TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF BULLER COAL FIELD, (REPORT ON).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1875 Session I, E-09

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1875. NEW ZEALAND.

TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF BULLER COAL FIELD, (REPORT ON).

Laid upon tiie Table of the House of Representatives by the Hon. the Minister for Public Works.

No. 1. Mr. W. M. Coopee to the ENGrNEEn-ra-CHiEF. I. —Wokk Done. 1. Dueino the past season, the survey has been extended southward from the point previously attained, to the summit of Mount Rochfort and eastward to Mount William Ridge, whilst westward it has been continued as far as the plateau country extends, leaving the sea face, the whole distance from Westport to Granity Creek, yet to be surveyed. The latter instalment was left over for work during the winter, when it would bo impracticable to carry on operations on the high ground, and is now being proceeded with as rapidly as weather will permit. 2. The survey has been carried on in the same manner as described in my former General Report, dated 15th June, 1874, with the addition of a major triangulation, and an exploration for coal. 3. The major trianguhtion consists so far of six triangles of from two to six miles in the side, the bearings being taken with a 7-inch transit theodolite. The trig, stations are built in a substantial manner of stones, except in one instance where it was necessary to use sods instead, forming a circular structure 4 feet high and 7 feet in diameter on top, in which is imbedded a strong iron peg 5 feet (3 inches long, with two cross bars at the foot, and a 4-inch ring bolted through the upper part to receive a pole. The triangulation is founded on a base line two and a half miles long, for the site of which a convenient place was found in a straight run in the first section of the Westport and Ngakawau Railway, thereby avoiding the expense which has usually to be incurred in preparing the ground. 4. The coal exploration has been carried on by Mr. R. B. Denniston with the assistance of one man, and has been extended over an area about coterminous with the whole of my survey on the coal fields. This work consists of carefully going over the ground after survey, and making as thorough an examination of the strata, their nature, dip, breaks, &c, and particularly the outcrops of coal, as can be done without excavation, with the view of being thereby enabled to mark upon the map the different areas of coal, their probable extent, thickness, and quality. I forwarded at the close of last year a report of his operations to date, and a map showing the results in that part of the coal field which he had then gone over, being the portion included in sheet 9 of the lithograph map. I now enclose his report for the period from Ist January to 30th June, 1875, and the results of his operations during this period are shown in tracings made from the field maps by Mr. Cox, when in Westport a few months ago. Ido not therefore think it necessary to make a map of them to accompany the report. 5. The amount and list of work done by me during the period embraced in this report are as follow: —Lines traversed, 95 miles; bush lines cut, 19 miles; number of major trigonometrical stations erected, 8; minor trigonometrical stations, 205 ; numbered traverse pegs, about 1,000; and aneroid observations, 1,970. The area of ground surveyed is about thirty-three square miles, say 21,000 acres; and the total cost, including an estimated sum for the plotting not yet completed, and the cost of some work done by me on the Mount Rochfort Plateau in November and December, 1873, will be about £1,400, being at the rate of Is. 4d. per acre. G. The amount and cost of Mr. Denniston's work for the same period are as follow: —Area explored and mapped, about forty-two square miles, say 27,000 acres; and the cost is about £420, giving an average of 3|d. per acre. 7. The total average cost of the work is therefore Is. 7£d. per acre; and, taking into account the mountainous and broken nature of the country gone over, and the minuteness of detail with which the survey has beeu carried out, I think the figure must be considered a low one. I—E. 0.

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8. Orikaka Saddle. —I have made another observation of the height of the saddle between the Orikaka and a tributary of the Ngakawau, alluded to in my report of 15th June, 1874, and make the height, by the mean of the two observations, 1,318 feet above sea level. I was unable to spare time to go through to the Mokihinui, but, from the observations I made, my former good impressions of the country to the north and east, both as to coal-producing probabilities and the quality and easy lie of the land, were confirmed. (See my recommendation in paragraph 11 of this Eeport.) To the south and southeast, on the other hand, the country becomes very rugged, and inferior I think in both these respects, as well as difficult of access and densely timbered. II. —FxjTTJEE OpEEATIONS. 9. After the work on the sea face alluded to in paragraph 1 is finished, which will probably occupy from two to three months, the portions of the coal field which I think merit the next attention are, Cascade Creek, head of Orikaka, and Mokihinui. 10. Cascade Creek rises between the summits of Mounts William aud Rochfort, and pursues a southerly course to the Kiver Buller, into which it falls about ten miles above Westport. Several good-looking outcrops of coal have been found in the upper parts of the valley near the level of the creek; but of the extent of the seam or seams) no definite opinion can be formed without spending a considerable time in exploring, the valley being over 1,000 feet deep, and the sides steep, much furrowed, and thickly timbered. The amount of time which it would be worth expending upon its exploration would depend upon the results obtained, and could only be judged as the work progressed. Mr. Denniston, who has spent about a week in a cursory examination, is of opinion that to explore the valley thoroughly would occupy three months. The only outlet for the coal when raised would be by tram or railway down the creek and alongside the north bank of the Buller to Westport, a distance of say fourteen miles, six of which, at the Westport end, being of easy construction, and the remainder over sideling ground more or less steep. 11. Head of Orikaka. —Near the divide spoken of in paragraph 8, an outcrop of coal was found of good quality, superior hardness, and slight dip, having the appearance of being steady, and of considerable extent {vide Mr. Denniston's General Report, 30th June, 1875, p. 19). The country hereabouts is flatter and much less broken than any ground I have yet been over ; on the other hand it would be somewhat troublesome and expensive carrying stores so far inland; but on the whole I think it is desirable to extend the survey in this direction, and proceed as far as good indications of coal are found. The adoption of this course would, moreover, afford a favourable opportunity of carrying out the suggestion made by Mr. Denniston in the last paragraph of his report, that a bore should be put down near the crossing of the main track and Pouri Creek, in order to decide whether or not there is in that part of the coal field a finer seam, of the existence of which there is some indication. In that suggestion I concur, as my impression has always been that workable coal would be found here, and the map of it is at present a blank as far as this is concerned. 12. JSLokihinui. —A mine was opened here last year near the bank of the river, and about three miles from the mouth, and the results were encouraging, but nothing of consequence has been done for the last six months. Good samples have been found cropping out at various points, from which tramways could be laid down without any unusual expense to the mouth of the river, a distance of from three to six miles. As the river has a good entrance, and is generally available for vessels drawing eight feet of water, a moderate trade could be carried on in the meantime ; and the Westport and Ngakawau Railway could be ultimately extended to the Mokihinui, at a moderate cost, if the results of the mining operations there were found to be such as warranted, the outlay. I should recommend that the block of country intervening between the Ngakawau and the Mokihinui, and extending say five or six miles inland, should be surveyed as far as the results obtained appeared to warrant. It might be desirable also to extend the survey for same distance north of the Mokihinui. As, however, the whole of this country is covered with bush, the cost would be much greater than that of the work I have already done. 13. If the three localities I have named were surveyed, the survey would then embrace all those portions of the coal field which have as yet been prospected with any success. lll.—Mmxa Operations. 14. Of all the large number of lease and license holders on the Buller Coal Field, only three have to my knowledge done anything towards prospecting for or developing the coal within their areas since I made my last general report on this subject, dated 31st December, 1874—viz., Roche, Mulholland, and Overhagen. 15. Roche and party, who held a prospecting license on the south side of the Waimangaroa near its outlet from the Gorge, have put in a drive 200 feet long into the seam which cropped out upon their ground near the bank of the river. The coal, which was at first mere dust, has improved somewhat as they have driven into the hill; but though it is, I believe, good enough for use on the spot, it is still too soft for export. They are now about, lam informed, to test the quality of another outcrop, a little higher up the hill, and they express the hope that this will prove a harder coal. 16. Mullholland (or Sims and party) hold a prospecting license on the north bank of the river, immediately opposite Roche's. It is on their ground that the drive put in under Dr. Hector's directions, three years ago, is situated ; and to the remarks made in my report of 31st December I have only to add that Sims and party have lately commenced to put iu a fresh drive somewhat higher up the hill, the result of which will not probably be known for a month or two (vide Mr. Denniston's Report for June, 1875, last paragraph). 17. Overhagen and party, Cascade Creek. Since my report of 31st December, they have had a surveyor upou the ground and made their selection for lease. Overhagen has again proceeded to Melbourne with plans and other information on the capabilities of the ground, and has not yet returned.

