OUR MINERAL RESOURCES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume X, Issue 3623, 21 June 1873, Page 3

OUR MINERAL RESOURCES.

To the Editor of the Heuald. Sib, —In your notice of tile Market show you will no doubt have something to say about the minerals of this province, ami the numerous coal and iron mines that lire waiting to be opened. You will also be struck with the contrast this place presents to, I may s>iy, the whole of Australia. Each of tile localities from where the exhibits came from to-day will no doubt bo large towns before many Tears. If it is not too late, I wish to draw your attention to the mintrals from the Awilu iron and coal mine. If you have not noticed them, you will perceive a specimen of hematite, with a piece of the ore smelted, which presents a brilliant surface equul to the line?l steel. If you have seen (lie sample of Swedish iron in the iluseum, Princes-street, you will observe that ours is quito equal, if not superior, to it. The pottery clay exhibited is also good, and from which the finest pottery, china wares, and other articles artmade, which we all admire so much at hoiwe in the old country. The fire clay also is yery superior. The iron-sand also belongs to this property. This is an advantage that the other mines do not present. You will also see coal from outcrop scam. Please excuse this intrusion; but I feel, and have always felt., a deep interest in the mineral wealth and resources of this beautiful province.—l am, &0., J. F. June 20, 1573.