124 Transactions.—Miscellaneous. 
The aim of this paper is to present, in a concise form, the more valuable 
portions of the information already published, as well as to record my own 
observations and experience during the last few years. As some of the 
earlier information is not quite trustworthy, I have endeavoured to confirm 
all statements of facts by recent investigations. I do not, however, wish 
this paper to be considered exhaustive or entirely free from errors; on the 
contrary, it is only intended as an introduction to a thorough investigation 
of a subject which is of the utmost importance to the colony at large. 
Although considerable care has been taken to avoid mis-statements, it is 
quite possible such may exist, and I look to the members of the Institute 
for their correction. 
The natural resources of New Zealand generally are equal to those of 
many old countries that take a prominent position in the affairs of the 
world ; and, although Otago seems deficient in some of the products which 
ensure permanent prosperity, such as bituminous coal, and metals, there is 
an abundant supply of good building materials of every description, and, 
with the exception of one or two articles, they are well distributed through- 
out the province. Many of the best supplies are still untouched, and in all 
probability the best of each kind is not yet discovered. It will, therefore, be 
many years before the extent of our resources in building materials is 
known, or the properties of even what has already been discovered 
thoroughly understood. A still longer time must elapse before our stores 
are utilized and developed. This can only come with the increase of settle- 
ment and wealth and improved facilities for transit. Although all these 
causes are daily acquiring strength, they cannot exert a direct influence on 
the question till the cost of producing the native article comes nearer that 
of the imported one. 
In considering the subject before us, I shall treat it under the following 
heads :—First, Stones, Bricks, Concrete, and Roofing Materials ; Second, 
Limes, Cements, and their Aggregates ; and Third, Timbers and Metals. 
Building Stones. 
Building stones are usually divided into three classes, determined by | 
their composition, viz., Silicious, Argillaceous, and Caleareous. Although 
this is perhaps the most natural and distinct classification that can be 
adopted, it is objectionable, as bringing together stones of so very different 
character. For instance, granite and sandstone in the first class and 
porphyry and clay-slate in the second. I purpose, therefore, to consider 
them under two heads, with the conventional names of ‘ Hardstones” and 
** F'reestones.”’ 
Properties of Building Stones.—Before proceeding to treat in detail the 
individual members of these classes, it would be well to consider the pro- 
