424 Transactions. —Geology: 
which contains some minute crystals being forwarded for identification by 
Mr. Ormond. A specimen was also forwarded by Mr. J. C. Stovin, in 1878, 
from the Auckland district, but these are the only two instances on record 
of this mineral having been found in New Zealand. It is the most valuable 
ore of manganese, on account of its containing a larger proportion of oxy- 
gen than any other class of manganese ore, and on that account generating 
more chlorine when treated with hydrochloric acid, in bleaching processes. 
Hausmannite, Mn.+Ma-—H. 5°5. Colour brownish-black; streak ches- 
nut brown; opaque. Fracture uneven. 
This mineral is mentioned as occurring in rolled pieces in the river 
Selwyn, and coating joints in rocks. (See Dr. Haast’s collection, Jurors’ 
Reports N.Z. Ex. 1865, p, 258), but we have no sample in the Colonial 
Museum. 
: Braunite, Ma.-—Streak and colour dark brownish-black; fracture uneven ; 
e. se 
The first specimen of this mineral was forwarded by Mr. E. Toomath, 
from the Malvern Hills, Canterbury; it is a massive variety. 
Another specimen was forwarded from the vicinity of Wellington, by 
Mr. W. S. Hamilton, in 1878, and in 1879 a specimen was sent from the 
Bay of Islands by Mr. J. G. Stovin. This last specimen was unfortu- 
nately lost at the Melbourne Exhibition. 
Hydrous Ores. 
Manganiie, Ma+H.—H.4. Colour dark steel-grey to iron-black, streak 
reddish-brown, sometimes nearly black; opaque. Fracture uneyen. This 
elass of ore is largely represented in New Zealand. It is mentioned “ 
occurring in veins in schists, and as rolled fragments in the alluvial drift 
at Kawarau and Clutha (Jurors’ Reports N.Z. Exhibition, 1865, p- 265) 
and in 1865 it was forwarded for identification from the Pioneer Claim, 
Dunstan, Otago. 
Mr. Skey again mentions in 1871 the occurrence of this mineral at te 
Tararu Creek, Thames, where it is found in small columnar crystals, lining 
@ cavity in an earthy-looking rock, and in the Yankee Doodle Claim at 
the same place it is found plentifully in a rich leader (Geological Reports, 
1870-1, p. 86). It has also been found at the Bay of Islands and the 
Island of Waiheke, in Auckland Harbour, in both of which localities it bas 
been worked for some time, as well as on the Island of Kawau for a} 
while, and at Whangarei, Tory Channel, Waipu, Waimarama and Wellington. 
This mineral is inferior in its character as regards the quantity of 
available oxygen, but the small quantity of siliceous matter generally PF 
sent enhances its value somewhat for iron manufacture, in which its need 
