256 Geology of 



CHAPTER V. 



"Westljletd Formation. 



Before treating of the next, or "Waihao formation, overlying the 

 crystalline metamorphic (gneiss granite) formation, I wish to refer to 

 that assemblage of older sedimentary and metamorphic beds lying west 

 of the latter, and being generally in close proximity to the granite axis 

 previously described. In order to avoid confusion, I have given it a 

 distinct tint in the Geological Map, and placed it next to the gneiss 

 granite formation in the table of reference. I am well aware, as 

 already pointed out, that it consists of beds of more than one age, but 

 owing to a want of more intimate knowledge of them, and having only 

 had an opportunity of examining them in very few spots, distant from 

 each other, it has been impossible for me, at present, to separate 

 them. 



Extent. 

 The boundaries in the Geological Map are, in many instances, only 

 approximate, as I was unable for the greatest part to trace them myself. 

 However, having had the advantage of obtaining a great deal of valuable 

 information from Mr. G-erh. Mueller, the Chief Surveyor of Westland, 

 and from several other friends in that province, upon whom I could 

 rely, I believe that in a general way, the extent of this formation 

 which promises to become, at no distant date, a large field for mining 

 operations, will be found pretty correct. The "Westland formation 

 begins between the lower course of the Hokitika and Mikonui rivers, 

 and stretches as far south as the TVaikukupa, skirting the western foot 

 of the Southern Alps. Small outliers occur between the latter river 

 and the Mahitahi, after which it again attains large dimensions, 



