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New Zealand Herald, Volume IV, Issue 1125, 22 June 1867, Page 6

Iho RC'Xvor Times thus notices a singular mineral production lately discovered ther.» jEvery year, month, or week, briugs fresh proof lluit the material rcsoureM of this country are of tho most varied dercripiion. All parts of the mineral kingdom appear to bo well represented in Victoria,-but the latest discovery is of it mine of fat—not tatty rock, but fat a=i unmiatateablo us u lump of the best and finest kiduev fat to be found in Le.idenhall market just before Christmas! Tho substance, whatever it is, is found in an old prospecting shaft near Costeifield- It has oozed from the aides of the shaft, and congealed oil exposure to the air, and hangs in lamps from the side of the shaft, -or fell and floated in tlie water at the bottom. This remarkable substance has had a good deal of speculation as to its origin and character, but the most confident savans in this district acknowledge thomse'ves at a loss to account for the remarkable discovery. The new mineral fat is highly inflammable, makes excellent candles, and will no doubt make splendid soap ; the miners grease their boots with it, and lubricate their windlces spindles. We may mention that it is found in tho primary rock, at least thirty feet from the surface. A piece of this fat has been forwarded to town, with a view, if possible, to ascertain its character and origin. We have not seen it oozing out of the sandstone. It is said to be excellent food for poultry. The discovery o£ the " fat mine" causing considerable excitement. |