Table of Contents
What was the first major use of kauri gum?
Although used for generations by the Maori people (they used it as chewing gum, for lighting fires and tattooing) the Kauri Gum industry had it’s beginnings in 1814 when a trial shipment was sent to London by early European pioneers who were keen to export products back to their homeland.
What is a gum spear?
The “gum-spear” was a long steel rod, tapering from one quarter of an inch thickness to a sharp point – the rod attached to a spade handle. An improved model, which went into the ground more easily, had a coil of fine wire fixed above the point.
Is Amber found in New Zealand?
The amber derives from the ancestors of the kauri, resin-producing conifers belonging to the Araucariaceae family which still live today in northern New Zealand. Amber deposits are concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere where their inclusions have been studied intensively.
How much does kauri gum sell for?
A retiree who paid a suspected world record $16,000 for a lump of kauri gum at auction admits getting “carried away” and is now wondering how to break the news to his wife. The 9.9kg lump of resin went up for sale at Cordy’s auction in Auckland yesterday with a reserve of $1500.
Where on the North Shore was kauri gum dug from?
Most of the gumfields were in Northland, Coromandel and Auckland, the site of the original kauri forests. Initially, the gum was readily accessible, commonly found lying on the ground.
How much does kauri gum cost?
A Large Natural Kauri Gum Nugget – Price Estimate: $3500 – $5000.
How much is kauri gum worth in NZ?
Giant kauri gum nugget sells for $16,000 – NZ Herald.
How do you clean kauri gum?
MacLaurin, the Government analyst, has found a way of cleaning small pieces of kauri gum. The gum is first immersed in a strong solution of common salt, which increases the floating power of the liquid, the dirt adhering to the gum sinking, leaving tho gum afloat.
Is kauri a pine?
Agathis australis, commonly known by its Māori name kauri (pronounced “Ko-ree”), is a coniferous tree in the family Araucariaceae, found north of 38°S in the northern regions of New Zealand’s North Island….
| Agathis australis | |
|---|---|
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Araucariaceae |
| Genus: | Agathis |
How did they dig up the kauri?
The diggers dug sometimes quite deep trenches or holes, nearly always in swampy areas, so it was a rather unpleasant job. The gum they collected was the best quality however, so it was worth more. Gum climbers and bleeders scaled kauri using a weighted line and ropes.
How did the kauri gum get to Pouto?
For export the gum was sorted into grades and sold by the gum merchants. In the 1860’s many Dalmations (Yugoslavs) and others came to the Pouto Peninsula to dig for Kauri gum. Punahaere, Pukemiro flats and nearly all other swamp areas were dug over.
Why did the kauri gum industry have unfair working conditions?
One possible explanation for these unpleasant working conditions is that the Kauri Gum Industry Act of the previous year had reserved more desirable locations for British-born diggers.
How much did a kauri Digger earn?
In 1893 average earnings for diggers was found to be about 27 shillings per week.The ‘gatherers’ had collected the gum on or near the surface of the ground or on the trees themselves (kauri trees ‘bleed’ when damaged). The diggers dug sometimes quite deep trenches or holes, nearly always in swampy areas, so it was a rather unpleasant job.