162 
gravel and heavy boulders had already been laid down in the river bed 
when the eruption occurred. Lava flowed down the river bed, covering 
the pebbles, and in some places enfolding them. Ash was also ejected and 
deposited in layers over the gravel on the bed of the river. Then more 
gravel containing gold was deposited. The quartz pebbles that were 
entangled in the lava flows were affected by the heat, and, in consequence, 
easily crumble, while the pebbles in the washdirt above the lava are in the 
normal condition, and do not show any alteration due to heat. In some 
cases (Fig- 29), the basalt directly overlies the bedrock. At a later 
Sketch Section. Same Site as Fig. 27, but on west side of level. 
Scale 4 ft. to i inch. 
period, extensive subsidences occurred accompanied by faulting. (Fig. 3 o > 
Sketch Section, ioo feet north of Section. Fig. No. 27. 
Scale 4 ft. to i inch. 
These phenomena doubtless gave rise to the hydro-thermal theory of the 
origin of these deposits. 
Some of the quartz boulders in this mine were very large. Mr. Browne, 
junior, the mine manager, states that he saw a well-rounded boulder of 
quartz measuring 6 feet x 4 feet x 3 feet. 
[.Report sent in jo.p.op.] 
THE CHARLOTTE PLAINS MINE, LODDON VALLEY, 
NEAR MOOLORT. 
By E. ]. Dunn , F.G.S., Director , Geological Survey. 
Since my report on this mine dated 12.11.07, the principal develop¬ 
ment work done has been the extension westward of the main bottom 
western level, and there has also been an additional area of washdirt 
panelled. 
