REPORT OF DR. HECTOR TO THE ROYAL COMMISSIONERS OF THE NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1297, 29 September 1864, Page 3

REPORT OF DR. HECTOR TO THE ROYAL COMMISSIONERS OF THE NEW ZEALAND EXHIBITION.

Dunedin, 27th July, 1864. Sir,—l beg to submit, for tho information of tho Royal Commissioners, tho following account of tho arrangements for tho forthcoming Exhibition, that have been mado in the Northern provinces. Although necessarily imperfect, owing to the short space of time employed in my recent tour, the account will, I trust, enable tho Commissioners to judge how fav the Exhibition may be expected to indicate the value of tho internal resources of tho colony, and its advancement in the arts of civilised life.

Tho provinco of Marlborough, which was tho first I visited, is of small extent, and as yot its resources are only very partially known, and hardly at all developed. It embraces the fine pastoral district of tho Wairau Valley, from which thoro is a considerable export of wool. The Northern part of the province is mountainous, and covered with forest, but there are several fine valleys communicating with the beautiful inlets which indent the southern shore of Cook's Straits, that afford a largo area of excellent arable land.

The fine quality of the timber in this district, and tho great facilities which the deep water Sounds afford for shipment, and tho establishment of small detached settlements, will lead to an extensive timber trade.

In addition, the recent discovery of gold diggings in tho ranges that separate the Sounds from the Wairau Plains, lannoj; fail to give on impetus to the province, and as there is level communication from the head both of Queen Charlotte Sound and Pelorus Sound with the interior, these inlets which are excellent natural harbours, will always form the outlets, so that Picton and Havelock will become towns of considerable importance. Already, it is contemplated to facilitate the communication by means of a tramway between Picton and the Wairau Plains.

At Picton I met his Honor the Superintendent, and ' several of the influential settlers, and urged upon them strongly the advantages which would result to the province from their participating cordially in the forthcoming Exhibition. I heard from his Honor that ho had appointed a local committee for the purpose, but as the Chairman resided in Blenheim, in the Wairau Plains, I was unable, With the limited time at my disposal, ta consult with him on the subject of the resources of the province. I however obtained a promise that active measures would be at once adopted to secure a fair exhibition, consisting chiefly of varieties of timber, and woods, provincial maps, native implements and manufactures. Samples of gold and other minerals will also be exhibited, but the total quantity of space required can hardly be expected to be large in tho present state of the development of the province. I was only able to spend one day at Picton, and from thence proceeded to Havelock, which at the time of my visit consisted merely of a few dozen tents, grouped in the usual manner of the townships that spring up in connection with diggings. From Havelock I proceeded overland to Nelson, spending a couple of days in branching off to the south, in order to visit the Wakamarina Valley, where some thousand diggers are at work. This valley, which has an extent equal to that of the Cardrona, in. the province of Otago, has proved moderately auriferous. The geological formation is similar to that towards the head of the Wakatipu Lake, which, though well prospected, has never attracted a large number tf miners. Gold undoubtedly exists in considerable quantities, but from its patchy distribution, the diggings will, in many cases, cause temporary disappointment. As far as I can judge, the same formation extends to the southward, and is continuous with the Buller goldfields, and from the fact that the gold has been procured at several points on the west coast of Canterbury, I have no doubt that this auriferous belt, which is an upper or newer formation than that of our great goldfields, will be yet traced continuously through the Middle Island; ond from specimens and sections I afterwards saw at Wellington and at Coromandel, I am inclined to think that it will be found throughout the length of the North Island also. If this formation expands so as to occupy and form the floor of a large and elevated plateau, towards the source of the Thames valley, there may be yet discovered extensive alluvial digging in the North Island, without which no large body of miners can be induced to work steadily.

Following up the beautiful valley of the Pelorus River, I entered the Province of Nelson, crossing the Mongatapu Hill, which is the representative of the real " back bone " or axis of elevation of the whole island. It consists of serpentine and allied rocks, identical with those which I had previously observed to occur on the west coast of Otago. The famous Dun-Mountain, which has given rise to so many speculations, is situated on the axis, and lies a few miles to the south of the " Bridle track," by which the mountain is crossed.