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I am informed, however, that there is a fair prospect of capital to develop the mine heing forthcoming in that quarter. 18. As it is still a matter of doubt whether any of the low birl coal, though possessing other excellent qualities, will be found sufficiently hard for export purposes, and the high birl coal, though good in this respect, will require works of considerable magnitude and ingenuity to bring it to the railway line, it seems to be of the utmost importance that no time should be lost in at once proceeding to develop the vast stores of mineral wealth on the plateaux of Mounts Eochf ort and Frederick. Unless a great change takes place shortly in the action of the various parties amongst whom the whole of the known coaliferous ground on this coal field is at present divided, it will be many years before the object for which the railway and harbour works have been undertaken is attained. I enclose map showing portions surveyed and other particulars. "W. M. Coopeb, Westport, 30th June, 1875. Topographical Surveyor.

No. 2. Mr. DECISION to tlie EyGINEER-IN-CIIIEF. BULGER COAL MELD. GENERAL REPORT OP COAL EXPLORATIONS ON MOUNTS FREDERICK, WILLIAM, AND ROCHFO&T, FROM JANUARY TILL JUNE, 1875. Since my last general report I have continued my explorations from southern boundary of Ngakawau section, viz. T. 20, working my way south and east on to the summit and along the eastern slopes of Mount Frederick, likewise along the western base, slopes, and top of Mount William ridge, on to summit of same mount, continuing my work south from summit of Frederick and William up the N.N.E. and N.W. slopes of Rochfort till reaching summit of same. The position of the crops and sections found, together with the various breaks and faults throughout the areas and levels, will bo found marked on the map together with their heights, the result of my labours being as follows : — Area 5. The greater portion of this area, having been previously reported upon in Ngakawau section, calls for few further remarks more than there stated, the only coal line found being a few crops marked on map, a little to the westward of station T.B, in face of fault 10, showing coal of a thickness of from 7, 8, 10, and 12 feet, dip N.E. to E. B°, for most part faulted, attributable to its closeness to face of fault, bearing every appearance of being the crop of coal held in western part of this area (see Ngakawau report, area 5), the surface grits being even and regular. On the S.W. or upper corner of this area the surface grits appear much shaken, not broken, throwing open many backs or breaks in the stone, yet having appearance of holding coal in a somewhat similar proportion to that reported upon in high level A. Area 8. In this area I have failed to trace coal of any exent, the only coal traceable being sections marked in face of break 15, showing coal 4 feet thick, dip N.E. 10°, bearing appearance of being crushed. Also in face of break close to station 8, four sections are marked showing thus: Coal, 3, 4, 6, and 8 feet thick, dip N.E. 12°. A' small part of this area I have marked as containing coal, the centre portion being much disturbed and broken, while on the northern and eastern side it contains numerous surface outcrops of coal, shale and blaze. Evidently, from their general appearance of dip, together with surface indications, they are the surface outcrops of coal contained in area 517, Ngakawau section; the surface to the eastward being cut up into small hillocks or mounds, surrounded by creeks, showing coal of a thickness of from 3, -1, 5, and (J inches, the dip of the coal here being very irregular and broken, the coal itself inferior in quality. On the eastern side face of fault 0, close to junction of Ely Creek with Ngakawau, a section is got showing a face of coal G feet thick, dip E. 10°, which crops to surface about 15 chains to westward of fault. I have, as may be noticed, marked here a small area as holding coal — that is, so far as surface indications bear me out in doiug so. Sigh Level A (Frederick). —Bounded by fault 10 on the north, No. 11 on the east, main break of mount on the south, and sea fault on the west. Throughout this part of the field, between break 1G and sea fault, I have been successful in tracing the continuance of the coal south from area 6, which appears to run through this part with great solidity and evenness, lying at easy angles, which, together with the numerous creeks (being gorgy) having worn down the top grits on to the coal, has facilitated much in the prospecting of this part. On this level going south, I have noticed the putting on of a second (upper) through thin seam of coal which has been noticed to continue in other lower levels. The various sections of coal found show thus: — ■m6O 1 j Coal in bed of small creek, top only noticed. Dip S.E. s°. Ft. in. f Surf ace, fine Quartz Grits ... ... ... ... 20 0 c ~ Soft Sandstone... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 Sechon^ Bl *°- 7- Coal 25 0 [.Shale Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 Go 0 Dip E. to N.E. 15°, resting upon hard quartz grits

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Ft. in. f Coal (G in.) and Blaze (Gin.) ... ... ... ... 1 0 Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Section | Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 No. 8. -j Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... G 0 I Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 Coal 12 0 tShale Blaze ... ... . ... ... ... ... 3 0 32 0 Dip N.E. 12°, resting upon hard quartz grits. ■ — Ft. in. ''Surface, fine Quartz Grit:. ... ... ... ... 20 0 c ~ I Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 section ! -q, on ■v n "i Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... SO Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 [.Shale Blaze , 14 0 53 0 I Dip W. B°, resting upon hard quartz grits. Coal here appears crushed. Ft. in. fCoal and Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 Sections Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 Nos. 10,11, ■{ Soft red Sandstone, with shaly partings ... ... ... GO and 12. Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 I Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 ÜBlaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 52 0 Dip. S.E. 10°, resting upon hard quartz grits. Ft. in. f Surf ace, fine Quartz Grits ... ... ... ... 50 Soft red Sandstone, with shaly partings ... ... ... 5 0 I Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 G «... I Coal 1 0 ectlon. Shale Blaze 0 G 18- | Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 Coal 37 0 UShale Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 83 0 Dip S. to S.E. B°, resting upon coarse hard grits. ' No 20 I secti°n g°t >10 feet coal shown and not bottomed. Ft. in. fCoal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 6 I Shale Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 | Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 G Section J Fine Quartz Grits ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 No. 23. | Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 I Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 32 0 tßlaze 4 0 57 0 Sections 21 C Coal 5 and 8 feet thick shown ;no sections obtained. Shows to hold a good and 25. ( thickness. The coal, as may be seen from sections above given, holds a good thickness and appears to be a coal of good quality, though soft and friable in nature, as may be seen from samples forwarded. From Station T. 20 south to T. 11, the body of coal from break 16 appears to pass through the mount steady, till gaining face of sea fault a few chains south of T. 11, where a face of coal 7 feet thick is noticeable, though crushed, to the south ; and past T. 18 the coal is cut out from face of sea fault by a belt of granite, which continues till gaining near station T. 18. The lower part of this level, to the east of break 16, as may bo observed from map, holds only throughout a few detached sections and island mouuds of coal, which show thus: — No. 1. Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 feet. No. 2. Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 „ No. 3. Coal. Top of seam only noticeable. No. 4. Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 „ No. 5. Coal 25 „ No. 6. Coal ... ... ~. ... ... ... ... 25 „

