244 
THE GEOLOGY OF NEW ZEALAND. 
Taranaki, and of the intervening peaks between it and 
Tongariro; there scoria and fused rocks prevail so much, 
that it is difficult to say what is the basis of the mountain. 
There is much obsidian and pumice near Taupo. The 
Tararua range, which terminates at Te Pari-pari, near Kapiti, 
has a compact slate for its base. Copper lias been discovered 
at Doubtless Bay, and at the Kawa-kawa and Barrier Islands. 
Coal is found of good quality at the Mokau, Waikato, and 
Wanganui Rivers, and there is every reason to suppose that 
it will prove a very abundant mineral in these islands. Gold 
has been discovered in Coromandel harbour; there the rocks 
are of remarkably pure feltspar, of dazzling brightness. The 
gold discovered contains £ silver, and is found in thin plates, 
and in considerable quantity: it is said to have been also dis¬ 
covered at Ahuriri, and in several other localities. 
Of the rocks of the Middle Island little is at present known ; 
but as they are reported to be chiefly primitive, it is very 
probable all the precious metals will be found there in abun¬ 
dance. The rock which confers its native name on the 
island—Pounamu, green jade, is abundant and highly prized 
by the New Zealanders, who manufacture their ornaments 
and the much-valued Mere from it. Portions of it are so 
transparent and lustrous as to render it worthy of a place 
amongst the precious stones. 
IIE MEREMERE POUNAMU, PRESENTED TO THE QUEEN. 
apartment hung with transparent stalactites of every form and size, which 
gave it quite a fairy look; thence we entered two other rooms, equally 
ornamented. As we had no ladder, we could not reach other passages, 
which were some height from the floor, and, evidently, led to other rooms. 
