **' ™ "r'T? are arUtaatrathns. $35. (Reviewed by Colin Webb) The history of the kauri closely reflects the history of the vegetation and peoples of New Zealand. After millions of years of quiet evolution, this, our largest indigenous tree, was brought to the point where its extinction was considered inevitable by some. Its near destruction was at the hands of both Maori and European settlers. This book relates the story of the kauri, Agathls australis, with particular emphasis on the critical last 150 years. The kauri was valued by the Maori for both Its wood and gum It was used by visiting Europeans for ships’ spars and later by colonists for timber and gum, locally and for export. But, in addition to the destruction of the forests by milling for the valued timber, large areas of forest containing kauri were simply burnt to clear land for farming. The story ends with the rise of the conservation movement and the resulting preservation of remaining kauri forest on crown land. The authors devote two chapters to the fight to save Waipoua, a turning point when public opinion finally forced the Government to accept the social and cultural values of the kauri forest over mere economic considerations. Some remaining concern is expressed over the continued pressure to fell kauri on private, and especially Maori land, and the effect conservation of New Zealand kauri has had on the forests of the related Fijian kauri, now imported here as timber.

All of the chapters are well Illustrated and photographs are included of most of the largest known trees, The reproduction of many historical black-and-white photographs, such as those by Tudor Collins showing early logging operations and gum collecting, is invaluable, In fact the description and Illustration of life in the early bush camps is one of the most interesting parts of the book, which otherwise, although clearly written is often a little uninspired. The colour plates are also excellent, although it is a pity that half a page has been wasted on a black and white photograph of the Maori war canoe al Waitangi when an almost identical, but much clearer colour shot appears earlier, Later chapters describe reserves where natural stands of kauri can be seen and give details of the 10 largest trees (still ranked in terms of volume of millable timber). These chapers will be useful for the tourist to dip into with the aid of the thorough index. Appendices include an explanation of terminology, especially that of early logging and gum digging days, kauri growth rates and prices, and a list of reserves, One appendix gives a detailed description of how to grow kauri, which is an attractive plant even in its early stages and can be cultivated easily far south of its natural range in the northern North Island, . In fact, a great diversity of information is contained in this one volume, which with its large number of illustrations and well-researched text must be considered very moderately priced.