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with aS. to S.E. dip 12°, resting upon hard quartz grits. The coal here has the appearance of being much crushed and broken. Further to the south than those above given, four island mounds are marked, showing, as nearly as could be observed, holding coal 5 feet throughout. This coal, as seen from the many exposed sections around the mounds, is of itself troubled, and being very wavy, thinning and thickening at short intervals, in many places the floor and roof all but meeting. To the south of break 14, and west under break IG, four islands mounds are marked, showing sections of coal thus:— Ft. in. fGrits, fine ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 „ ~ Soft Sandstone... ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 ®ectl°n^ Blaze * 4 0 No-16-|Coal 12 0 IJShalo Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 37 0 Dip S. B°, resting upon hard quartz grits. Ft. in. ("Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 « u I Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 S^N Blaze ... | 0 No- 19-|Coal 8 0 LShale Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 27 0 Dip S. 10°, resting upon hard quartz grits. Ft. in. ("Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 I Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 -{ Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 | Coal 8 0 t.Shale Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 20 0 Dip S. 10°, resting upon hard quartz grits. Small section shows on face of fault 11, near station L. 43, showing a thickness of coal 9 feet, holding same thickness throughout the section. The coal in the sections above given, Nos. 16, 19, and 21, appears to be much crushed, the coal to the eastward of the sections showing good in quality, but faulting towards westward break IG. The remaining part of the area, not filled in as containing coal, holds on the surface the same hard quartz grits as shown in sections above, floor of coal bearing to appearance that of coal having been denuded from off same, leaving the preserved sections above given; those grits (bottoms), for most part throughout, hold great solidity and thickness. I have traversed up and down the various creeks in this level; and, notwithstanding their being gorgy and worn down well into the grits, 1 have failed to trace any indications of a lower seam, but have considerable doubt but that there does exist a lower seam here, it no doubt being prevented from cropping to westward by granite belt previously mentioned on sea fault. Mid Levels A and B {Frederick). —On these levels I have not been no successful in tracing coal, the surface here holding hard quartz grits, and bearing the same appearance as previously stated regarding eastern part of High Level A—namely, that the coal has been denuded oft* same. The surface in this level is very much disturbed, the stone itself holding many dips at short distances, together with many small breaks. Throughout this level many small creeks are got, they being gorgy with precipitous sides worn down into the measures 50, 60, 70, and 80 feet. In those I have failed to trace any indications of a lower seam ; but, as mentioned regarding High Level A, have considerable doubts, the proving of same being beyond the reach of my limited surface explorations. Mid Level 0 {Frederick). —In this level the same indications present themselves as in the former levels A and B, with one exception—the finding of a small section of coal (preserved) on or near Station L. 64, showing, — Ft. in. Fine Grit ... ... ■ ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 Coal 6 0 Shale Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 29 0 Dip, E. 10°, resting upon hard quartz grits. The coal presents a shaken appearance to the south of this section. In face of main east break Webb's Creek is struck, and being well worn down into grits, north side. In this when traversed we failed to trace any indications of a lower seam, but hold the name doubts in this as mentioned in former levels, it being an area of denudation. Low Level A {Frederick). —On those levels I have not been successful in tracing coal in quantity ; the surface here —that is, in area of ground confined by fault 12 on the west, fault 9 on the east, Fly Creek on the north, and main east break on the south—being composed for most part of hard quartz

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grits, showing in places many preserved sections of top grits, which lie all but on edge. From careful prospecting those preserved patches do not appear to hold much coal cropping to surface, only with one exception under face of fault 12 is found— Ft. in. Coal 1 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 3 0 dip, E. 12°; the measures around this having appearance of disturbance. In traversing down lefthand branch Fly Creek, which gorges with wall perpendicular 60, SO, and 100 feet, I got several good sections, showing in places top measures disturbed, but failed to trace any coal, which still leaves a doubt here also as to its existence, which, if it does exist here, is beyond my limited explorations. In the traversing of Whirlwind Creek and Wainiangaroa good sections are obtained, but in all showing similar to those in Fly Creek. Low Levels B and 0 (Frederick). —To the eastward of break 9 the measures are broken through by a slate belt, composed of small spires and hillocks holding slate on surface, extending from near face of break east down to near Cypress Creek, and north till gaining peg 10 of Happy Valley traverse line, extending south past L. 62 till reaching peg 11, Waimangaroa traverse, near face of break 9. Along the face of break and out east on to slate I have prospected diligently, but have not been successful in tracing crops of any coal. On the eastern slopes of those slate spires facing Happy Valley small pieces of grits and coal are traceable, till reaching bed of Happy Valley, where slates appear to dip under, and measures again make. A small basin of coal is here struck showing crops as under: — Ft. in. Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 „ ~ Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 ctl°n Blaze 1 0 No- 26- Coal 12 0 Shale Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 29 0 Dip W. 10°, resting upon soft white sandstone. SF^JCoal 3 feet shown. JNo. 34. (_ In this section no particulars could be obtained. ?o Ctl3 00 n[ Coal - 12fcetDip W. 12°, resting upon shale. No further section here could be obtained. No^S { Coal 3 feet, top seam* Dip S. to S.W. 10°, resting upon soft sandstone. Ft. in. Q ~ C Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 *ect™ \ Blaze 2 0 No-42i( Coal, top seam 3 0 7 0 Dip S. 12°, resting upon soft sandstone. This coal is of excellent quality, being in itself much harder than that seen on upper height Mount Frederick. From the general appearanco of the measures around they bear that of being thrown, together with the dip of slate spires on the west being east, the dip of coals west, and crops east towards and up Mount William ridge, I would be of opinion that this coal has slipped or been thrown from the ridge. The valley is crossed by a cross bar of slate to south, near pegs 4 and 3, throwing south end of coal area with a southerly dip. High Level B {Frederick). —This height, as may be here observed from the upper height, summit of Mount Frederick, which holds an area breasted on the east by high level fault, and on the west by sea fault. On the face of these faults numerous sections of coal are obtained on the four sides of the area, while one section in the centre has also been obtained (No. 109), all holding coal of considerable thickness. I have therefore, as may be observed, marked this area as holding such, for most part throughout its entire extent. The sections found in same show thus: — Ft. in. § C Surface, fine Quartz Grist ... ... ... ... 8 0 c£ Soft Sandstone, with shaly partings ... ... ..'. 10 0 Section g J Blaze ... ... ' ... ... ... ... 4 0 No. 35. »*> Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 18 0 § Shale Blaze... ... ... ... ... ... G 0 LSoft grey Stone ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 56 0 Dip E. 10°. resting upon hard grits.

