Additional Cretaceous and Tertiary Corals from New Zealand

Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand : Geology, Volume 1, Issue 9, 18 May 1962, Page 133

Additional Cretaceous and Tertiary Corals from New Zealand

Donald F. Squires

By

[Received by Editor, December 12, 1960.]

Abstract

Twelve new species of Scleractinia are described from Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments of New Zealand. An additional 16 species are recorded from New Zealand for the first time. The total described fossil Scleractinian fauna numbers over 110 species with additional faunules yet to be described.

Introduction

Since the completion of an earlier systematic review (Squires, 1958), extensive field work and a careful search of collections of the Geological Survey and the several Museums and Universities has resulted in the discovery of an important number of additions to the fossil coral fauna of New Zealand. Of the 28 species recorded here 12 are new, 16 are recorded from New Zealand for the first time, and 2 are generic re-assignments of a previously described species. In addition to these records, there remain undescribed faunules from the Cape Rodney Beds and Hicks Bay Limestone, as well as several undescribed species of flabellid corals. The corals described here swell the total of described Mesozoic and Cenozoic Scleractinia from New Zealand to a total of more than 110 species. (See Squires 1958, 1960 for earlier literature.)

Among .the significant additions to the species now recorded from the New Zealand Scleractinian fauna are the earliest known Cyathoceras, which is found in some abundance in the Gee Greensand and the Mopsea Beds of the Kakanui district. Lochmaeotrochus, recorded for the first time as a fossil, is an important record, particularly because of its presumed early Tertiary age. Paraerrina sp. is also recorded for the first time as a fossil.

Relationships between New Zealand Tertiary corals and those of Europe are strengthened by the discovery of additional rhizangiid corals including Rhizangia aotearoa n.sp, and Cladangia ? sp. The former genus is known only from Europe, where it ranges from the Upper Cretaceous through the Miocene; the latter is

found in both Europe and India. The strong rhizangiid element in the Tertiary fauna is of some interest as it indicates that the family was widely distributed in the temperate regions of both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Wellsotrochus and Tortoflabellum, as yet endemic to New Zealand, have been found to be more widespread than earlier records would indicate. Tortoflabellum flemingi in particular seems to be an abundant constituent of Waiauan faunas both in the North Island Hurupi Beds and in the Hinnites Shell Bed of the Weka Pass. Although knowledge of the stratigraphy of the Northland Cretaceous faunas as collected from west coast concretions is in a very rudimentary state, three “ species ” of Wellsotrochus have been recognized in this study. Differences between these “ species ” will be confirmed or disproved by additions to the known collections, but particularly by study of associated faunas. It would seem critical at this time to assemble collections of fossils from the productive localities such as Gittos Point, Batley Point, and others of the Kaipara Harbour vicinity, according to the various lithic types of the concretions. Although age differences may not be striking, if at all determinable, it may be possible to prove the existence of one or more facies, the various species of Wellsotrochus reflecting these various lithotopes.

Of considerable interest, but as yet incompletely understood, is the large and diversified stylasterid fauna present in Tertiary rocks. Although only broadly indicated in this paper, a comprehensive attempt at collection of axial structures of the Octocorallia and Stylasterina as well as sediment samples for washing of spicules, together with a study of the axial structures of modern species, might demonstrate a fauna of considerable diversity and be of paleoecologic, stratigraphic, and correlative value. Occurrences of stylasterids in abundant, wellpreserved concentrations such as horizons in the Forest Hill Limestone mentioned below are unusual in the Tertiary record. Many of the octocorallian and stylasterid genera recorded from New Zealand have been found only in the Danian of Europe and in modern faunas; New Zealand occurrences thus represent significant additions to the record of these groups.

Reef faunas from the Kaipara and Hokianga Altonian sequences have been extensively collected, but undoubtedly will continue to produce additional genera and species in the future. Existing collections are sufficiently large to permit challenging of the earlier statement (Squires, 1958, p. 23) that the reefs from which the specimens were derived were marginal in character. A total of 12 genera are now known from these deposits, and although the total number is not impressive, the diversity of types is. In comparison with distribution of these genera along the Great Barrier Reef today as outlined by Wells (1958 b) the reefs from which the specimens were derived must have been of a substantial character. Well over 25 genera may be expected from such an association as it would be represented in say, the Capricorn Group, or further north, on the Great Barrier Reef. This latitude, 22°-23° South, has a mean annual temperature range of 19° to 28° C., indicating considerable warming of northern New Zealand waters during the Altonian. It is reasonably apparent now that corals found in these deposits represent detrital material. The reefs themselves may eventually be found preserved, but all evidence indicates that this will not be the case. Unfortunately for the complete determination of the fauna detrital material is not sufficiently well preserved in most instances to permit specific identification.

The classification followed in this study is that of Wells (1958 a). Type species have not been cited as they are cited in that work. Generic diagnoses of the Scleractinia are based upon those given by Vaughan and Wells (1943).

Acknowledgments

This study was conducted during the tenure of a Fulbright Research Grant with the New Zealand Geological Survey, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. It is a pleasure to acknowledge the courtesies and facilities extended by Mr R. W. Willett (Director), and Dr G. A. Fleming (Senior Paleontologist) . To the many geologists of the Geological Survey, Universities, and Museums who accompanied me in the field I extend my thanks. For the loan of specimens and for access to collections I am grateful to the following persons and institutions: Dr A. W. B. Powell, Auckland Museum; Mr Jack Grant-Mackie and Mr E. N. Milligan, Geology Department, Auckland University; Dr R. S. Allan, Department of Geology, Canterbury University and Canterbury Museum; Dr R. K. Dell, Dominion Museum; Dr Ray Forster, Otago Museum; Mr J. D. Campbell, Geology Department, Otago University; Mr Paul Vella, Department of Geology, Victoria University, Photographs were made by Mr S. N. Beatus, Geological Survey. For aid in assembling plates and compiling data, I am obliged to Mr lan Keyes, New Zealand Geological Survey, and Miss Penelope Davis, of New York.

Systematic s Phylum COELENTERATA Frey and Leuckart, 1847 Class HYDROZOA Owen, 1843 Order STYLASTERINA Hickson and England, 1905 Family STYLASTERIDAE Grey, 1847

Stylasterid corals are often encountered in New Zealand Tertiary sediments, particularly in the limey facies, but have not been adequately collected. This is a result both of their usual fragmentary nature, and of their structureless appearance. Careful collecting in beds containing stylasterids should yield material suitable for specific identification. Identifications of this faunal element are needed not only for clarification of the history of the group, but also for zoogeographic data which may be contributed.

Genus Distighopora Lamarck

1816. Histoire naturelle des animaux sans vertebres, Paris, 2: 198. Colony flabelliform with the branches usually flattened in one plane. Cyclosystems of pores are absent, the pores usually being aligned in rows on the lateral margins of the branches. Pores are deep, the gastropores bearing gastrostyles, but dactylostyles are absent. Ampullae may form bulges on the surface of the coenosteum, often developing in clusters.

Distichopora spp. (Plate 2, figs. 1,2.) Only fragments belonging to this genus have been collected. Because of several differences in the character of the surface of the coenosteum they are presumed to represent more than one species. There is not enough of any of the collected colonies preserved to warrant specific identification or description.

Occurrence. Altonian, Kaipara Harbour, and Lilbum S.D, Waiauan, Hinnites Shell Bed, Weka Pass.

Genus Paracrrina Broch 1942. Skr. Norske Videnskap-Akad. (Oslo), 1942, ser. 1, Mat.-Naturv. Kl., 3: 60. Colony dendritic or flabelliform. Both dactylopores and gastropores surrounded by low walls in the younger portions of the colony, in older portions the walls are flush. Dactylopores are scattered irregularly among the gastropores. Ampullae form low swellings.

Paraerrina sp. (Plate 3, fig. 5.) A single fragment is referred to this genus. If it is correctly placed, it is the first fossil record of the genus presently known only from the modem fauna of the Indo-Pacific. Occurrence. Waitakian, Gee Greensand, Gee’s Point, Kakanui (Otago University, Department of Geology, No. 6505).

Genus Sporadopora Moseley 1879. Phil. Trans., 169: 429, 472, 474. Colony formed by stout vertical stems with irregular branches and is more or less flabelliform. Gastropores and dactylopores open nearly flush with the surface of the coenosteum, the former bearing gastrostyles; dactylostyles are absent.

Sporadopora mortensoni Broch, 1942. (Plate 3, figs. 1-4.) 1942. Sporadopora mortensoni Broch, Skr. Norske Videnskaps-Akad. (Oslo), 1942, ser. 1, Mat.-Naturv. Kl.: 29, pi. 3, fig. 9, text-fig. 8.

Colony flabelliform with distal portions of the branches flattened, while the basal portions are more or less circular in section. Smallest branches are 8 to 10 mm in diameter, while the bases are up to 40 mm in diameter. Gastropores and dactylopores are scattered irregularly over the surface of the coenosteum, which is irregularly porous. Gastropores are approximately 0.4 mm in diameter. Gastrostyles are long, appearing as “ fox-tails ”, and are situated high in the gastropores. Dactylopores are variable in size and lack dactylostyles.

Discussion. The species is fully described by Broch, and its modern distribution is reviewed. The specimens in hand are the first from the fossil record and differ from those described by Broch by having a more open structure of the coenos.teum, more pronounced development of the growth laminae, and by the sectional appearance of the branches. The morphological differences between the living and fossil specimens of the species are of about the same magnitude as the differences between S. mortensoni Broch (New Zealand) and S. dichotoma Moseley (Indian Ocean) : tabulae are aßsent, gastropores are rimless, and branch section is less compressed in S. mortensoni, and its smooth surface is opposed to the undulatory surface of S. dichotoma. In many of these features the specimens in hand are intermediate, introducing the possibility that S. dichotoma and S. mortensoni are geographical variants, or indeed conspecific. More material of all species is needed for study, as S. mortensoni is represented by specimens from only the type locality, and S. dichotoma is known from but two localities. Squires (1958) described a fossil stylasterid from New Zealand as Sporadopora cleithridium which should be more properly assigned to Axoporella (q.v.).

Occurrence. Recent—Three Kings Islands, New Zealand, 65 fathoms; Opoitian-Waitotaran, limestones resting on greywacke in the Ruahine Range west of the Ngaruroro River (G.S. 1485).

Order MILLEPORINA Hickson, 1901

Family AXOPORIDAE Boschma, 1951 Genus Axoporella Boschma 1954. Kon. Ned. Akad. van Wetensch. Amsterdam, 63: 101.

Colony encrusting or arborescent. Gastrospores with circular openings. Gastrostyles with many small spines.

Axoporella cleithridium (Squires), 1958. 1958. Sporadopora cleithridium Squires, N.Z. Geol. Surv. Pal. Bull. 29, p. 25, pi. 1, figs. 8-12. The species is known only from the type specimens. Comparison of the character of the gastrostyles of the New Zealand specimens with topogenotype specimens of Axoporella kolosvaryi Boschma indicates a very close similarity. Principal

differences between the genotypic species and the New Zealand forms are the different shape of the gastropores and the reticulose coenosteum of the latter. Occurrence. Kapitean, near Port Craig, Rowallon S.D., Southland,

Glass ANTHOZOA Ehrenberg, 1834 Subclass OCTOCORALLIA Haeckel, 1866 Under the heading of “Corallium” ?, Squires (1958, p. 30) described a single specimen of alcyonarian coral with external appearance suggestive of this genus, a supposition supported to some degree by the internal microstructure. Since that time collecting has provided a host of materials of this type indicating that the original identification was more hopeful than accurate. The identification of fossil alcyonaria with calcified central axes is dependent upon the restudy of Recent forms for most identifications of species in this group are based upon the spicules, with little or no attention being paid to the axial portion. It is the latter which is most frequently encountered as a fossil, the spicules being relatively rare, or appearing in mixed masses representing several genera and species. The need for more critical study is indicated by the diversity of types of axial structures of “Alcyonaria” present in the Tertiary record of New Zealand which can be given no more complete identification.

The Forest Hill Beds in the vicinity of Winton contain abundant remains of alcyonarians in almost complete (although fractured) state of preservation. Two examples are shown on Plate 2, fig. 12. If specimens such as these were collected together with spicules from the surrounding matrix it is possible that some more complete understanding of this neglected element of the fauna could be achieved. Other horizons which have yielded abundant remains of Alcyonaria are the “ Mopsea ” Bed and the Gee Greensand of the Kakanui region. Specimens from the phosphatized Mopsea Bed are abundant, although not so well preserved as those of the Forest Hill Beds.

Among the corals identified by Squires (1958) as Madrepora granulata (Tenison-Woods) are several which were incorrectly identified and must be considered as Alcyonaria. In particular are CO 1270-1272 (G.S. 1177, Mangaorapan, Chatham Islands) and GO 1098 (G.S. 792, Chatham Islands, age unknown).

Subclass ZOANTHARIA Blainville, 1830 Order SGLERAGTINIA Bourne, 1903 Family ACROPORIDAE Verrill, 1902

Genus Astreopora Blainville 1830. Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles, Paris, 66: 348. Gorallum massive to subramose. Goenosteum reticulose with a spinose surface, dissepiments tabular, corallite walls solid. Axial corallites absent.

Astreopora cf. A. hochstetteri Reuss, 1866. 1866. Polysolenia hochstetteri Reuss, Reise der Novara. Geol. Theil, Bd. 2, p. 172, pi. 2, fig. 3.

Worn fragments of several coralla which seem to be closely related to this species were collected from exposures referred to as Mitimiti by Squires (1958, pp. 17, 81), but better described as between Matahitine and Pareroa, Northern Hokianga. The specimens are too fragmentary for description or illustration.

Occurrence. Miocene of Java. Altonian, Northern Hokianga (Mitimiti of Squires, 1958).

Family PORITIDAE Gray, 1842 Genus Goniopora Blainville 1830. Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles, Paris, 60: 359. Massive columniform to ramose coralla formed of reticulose, porous coenosteum. Septa generally arranged in three cycles and formed by 4 to 8 trabeculae. Goniopora spFragments of a poritoid coral with calices from 1.5 to 2 mm in diameter are referred here. Septa are badly preserved, so that a trabecular count cannot be obtained. Generally there are from 16 to 24 septa in each calice. As is the case with most hermatypic corals from Kaipara and Northern Hokianga, these fragments, about 1 cm in diameter, are worn too badly to determine corallum form, or to identify specifically.

Occurrence, Altonian of Northern Hokianga (Mitimiti of Squires, 1958). Genus Dictyarea Reuss 1866. Reise der Novara, Geol. Theil. 2: 125. Gorallum ramose with slender branches. Septal plan is that of Forties, but because of secondary deposition this plan becomes thickened and finally obliterated.

Dictyarea sp. Fragments several millimetres in diameter, presumably from a branching corallum, show the septal thickening so characteristic of this genus. It is unfortunate that the specimen is indeterminate as the species have some value as stratigraphic indicators. The genus itself ranges from the Miocene through the Pliocene and is widely spread in the Indo-Pacific region.

Occurrence. Altonian, Northern Hokianga (Mitimiti of Squires, 1958). Family FAVIIDAE Gregory, 1900 Genus Platygyra Ehrenberg 1834. K. Akad. Wiss. Berlin, Abh. 1832: 323. Gorallum massive with meandroid calicular series formed by linear intramural polystomadeal budding with lateral branching and terminal forking. Gollines narrow, the wall is septothecal. Septa have few dentations, the columella is continuous and parietal.

Platygyra sp. (Plate 4, figs. 5,6.) Three worn fragments several centimetres in diameter represent this genus. The series are quite short, indicating that the specimens are rather closely related to the “ Coeloria ” complex of species, intermediate in grade between Goniastrea and Platygyra (Stephenson and Wells, 1954). Occurrence. Altonian, Coral Point, Hukatere Peninsula, Kaipara.

Genus Cyphastrea Milne Edwards and Haime 1848. Comptes-rend., 27: 494. Massive to encrusting plocoid colonies. Corallite walls solid, peritheca cellular with a spinose surface. Costae extend over the peritheca. Gyphastrea cf. C. chalcidium (Forskaal) 1775. (Plate 4, figs. 1, 2.) 1950. Gyphastrea chalcidium (Forskaal) Wells. U.S. Geol. Surv. Prof. Paper 260-1: 464. Gorallum apparently massive. Gorallites circular, long slender, about 2.0 mm in diameter. Usually less than 3 complete cycles of septa, 16-20 being most common. Septa laterally spinose, columella not conspicuous. Gorallites separated by 0.5-1.0 mm vesicular peritheca. Wall thick, 0,5 mm solid.

Occurrence. Widespread in the Indo-Pacific, Miocene to Recent. Altonian, Northern Hokianga (Mitimiti of Squires, 1958), and Coral Point, Kaipara Harbour.

Family RHIZANGIIDAE d’Orbigny, 1851

Genus Rhizangia Milne Edwards and Haime 1848. Gomptes-rend., 27: 247. Gorallum reptoid, formed of low subcylindrical corallites united by stolon-like basal extensions. Septa all dentate, the columella formed of a very few tubercles. Rhizangia aotearoa n.sp. (Plate 2, figs. 3,4.) Material. Holotype; Otago University, Department of Geology, No. 6506, Duntroonian, Chatton, ex H. J. Finlay collection. The holotype consists of eight complete and three fragmentary corallites encrusting on the shell of an Ostrea sp.

Description. Gorallum reptoid, corallites low, forming a spreading mat. Calices are about 2mm high, 3 to smm in diameter. Costae are not apparent on the corallites, indicating that they are either poorly developed or worn. Septa are arranged in three complete cycles with most of the fourth cycle also present. The largest septa reach the columella, the second group are thinner but nearly as long, while the third group are very short and thin and join the septa of the second group. Six to 12 bead-like dentations are found on the proximal edge of each major septum, these together with two to three columellar tubercles, form a pseudocolumella of some dimensions. Lateral sides of septa unknown. Corallites inclined laterally to the substrate undergo the greatest development, are larger in diameter, and their septa, because of the angle of development and longer length of the proximal edge, may have more denticles on that edge.

Remarks. Rhizangia ranges from the Upper Cretaceous to the Miocene in Europe, where 5 species are recognized. This is the first occurrence of the genus outside of the European region. The occurrence of Rhizangia in the Chatton Marine formation is of interest for the fauna of this horizon is a mixed shallow marine-estuarine one. The only other coral known from the formation is Cylindrophyllia minima.

Occurrence. Duntroonian-Waitakian, Chatton, Southland.

Genus Cladangia Milne Edwards and Haime 1851. Arch. Mus. Hist. nat. Paris, 5: 119. Encrusting, subplocoid corallum. Individual corallites united to the summits by spinose or striate peritheca. Septa dentate, columella papillary. Cladangia ? sp. (Plate 3, figs. 8,9.)

Four corallites, all poorly preserved, possibly represent this genus. First noticed attached to the shells of large oysters in Altonian sediments at Long Beach, Clifden, they have since been collected from that locality attached to a variety of mollusca, but are always rare. The corallites are small, ranging from 2 to 4 mm in diameter and are seldom more than 7 mm high. The presence of peritheca uniting the corallites has not been absolutely determined, but because of the immature stage of development of the individuals or fragments of individuals collected they may be in a “ Rhizangia ” stage of development. Septa number 24 to 26, their arrangement is typically rhizangiid. The columella is apparently papillose. Proximal edges and lateral faces of the septa are unknown. Occurrences. Upper Altonian, Long Beach, Clifden.

Family GARYOPHYLLIIDAE

Genus Caryophyllia Lamarck 1801. Systeme des animaux sans vertebres, Paris, p. 370. Solitary, turbinate to sub-cylindrical, fixed or free. Epitheca absent. Pali forming a single crown before septa of the next to last group. Columella fascicular, composed of twisted trabecular ribbons.

Caryophyllia profunda Moseley, 1881. (Plate 1, fig. 12.) 1881. Caryophyllia profunda Moseley, Rep. Sci. Results Voyage H.M.S. Challenger, Zool. 2: 138, pi. 1, figs. 6—6 b. Numerous examples of this species have been taken from the shallower facies of the “bluebottom” in the vicinity of Kumara, Westland. Although the bulk of the specimens are fragments of the upper portion of the corallum, which was formerly securely attached to the substrate, at least one specimen has been collected entire. The breaking of the specimens is taken as an indication of transportation from their original habitat.

The coralla are tall, up to 30 mm in height, and have a compressed calice, average diameters being 15 to 20 mm. Septa are numerous, almost five complete cycles of septa being present. Ornamentation of the stereome consists of granules which tend to become transversely elongate, although the feature is not as pronounced as in Caryophyllia lamellifera Moseley (see Squires 1958, pi. 7, figs. 21, 22). Occurrence. Recent, widespread in the Southern Ocean, New Zealand, Norfolk Island. Waitotaran, Kumara, Westland.

Caryophyllia spp, (Plate 1, fig. 9.) Among the specimens examined by the writer in 1954 was a single worn caryophylliid coral collected by R. F. Hay from Piripauan sediments on the west side of Onoke Peninsula, Hokianga (G.S. 5273). This specimen (CO 117) is about 6 mm high and has a calicular diameter of about 6 mm. Since then Mr E. N, Milligan discovered among the collections of the Geology Department, Auckland University, the small specimen, here figured, associated with material from a concretion labelled Bull’s Point, Kaipara, and probably of Haumurian age. This specimen, which shows external features well, is 4.5 mm in height and about 4 mm in diameter. Although all septal details are not well preserved, there is little doubt about the generic identification of the specimen. The Bull’s Point specimen is more cornute than the one from Hokianga, but it is not improbable that they belong to the same species.

Among collections from the Motu Section, Mill Road, south of Waitangirua Bridge (G.S. 5783), are two moulds of coral, one of the calice, the other of the corallum. Details of the septal insertion are not perfectly preserved in the mould, but are suggestive of Caryophyllia. The details of the calice as ascertained from the other mould are that it was a broad-ribbed coral, apparently subcylindrical to subtrochoid, with some stereome (?). Unfortunately there is nothing to associate the two moulds, but neither is there any necessity for an assumption that they represent different species or genera. As their age is Ngaterian, they are the oldest Cretaceous corals in New Zealand. 1

Genus Sphenotroghus Milne Edwards and Haime 1848. Ann. Sci. nat., Ser. 3: 240 Gorallum cuneiform with crispate costae which may be reduced to granulations on the alate portions of the base. Columella lamellar at surface. Pali absent. Two groups of modern Sphenotrochus may be differentiated on the character of the upper surface of the columella. It is not known as yet what the systematic significance of these groupings may be, if any. Forms with lamellar columella include: S. intermedins Duncan, S. aurantiacus von Marenzeller, S. auritus Pourtales, and S. excavatus Tenison-Woods. With the exception of the last-named, these species are found only in the Atlantic Ocean, S. excavatus being recorded from Australia. Species in which the upper surface of the columella loses its lamellar appearance and is formed by a number of trabecular knobs include S. rubescens Moseley from the Kei Islands and an as yet undescribed species from New Zealand and South America. 2 Of the fossil Sphenotrochus known from New Zealand S. aschistus Squires has a .trabecular upper surface marked by the presence of 3 to 4 knobs, but the species described below are not sufficiently well preserved to permit observation of this character

Sphenotrochus laculatus, n.sp. (Plate 1, figs. 1,2.) Materials. Hole, type, GO 1300, Paratype, GO 1301, SI/501, G 53911, Abel Head, immediately above the lowest greensand, Onetana S.D., coll. H. W. Wellman and A. C. Beck, 1947. CO 124, 125, SI/493, GS 230, Kaipuki Cliffs, Gape Farewell District, Collingwood, Nelson. Description. Gorallum cuneiform with a sharp base extending laterally in smooth sharp flanges to form a nearly rectangular profile. Centre of the basal flange has a pebble or bit of shell imbedded in it. Costae arise from the basal flange in a sinuous or nearly straight fashion. Apparently the costal ornamentation consists of little more than a discontinuous series of granules. Costae are slightly narrower than the interspaces. No obsolescence of costae noted. Septa are very slightly exsert, and show no differentiation in size according to the order of their insertion. Septa of the first two cycles thicken before the columella, which is free in the upper portion of the calice. Septa of the third and fourth cycles are proportionately shorter.

Discussion. Sphenotrochus aschistus Squires, 1958, has not been recollected as the type locality is poorly localized and its age is unknown. It is easily separated from the present species by its more pointed base, and by the obsolescence of end costae, and by the absence of supernumerary costae on the present species.

Sphenotrochus, n.sp. A. (Plate 1, fig. 3.) Material. Otago University, Department of Geology, No. 6507, Deborah Volcanic Formation, Kakanui, coll. J. Park. A single corallum 14.5 mm high, with calicular diameters of 9.5 and 13.5 mm, is a species of Sphenotrochus otherwise unrepresented in the Tertiary. Despite the excellence of the preservation of the specimen, it is not named here, for it is hoped

that additional material will become available. The corallum is compressed trochoid, with a slightly drawn out base. Basal and end costae are disrupted, but not granular. Costae are regular, finely ornamented and either equal to or wider than the interspaces. Septa are exsert, those of the first cycle most exsert. Septa numerous, over 100 present in the specimen. They are arranged in five complete cycles of six systems, with portions of the sixth cycle present in some systems. Septa of the first two cycles are about equal in size, those of the other cycles smaller proportionately to the order of their insertion. The columella is laminar and free. The lateral and proximal aspects of the septa are unknown. The species differs from other New Zealand Sphenotrochus in its almost unusually high septal number, narrow base, which separates it from S. laculatus n. sp., and the lack of supernumerary costae, which distinguishes it from S. aschistus. Occurrence. Whaingaroan, Kakanui.

Genus Trochocyathus Milne Edwards and Haime 1848. Ann. Sci. nat., Ser. 3,9: 300. Solitary, turbinate to ceratoid. Pali present, forming two crowns. Columella fascicular, spongy or crispate.

Subgenus Platycyathus de Fromental, 1863 1863. Paleontologie frangaise. Terrains cretaces, Tome VII, Zoophy: 180. Solitary, thin, discoidal, fixed in early stages, becoming free. Pali and paliform lobes before all cycles of septa except the last, forming two distinct crowns. Columella crispate.

Trochocyathus (Platycyathus) ? powelli n.sp. (Plate 2, figs. 7-11.) Materials. Auckland Museum, holotype, three paratypes. Altonian, Muriwai Beach, Motutara, Auckland, coll. A. W. B. Powell (locality “E ” of Powell, 1935, p. 328).

Description. Corallum flat, discoidal, with a low, nearly vertical wall. Younger specimens appear to be very broadly conical, but become patellate with increasing size. The central portion of the base shows costae to centre of the base in the younger specimens, but is naked except for a scar of attachment in the older ones. Costae are low, broad, about two to three times the width of the interspaces in the younger specimens, becoming equal to the interspaces in width, and finally obsolete with great size of corallum. Wall very low, septa high exsert, well rounded. Septa are arranged in four cycles, those of the first two are nearly equal in size, but may be separated on the relative sizes of their corresponding costae. Septa of the third cycle are about one half as exsert as those of the first two cycles and about two-thirds the length. Fourth cycle septa are quite short and low. Pali developed before the third cycle septa are about one-third the length of the first septa cycle. Paliform lobes before the second cycle are small, low, and in the same circlet as the pali. Paliform lobes before the first cycle of septa are low and form the inner circlet. The columella is not well known but is apparently small and consists of only a few small processes.

Remarks. Although Platycyathus are defined as being free in the adult stage, the specimens before the writer are assigned here because the palar and septal characters are those of Trochocyathus. The absence deltas formed by pali is adjudged as separating the specimens from the genus Deltocyathus. The change in

character of the basal portion of the specimens is largely due to the mode of life of the individual specimen. Loss of basal costae is reflecting attachment, and is probably not systematically significant. Additional specimens will be required for a complete description of the species, particularly in terms of its habits. Occurrence. Known only from the type locality.

Genus Loghmaeotrochus Alcock 1902. “ Siboga’’-Exped. Monogr., 16a: 12. Corallum phaceloid to subdendroid, formed by extratentacular budding. Septa nonexsert, pali absent. Columella well developed. Wall thick, epithecal. The genus is monotypic, based upon L. oculeus Alcock from the Recent fauna of the East Indies. It occurs there, apparently in small numbers, in depths of 350 to 500 metres. The only known specimens are fragmentary.

Lochmaeotrochus micrommatus, n. sp. (Plate 4, figs. 3,4.)

Material. Six concretionary limestone boulders containing abundant partially silicified fragments of coralla. The holotype consists of a well-exposed calice and several branches. Holotype, CO 1341, S4B/540, GS 6551, Teurian to Bortonian, about one-half mile south Towy River opposite large south-flowing stream. Paratypes, a large number of fragments of coralla in the same boulder.

Description. A dendroid corallum apparently forming low entangled thickets. Budding usually occurs at right angles to the branch, but any angle may be formed. Gorallites are variable in diameter and in length. Basal diameters of corallites are relatively constant, being 2 to 3 mm. At the upper end of corallites diameters are 6 to 8 mm after a longitudinal growth of 15 mm. Wall moderately thick, apparently smooth, although the specimens in hand appear to be worn. Septa are arranged in three complete cycles, with portions of the fourth present in some systems. Septa are arranged in three groups, with those of the first group reaching the columella. Second and third group septa are respectively shorter. Septa are laterally granulate, the proximal edges believed to be smooth, although they may be worn. The columella is large in proportion to the calicular diameter, being up to one-third the diameter of the calice in the larger corallites. In smaller ones it is proportionately smaller. The columella consists of a honeycomb of trabecular laths.

Remarks. Lochmaeotrochus micrommatus occurs in a limestone concretionary band separated by mudstones. Other faunal elements present in the limestone include coiled siphunculid worm tubes, polyzoa, and echinoids. Acid treatment of matrix yielded a few poorly preserved siliceous Foraminifera, which are responsible for the age determination given here (G. H. Scott, pers. comm.). This age is in general conformity with field relationships (G. Lensen, pers. comm.). The most conspicuous morphological difference between the species is the larger size of the columella of L. oculeus. The growth form of the fossil species cannot be determined, but must have been more or less similar to that of L. oculeus.

Occurrence. Teurian-Bortonian, Towy River, Marlborough.

Genus Gyathoceras Moseley 1881. Rep. Sci. Res. Voy. H.M.S. Challenger, Zool. 2: 156. Solitary, turbinate to subcylindrical, fixed or free. Wall septothecal, usually granular. Pali or paliform lobes absent. Columella fascicular composed of twisted laths.

Cyathoceras periallus, n.sp. (Plate 3, figs. 10-12.)

Material. Holotype: Department of Geology, Otago University, No. 6389.1. Paratypes: Two specimens, OU 6389.2, 6389.3, from the same locality, Waitakian, Mopsea Bed, Campbell’s Beach, All Day Bay, Kakanui. Description. Corallum trochid, attached by a narrow base with a variable scar of attachment. Wall smooth, thin. “ Costae ” narrow, low, formed of aligned granules, their width being about half that of the intercostal spaces. Costae are obsolete basally, becoming

stronger near the margin, and are often vermiculate. Septa are very slightly exsert, particularly those of the first two cycles. The columella is about one-third the diameter of the calice, and is formed of interlaced crispate processes. Septa are evenly rounded, sloping steeply to the centre of the calice. Septa of the first two cycles reach the columella, while those of the third, fourth cycles, and those portions of the fifth cycle which are present reach half the distance to the columella, or less. The lateral aspect of the septa is rugose there being at least one strong ridge which more or less parallels the proximal margin of the septa. Within this ridge or ridges, strong prominent granulations are present.

Remarks. Squires (1958, p. 48, pi. 11, fig. 12) discussed a single specimen of Cyathoceras cf. C. rub esc ens Moseley, 1881, from the Pliocene of the Chatham Islands. That specimen differs from those described here in its greater size, beinonearly twice as large, and in the greater number of septa it possesses. The new is the earliest record of the genus, previously recorded as a fossil only from the Miocene of Europe.

Occurrence. Waitakian: Mopsea Bed, Campbell’s Beach, All Day Bay Kakanui (OU 4694, 6389, GS 1211); Greensands above the Mopsea Bed, All Day Bay (GS 1211 L) ; Duntroonian: Whitewater Creek, Trelissick Basin (GS 241), Lower Thomas River, Trelissick Basin (GS 226).

Genus Tethogyathus Kuhn 1933. Palaeontographica, 79: 200. Solitary, turbinate to ceratoid, fixed or free, with a heavily epithecate wall. Pali and paliform lobes before all but the last cycles of septa.

Tethocyathus paliscus n.sp. (Plate 2, figs. 5,6.) «oo I I A o T -, ™ otype CO 1319 - Four P ara types, GO 1320-1323, Altonian; iN2o/bo7, GS 3246, Pakaurangi Point Beds, north of Hollands to Pakaurangi Point, collected R. N. Brothers, J. A. Grant-Mackie, E. N. Milligan, D. F. Squires, 1959.

Description. Corallum small, seldom over 9.5 mm in height. The upper portion o the corallite is subcylindrical, the basal portion conical. The base apparently terminates in a blunt point. Galicular diameters average 5.5 mm; the calice is very slightly oval. The wall is thick, often over 0.5 mm near the base, becoming thinner near the calicular margin. Epitheca faintly and finely rugose. Septa are non-exsert, and present in three complete cycles with portions of the fourth present. The septa are thin, very slightly thickened proximally, and are laterally granulate. Thin rod-like pali are present in two crowns, the first ot which is almost indistinguishable from the papillose columella.

Remarks. The species is very common in the Pakaurangi Point beds, but apparently has been overlooked or discarded by previous collectors. Trochocyathus ( Thecocyathus) hanzawi Yabe and Eguchi, 1932 (Yabe and Eguchi 1942, p. 124, pi. 10, figs. 23-25) is very similar in the general aspect of the corallum, but is much larger and has much thicker septa which are more closely spaced than in the present species.

