Story: Kauri gum and gum digging

Washing for chips (3rd of 3)

Washing for chips

The soil from swamps was often washed through screens, leaving behind kauri gum chips, small pieces of wood and other debris. This was heaped in a pile, usually on top of a hill that was exposed to sun and wind. The gum chips would be thrown in the air, allowing the wind to blow away the lighter material – a process called winnowing.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Northwood Collection (PA-Group-00027)
Reference: 1/2-061992; F
Photograph by Arthur James Northwood

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Kauri gum and gum digging - Gum digging methods', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12961/washing-for-chips (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 24 Sep 2007