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Ft. in. . 'Surface, fiue Grits ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 £ Soft brown to yellow Sandstone ... ... ... 20 0 a Soft Sandstone, with coaly partings ... ... .. 4 0 Section*^ ' • 0 -ft qR g H Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 18 0 JNo.db. | shale Blaze 5 0 I® Soft brown Sandstone ... ... ... ... 10 0 * j Coarse Quartz Grits... ... ... ... ... 15 0 ISlate 105 0 Dip E. 10°, resting upon slates. Ft. in. fSurface, fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 g Soft brown to yellow Sandstone ... ... ... 15 0 £ Soft Stone, with coaly partings ... ... ... 4 0 Section a j Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 No. 37. jj"] Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 14 0 "I Soft dark Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 te Coarse Grits ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 LSlates 79 0 Dip E. 10°, resting upon slates. Ft. in. jj fSurface,fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 § j Soft brown to yellow Sandstone ... ... ... 50 Section^ I Stone, with coaly partings ... ... ... 3 0 s S i Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 No- 38- 2 I Coal 8 0 J Soft dark Stone ... '... ... ... ... 6 0 * tCoarse Grits ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 40 0 Dip S.E. 12°, resting upon slates. Ft. in. g fSurface, Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 £ Soft Yellow Sandstone ... ... ... ... 10 0 Section a j Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 N0.39. jj | Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 2 Shale Biaze... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 £: Grits ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 38 0 Dip S.E. 12°, resting upon slate. Ft. in. * ,■ g S (Kne Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Jdo^ SoftSandste 10 0 Nolo9|| (Cod 20 0 50 0 Dip E. to S.E. 14°, resting upon hard, troubled grits. Ft. in. <u fSurface, Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 o ,• * Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Section PH^ Bla/ . e 4 0 No.llO.|^ Coal 26 Q W t.Bhale Blaze... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 77 0 Dip E. 14°, resting upon hard quartz grits. The remaining sections obtained along the east face north from section No. 110 above given continue to hold coal of a uniform thickness to those already given on western slope. The coal, as may be observed from the sections above given, holds a considerable thickness to the north end of the area T.13, while upon going south along the west face the coal thins, with lessening indications showing in grits and coal, this being attributable to the existence of a slate belt noticeable under the measures, near station T.13, which upon going south along face lessens the measures, till, reaching well south of the area, it ultimately breaks through same entirely. The surface throughout this part is comparatively flat and destitute of soil, showing grits holding numerous back breaks in stone, and in some places the grits much broken. The coal is of a soft and friable description, and, as far as I can judge, would be a coal highly suitable for steam purposes.

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Lower Level D (M'ederick). —This level, as may be observed, is confined to the low country with main east break on the north, on the west by fault, on the east slopes of Frederick, extending along to and joining mid-level break, also along the southern end of high-level fault, on the south by S.W. shoulder of Mount William, and cast by Mount William ridge, extending north along its base and western slopes, till gaining the main east break. This area forms itself into a trough or basin, holding, as may be seen from the sections following, thick faces of coal, two seams in all, throughout. Ft. in. Section ( Coal, without roof ... ... ... ... ... 0 6 N0.31. (Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 Total ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 6 Dip S. to S.E. 10 J, resting upon quartz grits. Here no roof could be got before making surface, this section resembling much in appearance that of a crop, or one of them, of the basin. Ft. in. r Soft Sandstone, yellow ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Section \ Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 No. 32.1 Coal, upper seam ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 (.Shale Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 28 0 Dip S.E. 10°, resting upon hard quartz grits. Ft. in. fSoft Sandstone, yellow ... "... ... ... ... 12 0 j Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Blaze, parting ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 6 • | Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 6 v qqN Soft yellow Sandstone, with coal parting ... ... ... 5 0 PO.SB. ]j an d of Blaze... 0 6 Soft yellow Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 9 0 Coal, lower seam ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 JBlaze... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 52 6 Dip S. to S.E., resting upon coarse hard grits. Ft. in. f Soft fine Grits... ' ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 Soft yellow Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 Blaze... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Section) Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 N0.57|. 1 Soft Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 18 0 i Soft yellow Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 I Blaze G 0 ICoal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 o(Shown.) 79 0 Dip S. to S.E. 12°. Ft. in. 'Surface, fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 Soft yellow Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Sectionj Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 No. 44. 1 Soft Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Soft yellow Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 _Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 32 0 99 0 Dip S. to S.E. B°. Remainder of coal covered by water, Ft. in. f Surface (1 ft.), Wash (2 ft.) 3 0 Marls, with Fossil Shells ... ... ... ... 30 0 Soft fine Grits... ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 Soft yellow Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 Coal, upper seam ... ... ... ... ... 0 S B ~ Blaze Band ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Section n i ac TV Vi 1 •• "■ ■•• ■■ •• ■" ■*•" 0 6 jmo. m. s o ft white Sandstone, with shaly partings ... ... ... 23 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Coal 0 6 Blaze Band 1 0 Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 LShale Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 105 8 Dip S. to S.E. 20°, resting upon hard quartz grits. —

11

iv- .)

I'i. iii. ("Marls ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Section3 Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 No. 46. ) Soft yellow Sandstone .... ... ... ... 8 0 V.Coal, top scam ... ... ... ... ... 0 8 40 8 Dip S. 10°. Ft. in. "Surface ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 Coal, top seam... ... ... ... ... ... 0 4< Blaze Band ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Section^, Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... OS No. 47. > Soft white Sandstone ... ... ... ... 60 0 Yellow Sandstone ... ... ... 30 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... .... ... 2 0 tCoal, lower seam ... ... ... ... 20 0* 116 0 Dip 8. B°. .Remainder of coal in bed of creek. Ft in. C Soft white Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 60 0 Section 3 Yellow Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 No. 47-J-. 1 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 (.Coal ... 10 0 102 0 Dip S. 10°, resting to all appearance upon slate. Ft. in. fSurface ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Sand and Silt ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 Wash, alluvial... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 Marls ... ... ... ... ... ... 50 0 Section , Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 No. 85.^ Soft Sandstone, with shaly partings ... ... ... 5 0 Grit Band ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 Soft Sandstone, with coaly partings ... ... ... 50 I Blaze 2 0 l^Coal, top seam... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 96 0 Dip E. to N.E. 20°, resting upon soft sandstone. From the foregoing sections given, as may be remarked, the coal thickens on working south oft" the main east break in basin ; also dips with great regularity throughout. Marls. South, about 4 chains from section No. 33 in traversing the Waimangaroa River down, is noticed the putting on of the marls over the grits, holding, in some places, nodules, or egg-shaped stones somewhat resembling flints, but in themselves clay ironstones, in which marls I have noticed fossil shells, and at times impression's of leaves. These marls expend south and east, being noticed extending up the tributaries and slopes of Frederick, extending«well up the level, also east and up the slopes of Mount William ridge, till reaching south near N. W. shoulder of mount, section No. 85, where the grits are seen to crop from under same, the section extremity of this basin. The coal in this area as- marked, the upper through thin seam being of a soft description, while that of the lower is a hard clear coal of superior quality, resembling much in appearance that of Coalbrookdale. High Level C (Frederick). —This level being a continuance of high level B, breasted by high level fault on the east, and sea fault on the west. The surface upon leaving high level Bis composed of slate, holding in it veins of quartz (general run being N.E. and S. W.), while upon going south and east grits are noticed to put on broken, holding coal of a like description, same continuing south till meeting with E. to W. break, in the face of which the measures gain a great solidity. To the eastward of branch of Deep Creek the measures appear to gain in thickness, holding eoal in many places on banks of same, showing thus: — Ft. in. «j ~ (Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 ™on 1 Fine Sandstone 12 0 Ao-sL(Coal 20 0 52 0 Dip. S. 20°, resting upon hard grits. The coal here is much crushed and shaken. I have therefore, as may be seen, marked a small part -of this area, which no doubt could be worked to advantage in conjunction with the other areas. * Shows above water. 2—E. 9.

E.—9

12

High Level D (Frederick). —This level being a continuation of former level C, extending from east to west break south till reaching to "Waimangaroa River. Same break holds grits of great thickness in face, with a general dip S. to S.E. On top of same, measures are noticed to put on holding coal, which upon going south increases considerably in thickness, till reaching near the Waimangaroa Eiver an upper seam appears to put on, the measures bearing all appearance to basin in inid level E. The following sections obtained throughout this level:— N 90 ) ®ur^ace crops of coal 6to 8 inches thick. Ft. in. Secfc'o (!;' ur^ace ' nne Grits ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 ■K,- QO < Soft Sandstone, with shaly partings ... ... ... ... 4 0 Jslo- bJ-(Coal 6 0 , 20 0 Dip S.S.E. 10°. Ft. in. f'Surface ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 9 0 Section j Soft Sandstone, with shaly partings ... ... ... 5 0 No. 87.1 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 I Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 15 0 l^ Shale Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 35 0 Dip S. to S.E. 10°, resting upon hard quartz grits. Ft. in. fSurface (1 ft.), Grits (9 ft.) 10 0 o ,• Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 £*W Blaze 2 0 Wo-88' | Coal 10 0 IJShale Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 29 0 Dip S.E. to S. 10°, resting upon hard quartz grits. N C go^ / oa^ cro Ps> varjiDg from 4, 6, and 8 feet. Ft. in. (Surface, fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 Section ) Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 30 No. 92. ) Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 (.Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 22 0 Dip S. to S.W. Ft. in. (Tine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 Section j Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 30 No. 93.1 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 ICoal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 19 0 Dip S. to S.W. 10°, resting upon hard grits. . Ft. in. .'Surface... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 ~ ] Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 v o°^<Kne soft Sandstone 8 0 Na96- Coal 25 0 (Brown Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 50 0 Dip W. 10°, resting upon white grit. Ft. in. ("Surface... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Section \ Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 No. 97. ) Tine Grits 20 0 (,Dark flaky Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 24 0 48 0 Dip S.W. B°, resting upon hard grits in bed of creek. The coal in this level is the same in description as that obtained throughout high level A, being in itself a coal of good quality, though soft and friable in nature. The coal throughout the area, as may be observed, dips regularly S. to S.E., the main dip south towards basin mid level E. In this level lam not satisfied but that there does exist a lower seam of coal, high faces of grit being seen in traversing Deep Creek, which crosses through this level (at a lower level than coal above given), resembling much in appearance those grits obtained in mid levels A, B, and C (floor of coal) on N.E. slopes of Mount Frederick ; also, as may be seen from sections given in mid level E, along the banks of the Waimangaroa, «liowing two seams, and a doubt of a third, the probability being that the same lower seams pass

13

E.—9,

through this area, but on to slates at a low level in high level C, thereby prevented from making surface. Mid Level U (Frederick). —This area situated to dip of high level D, being in itself a continuance of same (bounded on the north by Waimangaroa Biver, by main S.W. shoulder of Mount William on the south, on the east by Mount William, and west by a slate spur or bar reaching out into Eochfort Plateau, west of the south branch of the Waimangaroa Eiver). Sections found in this area show thus:— Banks of Eiver Waimangaroa. Ft. in. 'Coal Surface White to yellow Grits ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 o ~ Soft dark Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 etl£c -{ Fine white Grits 11 0 No- 78> Blaze ■ 1 0 I Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 LCoal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 40 0 101 0 Dip S. to S.E. B°, resting upon a floor of dark sandstone about 14 feet. Underneath same is noticed at water level a coal not unlike cannel coal, but on the whole resembling much in appearance that of Cascade lower coal. Sample of this I have already forwarded by Mr. Cox. Waimangaroa. Ft. in. fCoal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Q ~ Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 9 0 £q°M Soft Sandstone 20 0 i\o. a*. ¥in& Grits _ 16 Q Fine Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 middle seam ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 Dip S. to S.W. 15°, resting upon hard grits. 70 0 Crossing of Waimangaroa. Ft. in. ("Surface, fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 I Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 Section J Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 No. 85i] Fine Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 | Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 l^Coal, middle seam ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 36 0 Dip S. to S.W., resting upon soft sandstone. Continuing east from section 8|- towards station L. 102, and along base line south till gaining S.W. shoulder of Mount William, is noticed a top covering of marls, same as those found in low level D. At this point the measures dip north till reaching slate bar, south branch, when they take a N. and N.E. dip, showing here sections of coal. Ft. in. rSurface, fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 I Fine Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 No. 75.-{ Coal, middle seam ... ... ... ... ... 18 0 | Dark Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 I^Coal, lower seam ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 48 0 Dip S.E. s°, resting upon hard coarse grits. Ft. in. f Surface, fine Sandstone ... ... ... . . ... 4 0 , T ~ R \ Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 iNo- 7b>l Fine Sandstone 8 0 (^Coal, middle seam ... ... ... ... .„. 17 0 49 0 Dip N.E. to E., to all appearances troubled to north. Ft. in. 'Surface, fiue Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 15 0 ' . Blaze ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 % Fine Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 „ ~ a Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 at v? '& J Coal, middle seam 8 0 JNo. 77. Yellow Sandstone 15 0 g Soft brown Stone ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 H Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... '20 0 Coal, lower seam ... ... ... ... ... i 0 90 0 Dip S. to S.E. 10 r, resting upon shaken stone and slate,

ft—o,

The coal in this area boars all appearance of forming a basin, inasmuch as the four dips of the measures have been here obtained, and the general appearance of the country bears the same out. Three seams of coal may be seen from sections existing in this (area) basin. The thin and upper seams, together with the middle seam and measures, correspond much with those of high levels throughout the field, while that of the lower resembles much that obtained throughout low level D, and also at edge of Cascade Break (Coalbrookdale). The remaining part of this area is not marked as holding coal, being in itself an area of slate and reaching up the slopes of Mount William. Mount William Ridge. —-This ridge I have explored along its whole extent from Ngakawau Gorge, and south, till reaching summit of Mount William, finding it principally composed of slate reaching to surface, general run N.E. and S.W., holding in parts sections of shaken and disturbed grits and coal of a like description and wholly unmarketable, same indications continuing south till reaching traverse peg 20, on summit of ridge, where a small area is struck holding coal. Ft. in. (Hard Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 Section \ Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 No. 27.1 Coal 6 0 (.Slateßlase ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 24 0 Dip S.W. 10°, resting to all appearance upon hard grits. This coal is much crushed, but on the whole may be worked in conjunction with some of the other areas though small in extent. South from this, slates are observed along the surface, holding in them veins of quartz, till reaching near peg 48, where loose masses of grit are noticed, holding coal shaken and much crushed. Same disturbed indications continue south, showing slates, and in places holding coal (blind) till reaching south of station L. 20, about 10 chains, where the ridge shoulders out, puts on grits, holding coal of good quality; continues so, improving south, gaining thickness, width, and solidity, till reaching near summit of mount, where the coal evidently thins. The sections found in this southern extremity show as follow : — Ft. in. Q ~ ( Surface, fine Quartz Grits ... ... ... ... 10 0 c °o n \ Fine Sandstone 2 0 6 0 18 0 Dip S. 10°, resting upon grey sandstone. Ft. in. | "Surface, fine white Grits ... ... ... ... 10 0 ■4 Soft Sandstone, with coaly partings ... ... ... 12 0 | Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 g Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 a oni .- n _«h Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 ™ °-J Soft dark Sandstone 8 0 NaBL | Fine Grits 12 0 ri Bar of Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 40 % Fine grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 14 0 pq Fine Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 LCoal ... ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 100 0 Dip N. 1 o N.E. 15°. No further section could here be obtained, vegetation preventing my getting any further information. Ft. in. fSurface, fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 6 Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 c ~ U Soft fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 Section pn Bkze _ _ 4 Q No. 79. -g I g o f t s an< i s tone Grits ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 M I Soft Sandstone ... ... .... ... ... 12 0 I^Coal, lower seam ... ... ... ... ... G o(Shown.) 124 0 Dip N. to N.E. 10°. SStfjj Was No. 70.

14

15

E.—9

Ft. in. "Surface, fine Grits ... ... v ... ... ... 24 0 Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 Blaze with Band of Coal ... ... ... 3 0 6 Black Stone ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 «„,>*•• r* Grits, fine ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 ectl°n *-j Soft Sandstone 6 0 0-d/- £ Dark Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 Eed Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 14 0 Coal ... ... ... ... ... 40 0 I Fine grey Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 142 0 Dip N. to N.E. 10°., resting upon hard quartz grits. Ft. in. fSurface, fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 35 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 . Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 | Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 Section Ph J Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 No. 58. -g Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 (S Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Wedge of hard Stone ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Coal ... ' ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 Shale Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Hard Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 15 0 Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 hard Grits 129 6 Dip N.W., resting upon coarse hard quartz grits. Ft. in. 'Surface, fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 24 0 Soft Sandstone, with coaly partings ... ... ... 60 Coal ... ... ... .. ; ... ... 6 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 . Soft Sandstone... ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 g Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 Section^ . Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 No. 59.-8 Coal 0 3 Soft brown dark Stone ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 Soft yellow Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 Fine soft brown Sandstone ... ... ... ... 20 0 Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 JBlaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 143 3 Dip "W. 15°, resting upon soft brown stone. Further to south towards summit of Mount (Cairn) than those sections above given, the coal thins down to 4, 3, 2, and 1 feet, as seen on both sides of mount, working out to surface. A chain or two to south of Cairn the mount breaks, forming the Cascade break. The quality of the coal in this height is of an average quality, being much the same as that obtained in mid level E. Three seams throughout this part are traceable, the upper being thin seams, and the lower holding a considerable thickness. The sections, if compared with those of mid level E, bid fair to correspond. The western slopes of the mount and ridge—that is, from under summit north to Ngakawau Gorge ■ —are composed of slate and granite, this holding till covered by the capping of the measures of the low levels. The eastern slopes of this ridge resemble much in appearance those of the western; but at a point station L. 4, on descending eastward, the grits appear to put on well, though troubled, till gaining the plain at base, which extends north, from opposite this point, towards Mohikinui, into which I had a preliminary visit; picked up a crop of coal in the valley 12 feet thick, with a dip north, and crop on to slates (general run of slates here N.E. by N., S.W. by S.). This plain covers a considerable area of country, and bids fair to hold coal throughout, of considerable thickness and extent towards north. To the south of this point till reaching under the summit of William eastward, the country presents a very rugged appearance, which, judging same from a distance, is principally composed of slate.

E.—9,

16

Coalbrookdale (Bochf&rt). This area extends along and under S.W. shoulder of Mount William north, reaching Cascade Break east, Whareatua waters on the south, and slate ridge on the west. In this area the measures on the western side are much shaken, the coal held being thin, and bearing same appearance as the measures, owing no doubt to its closeness to slate; and on the north side, under S.W. shoulder of mount, the measures continue to hold thin coal, but improve in thickness in working east towards Cascade Break, where the whole appears to form into a somewhat disturbed basin, all but cut in places by several slate bars crossing same. Along the edge of Cascade Break, sections are obtained holding coal of considerable thickness, and holding two seams in all. On the S.W. edge of the basin, out-crops are obtained on the north side of ridge, station V. 10, and saddling to S.W. into Whareatea Valley (Eochfort Plateau). The sections obtained throughout this basin show as under: — Ft. in. r§ ri (■ Grits troubled ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 Section's "| \ Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 No. 74. §^ 1 Coal 2 0 £s"S (.Bluish Grits 12 0 27 0 Dip S. to S.E., resting upon slates. Ft. in. 'Surface ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Soft red Grits... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 Fine white Grits ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 Soft yellow Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 e ,• Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... &0 3 section T.l *n q TNTn an \ Blaze ••• •• ••• •■• •• ••• *° 3 i>o. w. Band of gtone £ 0 6 Coal, blind 2 0 Shale 1 0 Coal, blind ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Soft dark Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 10 6 _Coarse Grita ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 96 0 Dip N.E. to N., resting upon slate coal, troubled and blind. Ft. in. fSurface ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Soft red Grits... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 «, .. „ Fine Grits ... 4 0 V ft Q<! Soft Sandstone 8 0 JSaW- Coal 6 6 Band of Blaze ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Coal 1 6 L.Soft grey dark Grits ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 88 0 Dip N. to N.E. 20°, resting unconformably upon slates. Coal improving in quality. Ft. in. 'Surface, fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 0 6 „ ~ Fine Grits 10 0 Sr ftoN Soft Sandstone, with coaly partings ... ... ... 10 0 JNo. bd. Coal J r 8 6 I Band of Blaze ... ... ... ... ... 16 | Coal 2 0 IJDark grey Stone ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 77 6 Dip E. to N.E. 20?, resting upon slate. Ft. in. 'Surface, fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Soft dark brown Sandstone ... ... ... ... 12 0 Band of Blaze 2 0 a ~ Soft dark brown Sandstone ... ... ... •■■ 6 0 Section p . ne 0 3 No- 65- Coal 8 6 Band of Blaze... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Coal 2 3 _Grey Sandstone ... ... ... ... ••■ 20 0 73 0 Dip S. to S.W. 10°.

