HiLL.^Ow a Volcanic-dust SJioiver. 571 



point of Young Nick's Head, and passing through Waerenga- 

 hika, Makauri, Matawhero, and thence to the sea-beach. On 

 either side of this imaginary hne a trough exists, and I have 

 no doubt artesian water would be obtained from it. Ah'eady 

 tests have been made, as in the wells at Makauri and Maka- 

 raka, and with proper appliances wells might be put down of 

 sufficient bore to provide an ample supply for the wants of 

 Gisborne. The best place for putting down a well would be 

 near the native settlement, towards the sea-beach, in a line 

 between the cape and Matawhero. 



I am unable to say anything as to the quantity or quality 

 of the water likely to be obtained. A knowledge of these can 

 only be gained by experience. The Waipaoa Eiver is not a 

 shingle-carrier like the rivers of Hawke's Bay, and I do not 

 expect a flow equal to what is obtained in the Hawke's Bay 

 district, nor do I suppose that the water will possess the same 

 general qualities. But these matters can readily be put to the 

 test at comparatively small cost. A trial bore, with a 2in. 

 pipe, should be made by the local governing authorities, such 

 as the County Council and the Gisborne Borough. The work 

 could be done in ten days or so, and the information gained 

 would provide information for the district, and it would set at 

 rest the possibility of supplying Gisborne with water of a 

 quantity and quality suitable for the needs of the town. 



As my description of the district is written in a popular 

 form, and free from technicalities, I have omitted sections of 

 any kind, as the account can be readily followed by any one 

 having even a slight acquaintance with the district. 



Art. LV. — On a Volcanic-dust Shoiver in Napier. 

 By H. Hill, B.A. 



[Bead before the Hawke's Bay Philosophical Institute, 14th January, 



U97.] 



I WISH to place on record a storm of volcanic dust which fell 

 in Napier on the night of the 14th December and early in the 

 morning of the 15th December last. A strong wind had been 

 blowing from the north-west on the previous day, and clouds 

 had been seen coming from that direction, but nothing unusual 

 was expected from this circumstance. The evening of the 14th 

 was rather boisterous, but it was not until early in the morning 

 of the 15th that the falling dust was noticed, except in one or 

 two cases where clothes were being taken in from the drying- 



