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Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 7, 3 October 1927, Page 13

A correspondent of the “Taranaki Herald” writes: “I was somewhat surprised to read in a recent issue that Air. J. T. Walker, of Aramoho, recommends the planting of karaka on waste and inaccessible land for the purpose of providing fodder for cattle. He says: “Tho fruit is abundant and equally as valuable as the foliage. Pigs, birds and cattle gorge and fatten on tho product.” I have always been under the impression that tho kernel of the karaka nut was dangerous to man and beast unless it had gone through some process. The .Maoris, for instance, gathered the nuts in kits and steeped them in a swamp for some time before using the kernel, and that seems to me conclusive evidence that all is not right with this fruit in its raw state. 'There is no question about cattle being fond of the foliage, which apparently is quite harmless. If there is no risk then Air. Walker’s plan seems to be an excellent one. The wood ot the karaka •'•‘lng fibrous and pulpy, could it not be utilised for paper making?