Austral English / A dictionary of Australasian words, phrases and usages with those aboriginal-Australian and Maori words which have become incorporated in the language, and the commoner scientific words that have had their origin in Australasia

by Edward Ellis Morris

1872. A. Domett, `Ranolf,' p. 107:

"One lone totara-tree that grew
Beneath the hill-side."

1875. T. Laslett, `Timber and Timber Trees,' p. 308:

"The Totara Tree (<i>Taxus</i> or <i>Podocarpus totara</i>). Height, eighty to ninety feet. The wood is red in colour, close, straight, fine and even in grain . . . a good substitute for mahogany."

1889. T. Kirk, `Forest Flora of New Zealand,' p. 227:

"With the exception of the kauri, the totara affords the most valuable timber in New Zealand, but unlike the kauri it is found almost throughout the colony."

<hw>Towai</hw>, <i>n</i>. Maori name for New Zealand tree, <i>Weinmannia racemosa</i>, Forst., <i>N.O. Saxifrageae</i>, i.q. <i>Kamahai</i> in south of South Island, and <i>Tawhero</i> in North Island (Wellington).

1845. E. J. Wakefield, `Adventures in New Zealand,' vol. ii. p. 95:

"Its banks . . . are covered almost wholly with the towai. This tree has very small dark leaves.It is used for ship- building, and is called by Englishmen the `black birch.'"

1851. Mrs. Wilson, `New Zealand,' p. 43: