C.—9

24

Mr. A. Watkins. of New Plymouth, to whom the writer is indebted for many courtesies, remarks in a letter that the bitumen of the Mokau district has been known to the Maoris for many centuries, and that it formed a valuable article for trading purposes. It seems probable that the asphaltum is derived from seams of the mineral occurring either along the sea-beach or in one or more of the streams that enter the sea in the neighbourhood of Petone Creek. The writer has been informed that pieces of " soft coal," which were used for making candles, were found in the country east of the. Waitara Survey District some years ago. These occurrences of asphalt point to the probable existence of hydrocarbon-deposits in the more easterly areas of the Miocene Rocks. Approximate Com of Paper. —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,.)00 coniep, including map), £19 178. 6d.

By Authority : John Mackay, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9lo. Price 9d.]