GREEN ISLAND.

Otago Witness, Issue 832, 8 November 1867, Page 6

GREEN ISLAND.

(FROM: A COBBESrONDENT.)

When His Excellency tho Governor visited the Lancashire Coal Company's mine, a portion of the mineral found in Saddle Hill was sent there for inspection. On examination, His Excellency pronounced it to be Manganese ore, combined with other substances. His attention was directed to the weight-, and other indications of a ferruginous compound ; but His Excellency mantained his opinion, having seensimilar substances inTaranaki, and referring to the Hon. Major Richardson, who coincided with him. After expressing Ms satisfaction at the quality of the coal, and all the appliances in , connection with the mine, His Excellency requested that a portion of the mineral, together with the titanic iron-sand also exhibited, should be sent to him for transmission to Wellington. " The following communication has since been received here : — Result of analysis of., specimeps No. 91, Manganese ' Ore, forwarded by His Excel-

lency Sir George Grey, K.C.B. Locality, Green Island. ' Received, 27th March, 1867. Tin's specimen consists of a ferruginous micaceous sandstone, interspersed with-thin j veins of a black looking substance, identified as oxide of Manganese. Tue following are the actual results obtained by a partial anal) sis of an average portion of it — Micaceous Sandstone 41 "05 Sesqui Ox\Aq of Iron 42 03 Manganese Oxides 16 •35 Water ;57 ' 100-00 Trim this analysis it will be seen that the proportion of Manganese is far too low to give any commercial value to this ore. (Signed) Wm. SxbtvThis sesqui oxide, the largest ingredient in this substance, is another term for the red oxide, called by mineralogists, Hasinalite. When it occurs pure, it is said to be as easily reduced and is as valuable as black oxide. ' Perhaps some scientific gentleman would make known its value in a commercial point of view. It is found in immense quantities, and, from its proximity to coal, if ' it could be utilised, it might become an important addition to our already increasing industries'. The report on the magnetic iron sand concurs with that given by Dr Eccles some time ago. The sunshine and showers of the last three weeks have been highly favorable to vegetation, and everywhere the grass has sprung np most luxuriantly. ■ As far as I have seen, in this district and others adjacent, the condition of the growing crops is most satisfactory, and should no unforseen event interfere, anticipations of a,n abundant harvest may be entertained, i In some parts, however, spring wheat has suffered from the effects of grub ; and in one instance which, came under my obser- 1 vation, a re-sowing had to be made in consequence. As to the sown areas of cereals, a decrease is manifest. The price of grain for the last two years .has been so low, that farmers find depasturing of stock more profitable ; for it requires large quantities of wheat and oats, at current prices, to pay the cost of labor. On the introduction of railways, better prices are expected ; and there is no doubt that the appearance of the Commissioner, with the necessary funds, would be hailed with the greatest satisfaction. A Band of Hope has been established in this district, with successful results, there being now two hundred adults and children who have "signed the pledge." Its members meet nightly, for practice in recitations and songs. As an instance of the interest parents are taking in it, it may be mentioned that in a few nights the young ladies connected with it collected L 23 towards the purchase of a suitable banner. Recently, Mr Jago delivered an address on total abstinence, to a meeting which was well attended.

Oar local industries are increasing in number. There are now four mines in full operation, employing a considerable number of miners. In the case of the Abbotsford coal district, the want of a proper road is a formidable drawback. The settlers in the locality have agreed to a tax — the lessees to a price on the tonnage, and the proprietors to the royalty — towards the m&talling of the road. This is an instance where Government might, with advantage, come forward with substantial subsidies — there being no question as to the importance of developing local industries.