The labour expended on this track, and the engineering skill and enterprise displayed in the bridges, which have been constructed across small, difficult, but romantic gorges, speak highly for the enterprising spirit of the Nelson colonists. The Mongatapu is 2800 feet in height, but the care with which the line of road has been chosen renders the ascent extremely gentle, at least from tho east. That to the west is necessarily more abrupt. I allude to this " Bridle Eoad," as in the cuttings, which have be6n made in the alternations of slates, serpentine and trap rocks, one of the most interesting geological sections that I have seen in New Zealand, occurs. There are many spots also where a practical miner would be inclined to turn aside and search for valuable metal ores with some hope of success.

Descending the picturesque valley of the Matai River towards Nelson, the track is for a considerable distance cut into solid limestone rock of the finest quality, alternating with slabs that would be invaluable as paving stones. The same formations are also intersected by the Dun Mountain Railway, so that their productions can be conveyed to the shipping for a very small expense. When, through the kindness of the managers of the Dun Mountain Company, I had an opportunity of visiting their mines I found that they had a kiln for burning lime, on the spot where it is quarried, and at an altitude of 2000 feet, where there was abundance of fuel, so that from the facilities for transport and shipment which they possess, I have no doubt they, could derive a fair income. At Nelson, I found that his Honor the Superintendent, and the members of the local committee, took a cordial interest in the success of the Exhibition, and were prepared to do anything in their power to insure the proper representation of the mineral resources of that province, and which, so far as is at present known, are probably greater (with the single exception of gold) than those of any other province in New Zealand.

It has, therefore, the greatest possible interest in being properly represented in the New Zealand Exhibition; and, if the labours of the Local Committee succeed in attracting public attention to the mineral riches of the province, they cannot fail to hasten the development of the Nelson Province, as well as benefiting the whole colony. The Local Committee, aided by the Government, are therefore preparing to illustrate by specimens, plans, sections, and sketches, the valuable deposit of coal which exists on the West Coast of the province, the copper, chrome, iron, gold, plumbago, lead, and other ores, marbles, of various tints, splendid rock and mineral specimens from the Dun Mountain, coal from Massacre Bay, limestones, flag, and building stones, roofing slates, and many sources of future prosperity to the colony. There is also expected to be a fair show of the woods of the province: but here, as in other parts of New Zealand, a fear was expressed that there was not sufficient time to permit of a complete selection, as the collection of good specimens of all the various timbers in the forest could only be effected, without enormous expense, by taking advantage of favourable opportunities as they occurred. The illustrating of the mining and engineering works executed, or proposed to be executed, in the province, will form a most interesting feature in the Exhibition. A large map, of 300 superficial feet, placed on rollers for reference, is, I believe, to be exhibited ; also many plans of districts, harbours, roads, bridges, (some of which will be also illustrated by models). The Dun Mountain Company are to give illustrations of the very interesting work, which they executed in tho construction of a tramway for tho purpose of bringing down the ore from the mines, which arc elevated 2800 feet above the sea, to the shipping port. The small cost and perfect efficiency of tho line are well worth the attention of tho other provinces in New Zealand. They will also exhibit some dyes manufactured from the chrome ore. Lastly, there will be a good show of works of ort, and especially of pictures illustrative of the romantic scenery ofthe Nelson province, by amateurs and professional artists.