E.—9

17

Ft. in. o ~ CSurface, fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 t\t <?<? \ Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Na6B(Coal 14 0 54 0 Dip S.W. 10°, resting upon blaze. In bed of creek, the coal from this point continues improving in quality and thickness east, till meeting with face of Cascade Break, where sections of coal show thus : — Ft. in. ("Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 a ~ Dark Sandstone ... ... ... ...■ ... 10 0 section i -d, on -* im JA | Sandstone Grits 15 0 LCoal 16 0 pq *■ £ 56 0 « ] Dip N.E. 10°, resting upon grey stone and slate. ° Ft. in. 'S fFine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 © Soft fine Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 40 Section , Coal ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 s No. 73. 1 Dark Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 "White Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 14 0 LCoal 18 0 69 0 Dip N. to N.E. 10°, resting upon dark grey sandstone. The coal, as may be observed from the foregoing sections, is in some places shaken, and in a few blind ; but where it commences to basin as at Nos. 62, 63, and 65, the coal is of superior quality, clear, hard, and light, burns freely, and cokes with a remarkably light and hard coke. Near the centre of the area the coal holds a thickness of about 8 feet, but towards Cascade Break thickens out to 18 feet lower seam, while that of the upper holds a thickness of 5 feet, being both very superior in quality. Mre Clay, as may be noticed, of three inches in thickness (underestimated), shows itself in roof of section No. 65, which layer was only noticeable from the clear section obtained, which, I have no doubt, continues throughout the entire area. Plateau, (Boclifori). —This area being as yet only partially explored, my success so far being in seeing a few sections of coal along the banks of Waimangaroa Eiver (which were only noticeable by looking over precipice). In the centre of this area the measures are cut by two slate ridges, covering a considerable extent of the surface, from which the grits appear to make, and dip steadily N.W., W., and S.W. towards brink of plateau, a few outcrops being in places noticed on surface. For the successful working of this area, it will be best undertaken by working from the low country up, under, and on to plateau, by which I shall be best able to come at a definite decision regarding the area previously mentioned; which work has already been sanctioned to be undertaken during the present winter months. High Levels (Roclifort). —Those heights confined to that area of country situated south of river Whareatea, and reaching up the N.E.,N., and N.W. slopes of mount on to summit. The exploring of this area I have worked from the dip of the measures Coalbrookdale and up the heights towards crops, showing as follows:— • Ft. in. Surface,fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 ~ ~ Soft Sandstone, dark ... ... ... ... ... 15 0 section Til in ™- n iio Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 Coal, upper ... ... ... ... ... ... 10 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 45 0 Dip N. 10°, resting upon dark sandstone in bed of creek. Ft. in. (-Surface ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Section) Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 No. 97. i Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 I Dark flaky Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 24 0 48 0 Dip N.W. B°, resting upon grits, fine. Ft.- in. Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 10 0 a ,• Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 Section ,-, , n a No 102 Coal ° 6 x\O. Wl. g 0 Dark flaky Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 34 6 Dip N.E. 12°.

E.—9

18

Ft. in. fSurface ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 Pine Sandstone Grits ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 Blaze, with coaly partings ... ... ... ... 12 0 Band of dark Sandstone... ... ... ... ... 10 Section s^ale Blaze 2 0 t\u im "I Fine red Grits ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 1 6 ,' Blaze ... ... ... ... ... 2 6 Dark Sandstone ... .. ... ... ... 1 6 (JFine Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 15 0 45 6 Dip N. to N.E. 20°, resting upon white grits. Ft. in. Pine Grits ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 <a ,- Coarse Band of Grits ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 section t,, q n jjio. wa. Coal) upper seam 1 o Blaze ... .. ... ... ... 2 0 37 0 Dip N.E. 15°, resting upon pebble beds. ec ion j ;L oose j un ]{s of coal working up into face of coal, 3 feet only seen (lower seam). Dip N.E. 20°. -g M ( g g Ft. in. +• J £ Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 at fo'n'ga -{ Coal, lower seam ... ... ... ... ... 18 0 No.llB.oo^ lshal . Blajse 4 Q g 2 Grits ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 a o t 54 0 Dip N.E. 20°, resting upon slate. ■a Ft. illIs | Blaze ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Sectioning ) Quartz Grits ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 No. 118. v! 3« i Soft Sandstone ■•• •• ••■ •• •• 30 ° | jf; / Coal, lower seam ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 jz; \ Troubled dark grey Stone ... ... ... ... 10 0 78 0 DipMrregular, and general tendency northward, and resting upon slates. With the sections above given, two on the east side of the area, Nos. 115 and 113, and one on the west, No. 118, holding coal similar to that of Cascade Break lower seain, the remaining sections holding thin coal, but higher in measures proving the existence of two yearns throughout this area, the upper through thin seam holding a thickness of from 6 to 12 inches, while that of the lower from 18 to 6 feet, which appears to thin towards south of the slopes of mount, till reaching peg 210 Trent's line, where the upper coal and blaze is seen all but on the surface, while that of the lower (seam) 1 have not traced further than section 113, being prevented from steepness of Cascade Break, which will have to be undertaken from the low country Cascade Creek. Higher up on to summit of mount the upper seam is noticed on surface, and appearing to thin out on nearing summit, holding a dip of 20° N.W. (see section No. 103). As may be here observed, a change in the measures is noticed in pebblebeds being observed, under edge of break, holding considerable thickness. The coal held in the above area appears similar to that of Coalbrookdale. Bemabks. Two seams have for most part been obtained throughout the greatest extent of this part of the field, and a doubt exists whether there is not a third, the upper being a thin seam 3 feet, holding coal of an average quality, while that of the under is a coal superior in quality, varying in thickness from 37 to 8 feet; dips at comparatively easy angles, the greatest being 20 , and the lowest s°. These areas of coal can for most part be worked by tunnels put into faces of breaks, holding in same open sectional faces of coal, thereby allowing of an output being obtained from commencement of operations, with only two exceptions, viz. the greater part of low level D and mid level E, which would require to be worked by shafts, and would not in any instance reach over a depth of 150 feet at most. The seams hold generally over them an excellent roof, grits and sandstone, which should stand well, when opened out upon, and, together with the coal being free and easily wrought, should allow of an output at a low cost.

E—9.

Timber suitable for mining purposes throughout this field is only obtainable in very limited quantities along the edge of sea fault near summit of Frederick, and part of western slope of Mount William Ridge. In the east side of high level A, throughout the other mid levels, and also in high level D, I have considerable doubt whether there does not exist a lower seam of coal in these areas, the same, if it does exist, being no doubt resting against granite belt mentioned in west side high level A, and not crop to surface. Upper stone being noticeable throughout those areas in part offers good inducement for putting down a bore to test same, which, by a judicious selection of site, may be tested at a comparatively short depth. If successful, the result would tend to prove the continuance of same throughout the areas above mentioned, and the greater part of east boundary of the Xgakawau section, greatly extending the field already known through surface explorations. I have. &c., EoBKKX B. DxtTHIOTOH, Camp, Rapia Creek, 30th June, 1875. Coal Viewer.

No. 3. Mr. W. M. Coopek to the Encuneeb-jn-Chief. TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF BTJLLER COAL FIELD.—REPORT FOR JULY, 1875. Dubing this month the men have been engaged in cutting the necessary lines in the block of country lying between the Whareatea and the Waimangaroa Rivers on the one hand, and the edge of the Mount Rochfort plateau and the low flat Pakihis on the other. This is now completed and partially traversed. I have been in the field a week traversing the lines ; the remainder will occupy about a week more, after which the camp will be shifted to the Waimangaroa, and the country worked to the northward. 2. The weather has been broken and stormy during the month, so that less work has been done on that account. The total amount of bush lines cut is 5 miles 45 chains, and of lines traversed 3 miles 53 chains. 3. The map has not progressed much this month, the time having been considerably cut into by the half-yearly return*, &c, calculating heights and angles, and being in the field. I likewise spent three days in taking a couple of sketches near the quarry of the Mount Rochfort and Mount Frederick ridges, and working them up into good-sized water-colour drawings: these were for the Hon. the Premier, Mr. T. M. Mackay, who arrived here early in the month, having informed me that the Hon. Dr. Pollen had requested him to get a view taken of the country in the vicinity of the quarry, and there was no one here to undertake the task but myself. 4. As I remarked in a recent memorandum, the continuation of the field operations during the winter season, whilst it conduces to the earlier completion of the field work, materially interferes with the prosecution of the mapping, so that, unless the Government should think it advisable to supply me with the temporary assistance of a draftsman (as I understand was originally intended), the plotting of work already done must be much delayed, and additional work to be plotted will be continuously accruing. Mining Operations. 5. The only mining operations at present being carried on are upon the prospecting licenses of Messrs. Roche and Mulholland respectively. 6. Roche and Party. —The new seam said to have been discovered, and alluded to in paragraph 15 of my General Report of 30th June, 1875, and respecting which instructions were sent by the Under Secretary to Mr. Denniston, appears from Mr. Denniston's monthly report enclosed herewith to have no existence. lam informed that the party have discontinued the drive on which they have so long been engaged, and are about to drive to the dip, so as in some measure to test the width of the seam. As however the seam dips at a very high angle (about 40°), they must necessarily work at a great disadvantage, the more so as the drive would, in a short distance, be below the level of the river. 7. Mulholland, or Sims and party are still engaged in putting in the drive mentioned in paragraph 16 of my General Report of 30th June, 1875, and anticipate arriving at the point at which they expect to strike coal in three or four weeks' time. 8. Mr. Denniston is at present, and will probably be for about a month, engaged in exploring the Waimangaroa Gorge, in the vicinity of the two claims. I enclose his report of operations for July. W. M. Coopek, Westport, 2nd August, 1875. Topographical Surveyor.

