THE GEOLOGY OF ATJCKLAHD. 
9 
hesitation that I undertake this task, feeling that my imperfect 
knowledge of the English language will prevent my making the 
short sketch I wish to lay before you as interesting as it might 
otherwise have been. Notwithstanding this drawback, I am 
glad to have this opportunity of giving the inhabitants of this 
Province, through the members of this Institute, such a resume 
as I can of the chief results of the Geological Survey I have 
made of those parts of the country I have visited. 
T feel this, indeed, to be a duty I owe to the community at 
large, in return for the very kind reception that has everywhere 
been given me—for the ready help that has always been afforded 
by all whom I have met with—and for the interest that has 
been shown by all in the proceedings of the Imperial Austrian 
u Novara ” Expedition. 
Having, in the months of January and February, completed 
my Survey, and finished a Geological Map, of the Auckland 
District—which I now have the pleasure of showing you—the 
necessity arose for my choosing either the Northern or the Southern 
portion of the Province for my further researches, my limited 
stay in New Zealand rendering it impossible for me to make a 
sufficient examination in both directions. 
I did not hesitate to choose the Southern districts—for these 
reasons : that the country over which I should there proceed, is 
inhabited almost exclusively by Maoris, and has hitherto been 
almost unknown and totally unsurveyed, both topographically and 
geologically. The Northern districts, on the contrary, are for 
the most part better known, and from the number of European 
settlers in them, I was led to hope I should be enabled to collect 
some information through specimens forwarded to me for exami¬ 
nation, and from the verbal descriptions of those who are well 
acquainted with the various localities. 
My hope was not unfounded in either respect. 
I have received many specimens of interest from various 
localities ; also some valuable information from different settlers, 
and especially from my friends, the Rev. A. G. Purchas and Mr. 
C. Heaphy, who in the last few months have had opportunities 
of visiting several parts of the Northern portion of this Province, 
and of collecting very valuable specimens. In addition to this 
must be remembered the fact, that other scientific men, especi- 
