){\ 
*m 'A 
THE GEOLOGY OF AUCKLAND. 
This is the seam to which the attention of the inhabitants of 
Auckland was directed several years ago by my friend the Rev. 
A. G. Purchas. I believe several tons were at that time 
brought to Auckland ; but owing to various circumstances—the 
chief of which was the Native ownership—the hope of ob¬ 
taining a supply from thence for Auckland was abandoned. No 
better position could, however, be found for mining purposes ; 
and the day cannot be far distant when it will be worked to 
supply fuel for the steam navigation of the TVaikato—the main 
artery of the Province of Auckland. 
I have reason to believe that a Coal Field of considerable 
extent exists on the borders of the wide plains on both sides of 
the Waikato, between Taupiri and Mangatawhiri—for which 
district, shut in on all sides by ranges, I propose the general 
geographical name of “ The Lower Waikato BasinT 
A third coal-field exists on the Western and Southern 
boundaries of the very fertile alluvial plains above the junction 
of the Waipa and Waikato, which may be distinguished as 
“ The Middle Waikato Basin ’’— the future granary of the 
Northern portion of this Island. 
The localities in which coal has been discovered are the fol¬ 
lowing :—in the Hohinipanga range, West of Karakariki on 
the Waipa ; near Mohoanui and Waitaiheke, in the Hauturu 
range on the upper branches of the Waipa ; and again in the 
Whawharua and Parepare ranges on the Northern side of 
Ranmtoto mountains. 
O 
THE NEW ZEALAND BROWN COAL. 
The following are the results of several analyses of speci¬ 
mens of the Drury Brown Coal , sent to England some months 
ago by Mr Turnbull. The analyses have been forwarded to me 
by Mr Farmer : 
Laboratory, Museum of Practical Geology, 
Jermyn-st., London, April 13, 1859. 
Sir,— I have completed the analyses of the coal (lignite) 
which you left at the Museum, and herewith furnish you with 
the results of the examination. 
I am, Sir, yours obediently, 
Oh as. Tookey. 
Brown, Esq 