Enclosure in. No. 3. Mr. R. B. Denniston to Mr. W. M. Coopek. PROGRESS REPORT OF COAL EXPLORATIONS ON PART OF SEAWARD FACE AND SLOPES OF MOUNT ROCHFORT PLATEAU, JULY, 1875. My past month's labours have been occupied in exploring part of that slip country situated on and under the (western) seaward side of break of Mount Rochfort plateau, commencing near the Rapid Creek, working south to the Eiver Whareatea, and north from Rapid Creek till reaching the River Waimangaroa (Roche's mine). 3—E. 9.

19

_E.—9

20

Vace of Plateau. Along the face edge of plateau south from Rapid Creek, towards Whareatca liivcr, no sections have been obtained holding coal; merely a few holding thin bands of blaze, as seen in a small tributary of the Whareatea showing thus: — Western Face of Plateau. Ft. in. fßlaze ... ... ... .-.. ... ... ... 1 6 Sandy Grit ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 o n Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 £«*£* H Eed Grit 30 0 .No. I^B. I Blaze 1 0 Fine to coarse Grit ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 IJBlaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 81 6 Dip W. 15°. Continuing south, no further sections are obtained till reaching the River Whareatea, which is in itself well worn down into the measures. In the traversing of same up east, extending well into the plateau, was only noticeable at times thin bands of blaze, no coal having been observed either in bed of river or upon the slopes. Here sections could not be obtained, owing to loose boulders and debris being everywhere around. North from this, in face of plateau near Rapid Creek, sections are obtained which show as follow:— Ft. in. C White Quartz Grit ... ... ... ... ... 50 0 Section \ Blaze, with Bands of Stone ... ... 10 0 No. 124.} Coal, crushed ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 (.Dark Shale and soft Stone ... ... ... ... 8 0 72 0 Dip W. 15°, resting upon hard sandy grits. Ft. in. White Quartz Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 Coal, crushed ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 Shale, Blaze, and Stone ... ... ... ... ... ... 80 Sandy Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Blaze ... • ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5 0 Soft Sandstone Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 Shale, Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Coarse Grits ... ... ... ... .. ... ... 120 0 Blaze... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 Coarse hard Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 35 0 Band of Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 255 0 Dip W. 15°, resting upon coarse hard quartz grits. North from this point I have continued exploring, but have failed to obtain any further sections in face of plateau, being prevented from obtaining same from the quantities of loose ddbris, which continues north till reaching ridge forming water-shed into the Waimangaroa Eiver, the furthest north point I have at present worked up to on this height. Slip Country. This area of country, situated under the western face of plateau (reaching well out into low country near railway), I have worked from the Eiver Whareatea (south) towards and to the Eiver Waimangaroa (north), the country generally presenting a rugged and broken appearance, holding thin bands of shale and coal at high angles, 40°, the coal being in itself much crushed. The sections found show as follow: — Tributary of Whareatea. Ft. in. fßlaze ... ... ..'. ... ... ... ... 1 6 Sandy Grit* ... ... ... ... ... ... 25 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Section , Red sandy Grits... ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 No. 128. "* Coarse Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Fine to coarse Grits ... ... ... ... ... 80 0 ijßlaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 171 6 Dip W. ;!i). North of Rapid Creek. Ft. in. /"Coal crushed ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 0 Section JD. R. brown Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 14 0 No. 126. J Soft red Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... 12 0 VCoal ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 31 0 Dip W. 40°.

21

£.—9

North, about twenty chains from No. 126. Ft. in. f Clay Marls, D.R. Sandstone, Grits ... ... ... ... 20 0 (Seen.) Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2 0 Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 Coal and Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Fine Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 20 0 Dark Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 80 0 Sectio Band of Grits ... ... ... ... ... ... 6 0 at i O iTi 4 Soft Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 8 0 No-127^ Coal ' 1 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Grey Grit, Shaling ... ... ... ... ... 1 0 Sandy fine Grit ... ... ... ... ... ... 30 0 Blaze ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 4 0 Fine Grit ... ... ... ... ... ... 35 0 l^Dark Sandstone ... ... ... ... ... ... 40 0 253 0 Dip W. 40°. Here no further sections could be obtained, debris and loose stones preventing my obtaining more information. N 12") 1 Coal in sidling of ridge, water-shed into Waimangaroa, surface covered with loose ' I crushed coal crops of Roche's seam. Throughout this area of country I have not been successful iu tracing coal of any great thickness; from leaving the Whareatea towards North the blaze appears to run regular throughout, holding about the same thickness, while the coal found appears to thicken upon going north, till, gaining section No. 129, at the dip of same is struck, about forty chains in low levels, Roche's mine, exposing a seam of crushed coal 18 feet, dip W. 40°, being much similar in description and quality to that of the Ngakawau Albion Mine. Kemabks. The body of coal, as may be here observed, as seen on edge of Plateau Nos. 124 and 125, being in itself crushed, inferior in quality, and thin (3 feet), from the limited information I am in possession of lam not in a position to say how tar it may extend out into the plateau. From the depth of sections obtained, showing under same thin seams of blaze, I would be of opinion that this is the only seam that may be looked for to pass through the plateau eastward (towards slate ridges). The slip country to the westward of plateau, as may be seen from sections given, hold coals to the south much crushed and thin, but upon working north appear to thicken upon nearing the Waimangaroa, still crushed, holding throughout the same steep dip as Roche's mino, 40°, the measures generally being much broken and shaken, holding quantities of debris on surface, which has prevented me much in obtaining information. The continuance of this coal to the dip leaves the same doubt as that stated regarding Albion Mine, Ngakawau. Clay marls have been observed to pass the whole way along from the Whareatea north to the Waimangaroa, and I would judge them to hold a thickness of several hundred feet. Sims and party, north side of Waimangaroa River, are still persevering with their drive, and contemplate cutting coal in about three weeks' time. As instructed by telegram, 25th June, to examine and set oft' work for a new seam of coal found by Roche and Co., I visited their mine as directed, and found that no such seam had been found, their manager knowing nothing of such. I have, Ac, R. B. Dennistok, " Camp," Waimangaroa Gorge, 31st July, 1875. Coal Viewer, By Authority i Geoegb Didsbuet, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB76. Pries Is.]