504 Prof. W. J. Sollas. Report to the Committee appointed 



the sand by a sand-pnmp, but proved unavailing, the sand flowing in 

 faster than it could be pumped out. Ayles assured me that it was 

 impossible to descend another foot, and that he considered further 

 labour as time and money thrown away. We decided therefore to 

 abandon this borehole, and to recommence operations 011 another site, 

 if possible in solid rock. 



The structure of the ground passed through in the abandoned 

 borehole was as follows : 



< 2 ft. 9 in. 



65 f. 



/05ft. 



Sand wM some com/ b/ocks. 



Coral reefs arid blocks with 

 seme sand. 



Sand w/h some cora,/ blocks. 



Although I knew of many places where solid rock forms the 

 surface of the ground, it was very difficult to find one to which we 

 could transport our machinery, the difficulties of landing on a rocky 

 shore rendered several promising spots inaccessible by sea, while 

 the absence of wheeled vehicles or even wheels, and the nature of the 

 ground, seemed to put transportation by land out of the question. 



At last, however, Mr. Hedley pointed out to me a portage called 

 Luamanif, and used by the natives for dragging their canoes 

 from the lagoon to the seaward side of the island, which at this 

 place is very narrow, about 70 yards across. As this seemed a 

 good landing-place, I submitted it to the consideration of Captain 

 Jb'ield, who, after a personal examination, agreed that we might 

 safely make use of it, Ayles and his party were then set to 



