344 Transactions. — Geology. 



river, and the river-bank is steep and brush-covered. The 

 entrance, though hidden from view by foliage, is quite large, 

 being some 10 ft. high, while inside the roof would be 15 ft., 

 and the measurement across about the same. 



The roof and walls were hung and cased with stalactite 

 formations, while the floor, but for places here and there, was 

 under water. On a ledge near the roof on the right on enter- 

 ing are to be found what are described as petrified ferns and 

 twigs. These, however, were simply covered with the same 

 deposit which formed the stalactites. 



The passage portion enters the main part at the top, and 

 a primitive wooden ladder had been placed to assist the ex- 

 plorer, but at the time of my visit this had become useless, 

 so it was necessary to return to outer air, scale the cliff-side, 

 and find the entrance to the passage-way, 



The gully in which it was situated was a blind one and 

 small, and, instead of opening out into a larger waterway, it 

 had its course barred, and the water which it led away passed 

 into the cave, and so found its way into the Manawatu. It 

 may be that the gully itself was formed by the falling-in of a 

 considerable underground passage. 



For the purpose of measurement a reel of cotton was used 

 here, as well as to give a feeling of security, for I had to do 

 the exploration without assistance, the owner of the property 

 not being able to accompany me. 



The entrance is exceedingly confined, and inside there was 

 a strong draught, which made an unprotected light an impos- 

 sibility. I bad been warned that there was an awkward hole 

 some distance on in the passage, so this added to the interest. 



A little way in there was room enough to look round. 

 The walls, roof, and floor were composed simply of shells ; in- 

 deed, the land in this district consists largely of shell deposits. 

 Through this shell water percolated, and the shell was quite 

 crumbly and rotten. 



Inside the passage, by the aid of a large stock of matches, 

 a weta was secured ; it was one of several which struck against 

 me, and its body now rests in Mr. Hudson's collection. 



Finding my way out, I returned to the main cave to 

 secure what specimens could be obtained without playing 

 the part of a vandal. This, however, has not been guarded 

 against to the extent it should have been. 



Some years ago there was read a paper in which it was 

 asked whether plaques could not be made in some of our 

 New Zealand caves similar to those produced in the South 

 of Europe ; and this it appears to me could easily be done 

 with the water holding the necessary matter in solution, 

 which drops from the roof and runs down the sides of the 

 Papatu Cave. 



