188 



THE GEOLOGIST. 



sort of brov/n-coal — to the so-called " Glanzkohle," with conchoidal fracture, 

 instead of the existence of different series of seams, one above the other, on 

 different levels. Dr. Hochstetter incliaes much rather to the opinion that it 

 is the same seam, disturbed in its level, which occurs at the different 

 localities. The average thickness of the coal seam may be estimated at fiye or 

 six feet. 



The seam consists of three portions : the upper part a laminated coal of 

 inferior quahty, one foot ; then a band of shale, two inches ; the middle part 

 coal of a good quality, one and a-half feet ; then a baud of bituminous shale, 

 six inches ; the lowest part presenting coal of the best quality, two and a-half 

 feet. The bituminous shale accompanying the coal contains fossil plants, 

 principally leaves of dicotyledons. It is remarkable that no fossil ferns are 

 found in connection with the Drury coal-beds ; the more so as at another 

 locality, on the Avest coast, seven miles from Waikato Heads, only fossil ferns, 

 in a most beautiful state of preservation, are imbedded in gray argillaceous 

 strata, alternating with sandstone and small coal-seams, probably of the same 

 geological age as the Drury coal. 



The fossil gum found in the coal is a kind of " retinite," derived from coni- 

 ferous trees, perhaps related to the kauri, but it is by no means identical with. 

 the " kauri-gum," which is only found in the surface soil in those localities 

 where there have been kauri forests. The fossil gum and kauri-gum are very- 

 different in their qualities, as the most simple experiments in their ignition 

 will show. 



The thickness of the forest and the inaccessibility of the country prevent 

 our now ascertaining, in an exact manner, the extent of the Drury coal-field. 

 Still the existing openings show an extent of the coal-field sufficient to en- 

 courage any company to work the coal in an extensive manner. 



A company, under the name of " The Waihoihoi ]\'Iinuig and Coal Company," 

 has been formed to begin the working of it. 



The same kind of coal is seen again on the northern slope of Taupiri and 

 Plakarimata range. At Kupakupa, on the left bank of the Waikato, is a 

 beautiful seam about one hundred and fifty feet above the level of the river. 

 The thickness of the seam there exposed is about fifteen feet; how much 

 greater the thickness may be it is impossible to say, as the floor has never 

 been uncovered. This is the seam to which the attention of the inhabitants of 

 Auckland was directed several years ago by the Rev. A. G. Pui'chas. Several 

 tons were at that time brought to Auckland ; but owing to various circum- 

 stances, the chief of which was the native ownership, the hope of obtaining a 

 supply from thence for Auckland was abandoned. No better, position coiild, 

 however, be found for mining-purposes ; and the day caimot be far distant 

 M lum it will be w^orked to supply fuel for the steam navigation of the Waikato, 

 the main artery of the Province of Auckland. 



Dr. Hochstetter believes that a coal-field of considerable extent exists on 

 the borders of the vride plahis on both sides of the Waikato, between Taupiii 

 and Mangatawhiri, for which district, shut in on all sides by ranges, he pro- 

 poses the general geographical name of " The Lower Waikato Basin." 



A third coal-licld exists on the western and southern boundaries of the very 

 fertile alluvial ]>lains above the junction of the Waipa and Waikato, which 

 may be distinguished as "The Middle Waikato Basin" — the future granary of 

 the northcn-n ]iorti()ii of tlic island. 



The localities in which coal has been discovered are the following: — in the 

 nnliini])anga range, west of Karakariki on the Waipa; near Mohoanui and 

 A\ ail;iihrk(\ in the Hautnru rauge on the upper branches of the Waipa; and 

 again in the AVhawharua and Parepare ranges on the northern side of Eangi- 

 toto-niountains. 



