"The Native name `Kauri' is the only common name in general use. When the timber was first introduced into Britain it was termed `cowrie' or `kowdie-pine'; but the name speedily fell into disuse, although it still appears as the common name in some horticultural works."
1890. Brett, `Early History of New Zealand,' p. 115:
"`The Hunter' and `Fancy' loaded spars for Bengal at the Thames in 1798." . . . "These two Indian vessels in the Thames were probably the earliest European ships that loaded with New Zealand Timber, and probably mark the commencement of the export Kauri trade."
<hw>Kauri-gum</hw>, <i>n</i>. the resin which exudes from the <i>Kauri</i> (q.v.), used in making varnish.
1867. F. Hochstetter, `New Zealand,' p. 140:
"In the year 1859 the amount of timber exportation from the
Province of Auckland was L 34,376; that of kauri-gum exported
L 20,776."
1874. G. Walch, `Head over Heels,' p. 15:
"He paid his passage with kauri-gum."
1893. `Murray's Handbook to New Zealand,' p. 62:
"The industry which will most interest the tourist is the Kauri-gum. . . . The resin or gum which they [the Kauri-trees] contained fell into the ground as the trees died, and (not being soluble in water) has remained there ever since. Men go about with spears which they drive into the ground, and if they find small pieces of gum sticking to the end of the spear, they commence digging, and are often rewarded by coming on large lumps of gum."