24 Proceedings. 



2. " llie Taupo Plateau," by Mr. H. Hill, B.A., F.G.S. 



Abstract. 



This paper is an account of the formations met with between Napier and Taupo 

 along the coach-road, and an exphination of the way in which the surface of Taupo 

 <listrict has been altered. Of two diagrams accompanying the paper, one shows the 

 beds lying alongside the road, and the other Lake Taupo with its more important 

 geological features. 



Starting from near Napier, the appearances of limestone, conglomerate, shingle, 

 sand, fossiliferous sand, and pumice are noted. Titiokura Hill is of Miocene beds. 

 At Taurangakuma are Maitai slates, and thence to Tarawera slates and sandstones 

 prevail, intrusive volcanic rocks appearing near Tarawera ; beyond are rhyolites. 

 Sandstones of Otumakioi are similar to the Permian of England. Piki-o-kiko-wera 

 is of volcanic rocks. 



On from Rununga are lavas and pumice terraces. Volcanic mounds and crateral 

 lakes are noticeable. The Rangitaiki River rises in such lakes. Trachytes appear, 

 and sandstones top the low hills at the north of the Kaimanawa Mountains. Peat 

 lignites, 9 ft. thick, are exposed in the Rangitaiki bed, and these are overlaid with 

 pumice. The country here seems to have been covered by a series of lakes. Down 

 the river are remnants of an immense crater. 



Thirteen miles from Taupo is a ridge which seems the eastern side of a great 

 Taupo crater. 



The alteration in the drainage-areas of Taupo district and of Hawke's Bay by 

 the eruptions of Taupo, Rotokawa, and Pihanga volcanoes is explained. The effects 

 of earthquake-action round Taupo are discussed, and Maori lengends are quoted to 

 support the views put forth. 



The Institute expressed its sense of tlie services rendered by Mr. Hill 

 in past years, and wished him a pleasant time during his coming visit to 

 England. 



