Ngā Rauropi Whakaoranga

Use of tōtara by Māori for canoe building described. Notes that ownership of some trees known and recognized years before made use of. Describes process of taking off bark and a portion of wood from one side of the tree, to canoe length. As tree grows, bark and young wood swell on either side of the wound, so when tree ultimately cut down it presents a longitudinal depression with a "gunwale" on either side. Use of timber trees by colonialists described. Gum of kauri exported south. Flax mentioned. Use of green tī (Cordyline) leaves in making sandals - "tougher and more lasting " than flax. In Otago, author saw "excellent, strong fishing lines" made of epidermis of undersurface of Celmisia coriacea twisted up into string. Saw same material made into soft moccasins or leggings by Māori - "made out of a cloth formed by using the aforesaid string as a yarn, and rudely weaving it. The leggings had very much the feel and consistence of soft, buff leather." Ribbonwood, (Plagianthus and Hoheria) bark able to be torn into strips of great tenacity.