GEOLOGISTS’ INVESTIGATIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3804, 8 February 1927, Page 33

GEOLOGISTS’ INVESTIGATIONS.

NORTHERN NEW ZEALAND. SOME INTERESTING DISCOVERIES. AUCKLAND, February 2. Geological investigations over a wide area of he extreme north of New Zealand were made during January by four scien-tists—-Mr Bartram (lecturer on geology at Auckland University), Air Turner (lecturer, Otago University), Mr Le Roche (of the Auckland Grammar School staff), and Mr Allen (research student, Otago University). At Cape Maria \an Diemen an inspection was made of lava flows, which were found to be in pillar-like masses, a very rare geological feature. Millions of fossil shells of Grant Land snails were seen on the sand dunes inside of Cape Maria, and also skirting Tom Dowling Bay. Shells of this kind could be found nowhere else in New Zealand. Evidently they were cnce held a favourite delicacy of the Maoris, for round heaps of these shells were seen in Maori middens alongside old ovens, where the tribal feasts were prepared. In the middens were also a number of broken human bones, the remains of former victims. Greenstone treasures, axes and chisels, were rarely seen. It was found that the rocks and other formations were exactly comparable to well-known occurrences 'at Dun Mountain, Nelson. There were also masses of pudding stone rocks. A remarkable feature was the wonderful development of wave-cut platforms at the base of the • stupendous sea cliffs —more perfect than any seen in other parts of New Zealand. ,