From tho agricultural districts of the Wairau plains there will bo a good exhibition of woods and grain, and if tho local committee are able to carry out the arrangements they have planned, there is every reason to expect that this important province will be well represented. In passing from Nelson to Auckland by tlio_ West Coast, I was able to spend a few hours in Taranaki. As this beautiful province is at present reduced to tho area of only a few miles, where there is only a scattered garrison town, virtually in a state of siege, it cannot be expected to take much part in tho Exhibition. His Honor tho Superintendent has, however, promised that at least there will bo samples of tlio iron sand which occurs so abundantly'on the coast, accompanied, if possible, by a case of articles manufactured from it. There was nothing else which he could suggest as a probable article for Exhibition. At Auckland I was glad to find that olthougli much had not been effected beyond tho issuing of advertisements and circulars by tho'Committee, yet it was intended to enter into the matter with spirit. A New Zealand Exhibition would be truly incomplete if the natural products of the oldest and most highly-favoured province woro not well represented. His Excellency tho Governor takes a warm interest in tho matter, and intends to be a very considerable exhibitor of Maori manufactures and curiosities, rare and interesting works conncctcd with tho aborigines; and, if the Commissioners think it advisable, ho would bo glad to exhibit a selection from a collection of curious M S S. which ho is forming. His Honor the Superintendent of Auckland is fully impressed with the importance which the success or failure of the Exhibition will have upon tho development of New Zealand, and is anxious that Auckland should bo well represented. In addition to tho Auckland Local Committee, ho has appointed sub-committees in various parts of the province, and ho intends to superintend the collection and exhibition of products from those districts in which lie feels a lively interest.

• The Secretory of tho Auckland Local Committee assured mo that after tho experience wo have had of the last two Exhibitions in London, lie does not anticipate any diliiculty in stirring up exhibitors to transmit articles in time. The Chairman, Mr. Hoaphy, however, pointed out that at the

present time the presence of a largo body of troops had diverted all trade more or less from the usual channels, and that so much work was being done under contracts that there would be great difficulty in inducing exhibitors to come forward. He further stated that there are fewer facilities for communicating and forwarding collections, &c., from the more remote though undisturbed districts, as the coasting vessels are nearly all engaged, directly or indirectly, in tho Commissariat service, while (he native disturbances completely close some of the most interesting districts of tho province. On the whole, therefore, I am inclined to think that a very considerable expenditure and energetic action on the part of the local authorities will alone enable Auckland to take that prominent position in the Exhibition which is her duo.

The mineral wealth of some parts of the province is well ascertained. The copper mines at Itawau and Barrier Island were at one time worked to some extent, and though now abandoned, they could be easily represented in the Exhibition by suitablo specimens and plans of the workings. Through the attention of the Government, I was enabled to pay a visit to Coromandcl, and to examine the auriferous district there. Although belonging to a very different class of diggings as regards extent from those we arc accustomed to in Otago, they have yet proved highly remunerative to some of the parties which have worked them steadily, and especially where they have avoided launching into the reckless prospecting schemes which appear to have been too frequently adopted, and which I have no doubt, by the want of success, have caused the real value of the' auriferous lands to be much underrated.

Gold was first discovered in the year 1852, but it was not till ten years afterwards that it was worked in earnest. The formation does not resemble anything in the south of New Zealand, but is analagous to the Grass Valley district in California, and Wood's Point in Australia. The superficial drifts are licre almost wholly wanting, and in a very short time the small quantity of alluvial gold that was to be found in the bed of the stream was washed out. It is a most delightful district, bordering 011 a land-locked harbour, where, owing to the facilities for procuring food, if gold were plentiful, a digger's life would be luxurious. the first rush of population to this place several townships were laid out, and the land was readily bought. Now, however, the white population is only 300 persons, of whom 81 held miners' rights during the past half-year. The native adult population numbers 340. Excluding the yield from the alluvial diggings, the quantity of gold which has been extracted from the reefs during the last two years amounts to 8422 ozs, but of this 7800 ozs have been obtained by two companies alone. One of these, known as No. 6, has now divided among the shareholders the sum of £11,050 sterling without having ever made any call; the expenses of wonting and management, amounting to £3000, has been invariably paid by the yield.

