Part IV. Kauri-Gum.

As a fossil resin dug from the earth kauri-gum has undoubtedly a place among the mineral productions of the colony, and, as will be seen from the following table, it forms a by no means unimportant article of export. It is the fossil turpentine of the Kauri (Damumara australis), which is still found growing in the northern portion of the colony, and page 109 occurs as far south as Taranaki. Though used principally in the nanu-facture of varnish, it is stated to be employed as a substitute for anber, which it very much resembles. As the method of mining for kaur-gum is very simple—nothing more is required than a spear with which b find it, a spade to dig it out, and a sack to carry it away in—it is a frquent refuge for people who have not sufficient capital to embark in anyother industry, who are not over-fond of work, but like a free and open-a life, and who desire to obtain something which is readily couvertibl into cash. As the climate of the region where it occurs is very mild, and the country comparatively open, but little hardship need be encountcid by the "gum-digger."

The writer has now to conclude with a word of explanation wat has been to him a congenial labour. The colony of New Zealand is [unclear: arextensive] and varied tract of country, embracing every variety of toporaphy, page 110 a complex and representative geology, and a very large number of mineral products. In endeavouring to lay before this Institute an account of the present condition of mining in that colony the greatest difficulty experienced has been not in obtaining materials for a paper, but in choosing from the great mass available, sufficient to give an idea of the mineral riches and methods of working them, without drifting into prolixity and superabundant detail. The writer has had perpetually before him the fear of incurring reproach by referring in too eulogistic terms to the future prospects of New Zealand mining enterprise, while it has been his constant endeavour to do justice to the resources of the country in which he lived and laboured for so many years.

To the small but intrepid army of geological and mining workers, of whose publications he has made full use, he begs to make every acknowledgment, and to the Agent-General in London for New Zealand (Mr. W. B. Perceval), he desires to return his most cordial thanks for information courteously and freely rendered.