Geological Survey of Canterbury. 159 



fine south-westerly weather large masses of sand are accumu- 

 lating in and above the tidal boundaries. At such times only 

 light winds are blowing, and the surf is consequently of no great 

 force ; but when an occasional north-west or north-east storm rages 

 along the coast, the masses of sand deposited during the preceding 

 fine weather are, as it were, undergoing a process of natural sluicing. 

 Generally the greater portion of the sand is removed, but in favourable 

 spots, sheltered either by a slight indentation in the coast-line or by 

 some large pieces of drifted timber, its heavier particles remain ; these 

 consist of black iron-sand (both magnetic and titaniferous oxide of 

 iron) associated with small garnets and with gold. These black layers 

 are often one to two inches thick, and repose upon coarse quartzose 

 sands. As soon as a storm has subsided, the "beachers" or 

 "surfacers," as they are called, examine the coast-line near their houses. 

 "When they come upon one of the rich spots, the fine particles of gold 

 being often visible to the naked eye, they at once remove the black 

 layer of sand out of the reach of the tide, and wash it when con- 

 venient. By one of these " beachers," a countryman of mine, we were 

 most hospitably entertained, the table being covered with several 

 luxuries of the season which I did not expect in the abode of a 

 " hatter,"* who are generally of a morose character, and do not indulge 

 in any comforts of life. After leaving Hunt's beach and crossing several 

 smaller rivers, we reached Makowiho point, where the northern 

 Makowihi moraines abut against the seashore, and which, like those 

 passed the previous day, offered a great deal of interesting informa- 

 tion. The Makowihi river was crossed in a boat, and in the evening 

 we arrived at the storekeeper's place, where I established my head- 

 quarters for a time. I have not alluded to the magnificent ever- 

 changing views which delight the wanderer as he advances from 

 Okarito southwards. With every mile a notable change takes place. 

 Mount Cook, which appears first like a sharp needle above Mount 

 Tasman, gradually changes front and assumes that tent-like form to 

 which the inhabitants on this side of the island are so accustomed. 

 After leaving these splendid mountains behind us, the Moorhouse 

 range with the bold Sefton peak, separated by a deep depression from 

 Mount Holmes and Mount Cotta, forms the principal feature in the 

 landscape. On a fine bright day, travelling on a hard sandy beach, 



* In gold-mining communities those men who work for themselves are usually called hatters, 

 amongst them many originals are found. 