The same auriferous rocks that occur in the neighbourhood of Coromandel, extend for an unknown distance in a southerly direction; but the present native disturbances have hitherto prevented the examination of the country. A sub-committee has been appointed at Coromandel, and I strongly urged that they should endeavour, if possible, to have the mineral specimens and characteristic rocks of this very interesting district exhibited, so that the mining population in the south might have an opportunity of comparing and being familiar with their appearances ; also, that plans and sections of the different mines should be prepared and exhibited. The Coromandel district, in common with a great part of the province of Auckland, abounds in timber trees of large size, and of most varied and useful qualities. The proper exhibition of those will, however, require a very considerable expenditure, as, from circumstances I have already alluded to, the mills, when in operation, are greatly engaged in contract work, and would grudge sparing the necessary time and labour. The Auckland cabinetmakers have long been famous for their excellent and artistic workmanship, and a great display of inlaid and fancy furniture may therefore be expected. Several machines for the cleaning of the native flax have also been invented in Auckland, and if the local committee can only induce the different inventors of machines for this purpose to exhibit and compare the different points of each, I have no doubt it will be the first step towards the discovery of a method by which this valuable but refractory raw material can be turned to account. The brown coals of various parts of the province of Auckland have now been extensively used, and it will be most instructive to have samples of them exhibited, in order to compare the quality with those of our own abnndant deposits, which, I fear, are rather too much underrated.

Freestones, marbles, limestones,- cements, and a variety of clays are always known to exist in various parts of the province of Auckland, all of which the local committee will recognise as fit articles for contribution.

The subject of the representation of the state of the surveys, &c., by the exhibition of maps and plans, was suggested but the land system appears so complicated, and the results of the General Government surveys so confused with those proper to the Provincial Government, while owing to the pressure on account of the war, the departments are so overworked at present thai no special maps can probably be prepared. Some excellent unpublished maps are, however, in the possession of the Government, the exhibition of which would be a very great boon indeed.

From Auckland I proceeded to ffawke's Bay, where the short time at my disposal only permitted of my remaining a few hours. The character of the province, controlled by similarity of climate, approaches more to that of the southern provinces than any other part of the North Island. There, owing' to the prevalence of bush and low scrub, the settler is required to expend a greater amount of labour and capital before he can obtain a profitable return.

Being essentially a pastoral country, its resources have not yet been sufficiently explored, and although it is well known that in the mountainous country towards tho interior there are indications of mineral wealth, it can hardly be expected that these will be represented in the first New Zealand Exhibition j while the districts along the coast consists of newer tertiary strata, which can afford but little of economic value.

His Honor the Superintendent having appointed a very efficient local committee, and being himself anxious that the province shall be worthily represented, I believe that no effort will be spared to effect the object. Tho principal exhibits will be of wools from a variety of breeds of sheep, as this important subject has, I understand, received more attention than is general in other parts of New Zealand.

Collections of rocks and of fossil remains, which are very abundantly imbedded in the tertiary strata, specimens of the woods of the interior, illustrative maps, and plans of the country, along with sketches and photographs, will constitute the principal exhibits of this province, and probably a line display of articles of native manufacture.

