172 The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. [Sept 
species, and when I pointed it out to Mr. C. Hedley he confirmed my 
identification.* 
The Siphonariidae are often confused with the limpets, owing to their 
superficial resemblance, yet structurally they are very different, one 
important difference being that they are beginning to develop traces of a 
rudimentary lung, which the limpets do not possess. 
[M. Mestayer, photo. 
Fig. 2.—Spawn of Kerguelenia obliquata. About half 
natural size. 
If saw fresh-looking coils of this spawn on the rocks at the eastern end 
of Lyall Bay on the 24th April of this year, but cannot say for certain how 
muchGonger the spawning season may last. 
DEPARTMENTAL REPORT. 
Avoca or Whatarama District—Mount Torlesse 
Collieries, &c.*j* 
By P. G. Morgan, Director, Geological Survey. 
From the 19th to the 22nd January, 1918, I was at Avoca (post-office name 
“ Whatarama ”), on the Midland Bailway. During that time 1 examined 
the coal-bearing area held by Mount Torlesse Collieries (Limited) and part 
of the adjoining district. 
Avoca is sixty miles from Christchurch, in the midst of the high rugged 
country west of the Canterbury Plains. The railway-station is 1,642 ft. 
above sea-level. The mountains in this part of Canterbury are more or less 
isolated masses, separated by deep valleys with comparatively wide bottoms, 
formed during a bygone stage of the present major cycle of erosion. In 
those cases where the valleys are traversed by large streams, these are 
* Since this note was written Professor H. B. Kirk has informed me that he has 
seen this spawn being laid. 
f Report written in February, 1918. 