In Wellington, his Honor the Superintendent has appointed an influential local committee, and as great interest is taken there in the success of the Exhibition, the commissioners may feel assured that the resources of the province will be represented. It embraces the pastoral district of the Wairarapa valley and the Coast ranges, and the fertile and hilly grounds in the neighbourhood of Port Nicholson, and the extensive and wooded plains of which Wanganui is the centre. This indicates that the principal exhibits will be of wool, timber, and agricultural products. A valuable collection of articles from the New Zealand Society will also be sent—maps, plans of proposed harbour improvements, lighthouses, and other engineering works, water-colour and other sketches illustrating New Zealand scencry, and articles of native manufacture and curiosities. The exhibition of a New Zealand built steam-engine will probably be a unique and most interesting contribution from this province. The province of Canterbury is now preparing rapidly for the Exhibition, and if fairly represented, will, I believe, contribute evidence of greater enterprise and advancementthan any other province in New Zealand. It has the great merit of possessing the first locomotive railway, and the illustrating of the works connected with that great engineering enterprise will form one of the most striking features in the Exhibition. It is proposed to exhibit, for instance, an immense section of the tunnel that is in the course of construction, with specimens of the rocks for every few feet that has been passed through. The geological strata, and mineral resources of the province, are to be fully illustrated by most elaborate maps, sections, and collections both of scientific and economic interest. Maps and plans, shewing the system of survey, and land sales, proposed railway, road, and telegraphic routes ; topographical features of the country; harbour improvements, architectural designs for public buildings, are to be furnished; also specimens of lithography and engraving. It is to be hoped that the matter of wools will be sufficient to show the important position occupied by the province in this respect, and to enablo the flockowners to compare the produce from different parts of their own province with those of the rest of New Zealand. Works of art, articles of Home manufacture—such as cabinet work, saddlery, &c.—may also be looked for. In recapitulating the foregoing remarks, we iaay show that from Marlboeotjon may bo expected — Gold, wools, timbers, and cabinet woods. Nei,son— Ores and metals—gold, platinum, and osmidium, copper, lead, iron, chrome, plumbago, minerals in great variety. Useful aud ornamental building materials. Marbles, serpentines, freestones, limestones and cements, flagstones and slates. Coals of several equalities and associated rocks and fossils—geological specimens. Timber and oruamontal woods. Flax, and machinery for its preparation. Grain, malt, and hops. Wools and woollen manufactures. Survey maps and plans—topographical and gcological. Mining plant. Engineering works, plans and models. Fine arts. Tabanaki— Iron sand ore, and articles made therefrom, maps showing tho original progress of the settlement, and the injury done by tho Native War. Auckland— Timber of great variety. Ores, gold and copper. Building stones, limestones, and marbles. Volcanic rocks Sulphur. Kauri gum. Coals. • Fossils, and geological specimens.

Maps, plans, &c. Cabinet work. Manufactures, and imported articles of interest. Maori articles. Hawkes Bay— Wools. Specimens of woods. Fossils and objects of natural history. Maps, plans. Fine arts. Agricultural products. Maori articles. Wellington— Timber, ornamental woods. Wool. Agricultural products. Machinery. Geological and natural history specimens. Plans and maps, topographical and geological. Engineering plans and models. Works of art. Maori articles. Cakteebuby— Wools. Engineering works, plans, sections and models. Eauway plant, tunnel, bridges, &c. Geological specimens, maps, plans and sections. Topographical maps. Agricultural produce. Manufactures, saddlery, cabinet work, &c. Lithography. Works of art. Many of the articles sent will be sufficiently sheltered in light sheds, such as the heavier spars of timber, building materials, &c., so that probably one half of the above space will be sufficient accommodation to provide within the main building. The result of my tour leads me to believe that the Commissioners may feel satisfied that the various local authorities, and their committees, of the Provinces I visited, are now taking practical steps for a proper exhibition of their resources. Still the Commissioners must not overlook the fact that it is only recently that any thing has been done, and that therefore simply owing to the short time, before the date fixed for the opening, it will be quite impossible, with the most zealous endeavours on the part of the Committees, to insure anything like a complete display even of raw materials.

This will be especially the case with respect to timber and woods of construction, and it would be very much to be deplored if, through hastening selection and preparation of the samples sent for trial, an underrated estimate of their value .were to be published by the Engineers, as a result of the tests which they applied. I hardly therefore expect that the Exhibition can possibly realise the original conception of a complete display of the natural resources of the Colony, but as a first attempt there is every reason to expect that it will prove successful, and suggestive of the proper direction for future development.

In no Province was it suggested that the time of opening shall be delayed, but this may perhaps be due to my stating emphatically that such a course had not been contemplated by the Commissioners. The great difficulty that the various Committees seem to have had with, was ascertaining what there was to be exhibited in their Province, and as their inquiries have invariably led to the discovery of many resources previously overlooked, this of itself forms a strong argument iur the necessity of having a New Zealand Exhibition. Various suggestions are offered in the different Provinces respecting subjects most of which have already been brought before the Commissioners for their consideration.

The principal of these are that early information shall be transmitted to the various provinces of the arrangements which were to be made for lowering the steamboat fares, and providing accommodation for visitors. This is a most important point, and the success of the Exhibition, and the interest taken in it by the other provinces, will bo mainly dependent on the facilities afforded to enable persons to visit Dunedin without a great pecuniary sacrifice.

It was also suggested by a practical nurseryman, wlicn lie learnt that live plants would be excluded, that a Horticultural Exhibition shall be held, if possible, at the same time with the other. As horticulture is carried on extensively in the Northern Provinces, this province would be an immense gainer by such an arrangement. In Christehureh a very valuable suggestion was made— that a society should be organised somewhat on the model of the British Association, for the advancement of science, for the purpose of securing communication, and promoting discussion on subjects of genial and scientific interest, and that the first meeting should be held in Duncdin during the time that the Exhibition was open. I stated that I hardly considered that it would be fair to ask the Commissioners to undertake the organisation of such a Society; but that I had no doubt that if such a Society were to apply to the Commissioners for assistance in making the arrangements for holding the meetings, they might rely on their co-operation. In conversation with his Excellency the Governor, I gathered that he expected to open the Exhibition in person, and that he looked forward with great pleasure to the prospect of visiting the Southern Provinces. I would therefore suggest that the Commissioners, as soon as they can look forward with some degree of certainty to the opening' of the Exhibition, should communicate with his Excellency on the subject.

With regard to the Guarantee Agreement, from the inquiries I made, I have no doubt that after a statement of the financial prospects ot the Commissioners has been made public, and it has been explained that the nature of the guarantee is a means of relieving the Commissioners personally from the elFcct of any unforeseen contingency, and for the purpose of anticipating the funds to be derived from receipts, &c.; and further, as a means of securing the assent of the General Assembly to the liquidation of any debt that may be incurred by assuring it of a practical interest taken by the public in the enterprise, there will be then no diliiculty in obtaining signatures to it from all the different provinces.

With regard to the subject of the essays which are referred to me, I have now communicated personally with the different writers whose names are proposed, and can report that the matter is progressing most satisfactorily. The original intention of having several essays to illustrate the history of New Zealand was found impracticable, so that I was glad to avail myself of the offer of Mr. Dillon F. 801 l to treat the whole subject- in a condensed form in one essay. On the subject of the " Native Races" we may expeet'a most interesting essay from Dr. Shortland, the present Chief Native Commissioner, and author of several works on the subject. The subject of the meteorology is still vacant, as Dr. Knight's time is too fully occupied to allow of his undertaking it. He has, however, promised to provide all the information which he possesses to whoever undertakes the task.

The most important subject of the analysis of the vital statistics of New Zealand has been undertaken by Mr. Hocken and the gold ruining statistics by Mr. Pyke. The geology and mineralogy will be dealt with in three essays by Mr. Coutts Crawford, Dr. Haasfc and myself; but to avoid confusion of colours and nomenclature, I propose with these gentlemen's consent, to combine the information in one small scale geological map of the whole of New Zealand to be referred to as the joint work of the three authors. A short account of the copper and other mines in New Zealand will be contributed by Mr. T. E. Haekett. Mr. Ludlam, of "Wellington, has undertaken to write an account of his experiments in horticulture, to give his experience of what introduced plants thrive best, and to suggest what shall be introduced for gardens, &c. The essays will be written in such a manner as to show the present stato of our knowledge on these various subjects so as to serve as an introduction and guide to tlie Juries' Reports. The whole will form a volume of about 500 to 800 pages, and if the funds will admit of it, several of the authors are desirous of illustrating the essays freely with woodcuts or lithographs. The time I have suggested for the transmission of the MSS. is the end of October, but the required plans, sections and maps, and many of the proposed illustrative sketches are to be put into the hands of workmen without delay. In conclusion, it gives me much pleasure to record my thanks for the extreme courtesy and hospitality with which I was everywhere received, and to acknowledge with thanks the great assistance which I derived from the advice and documents which were placed at my disposal from the office. I have, &c., &c., James Hector, M.D. Alfred Eccles, Esq., Hon. Secretary.