Genus Wellsotrochus Squires 1960. Journ. Paleont. Vol. 34, p. 1053, pro Wellsia Squires, 1958 non Imlay, 1957. Gorallum smooth, bowl-shaped to discoidal. Wall imperforate. Costae broad and smooth. Septa highly exsert. Pali or paliform lobes absent, columella styliform.

The species of Wellsotrochus described here might be criticized because of the small samples of specimens upon which estimates of population variation are based. Justification for the action is offered by the difficulties of Cretaceous stratigraphy in the Northland region, the only area from which Wellsotrochus has been recovered. Because of deep weathering, erosion, redeposition, fossils are generally recovered only from concretions, many lithic types of which are recognized. Comparison of faunules of individual concretions with each other has been only generally attempted, and no attempt known to the writer has been made to correlate faunas and lithologies. The Wellsotrochus- bearing concretions of Northland are all presumed to be of Haumurian age, although faunal evidence is insufficient to demonstrate that all are of that age; so a span of some time may actually be represented. Because the suites of Wellsotrochus, consisting of three species, are apparently mutually exclusive, because they occur in different lithic types of concretions, and because there are certain faunal assemblage differences (admittedly small), these three “species” have been separated. Ultimately they may prove to be variation of a single species, alternatively to represent a succession of rapidly evolving stocks. Unravelling of the Cretaceous stratigraphy and paleontology of Northland may furnish the final answer.

Wellsotrochus cyathiformis (Squires) is known from the following localities: (1) Bulls Point, Kaipara—type locality. Abundant specimens in a grey tuffaceous sandy matrix. Associated with Wellsotrochus cyathiformis are numerous Deltocyathus ? complanatus. (2) Matakohe, Kaipara. Rare specimens in a grey sandy matrix. Associated with the species are a few specimens of Deltocyathus ? complanatus. (3) Bulls Point, Kaipara. W. cyathiformis is associated with Deltocyathus ? complanatus (common), ammonites, and other mollusca. (4) Te Upu Point, Hukatere S.D. Associated with W. cyathiformis are Deltocyathus ? complanatus and Madrasites cumshawensis ?. 3

Wellsotrochus conicus, n. sp. (Plate 3, figs. 6,7.) Material. Holotype CO 1332 and two paratypes, CO 1333-4, Haumurian, Nls/539, G 54587, tributary of Whakunekeneke River, Omapere S.D., coll. R. F. Hay.

Description. Corallum generally conical but may be broadly bowl-shaped. Costae extend nearly to the centre of the base. These costae corresponding to the first three cycles of septa are all of about the same length. The fourth cycle septa arise one half to one third the height of the corallum from the base. Costae are apparently flat-topped and evenly rounded, becoming somewhat stronger near the upper margin of the calice. Costae are one and one half times the width of the costal interspaces which are shallow, rounded and well defined. Septal number is not constant, ranging from 43 to 51—i.e., usually in excess of four complete cycles. Septa are exsert but not well known. Proximal edges and lateral faces not sufficiently well preserved for details to be ascertained. Septal insertion is as usual for the genus with the septa of the first cycle joining the columella at about the level of the tops of the third cycle septa. Septa of the third, fourth, and fifth cycles are short. Columella apparently stout, but the upper portion is unknown.

Remarks, The species is known from three specimens collected from a loose boulder by Mr Hay, Attempts to recollect this horizon, or other fossiliferous stream boulders from the locality have been, to date, fruitless. It could be postulated that the species represents an advanced form of Wellsotrochus, the assumption being that development of the conical form typical of so many turbinoliids is an advanced character. The species differs from W. cyathiformis in having a fifth cycle of septa, the more conical form of the corallum, and uniformly sized costae. In W. cyathiformis costae of the fourth cycle are generally thin and thread-like in their development. The species differs from W. discus in the proportions of the costae and their interspaces, the number of septa, and their shape, as well as the general shape of the corallum.

The specimen of W. conicus was taken from a concretion which contained the following associated fauna: Lima multiradiata, Tublustium cf. T. ornatum, “ Austrofusus ” type gastropod, Baculites sp., belemnites, pentacrinid calices and stems. The age of the specimen is presumed to be Piripauan.

Occurrence. Piripauan, tributary of Whakanekeneke River, Omopere S.D. Wellsotrochus discus, n. sp. (Plate 1, figs. 6-8.)

Material. Holotype, CO 1303, and six paratypes CO 1304-9, Haumurian, GS 6959, Whangaroa, Nedlers Point, P. Marshall coll.

Description. Corallum discoidal, with a flat base, the centre of which is naked. Sharp costae radiate outwards, in general appearing in an order corresponding to that of the septal insertion. The wall may rise sharply from the base, forming nearly a right angle, or it may curve gently upward. Costae are sharp and apparently unornamented and show no differentiation in size and are about equal to the well defined interspaces in width. Septa of all specimens observed are 48 in number. Septa of the first cycle are highly exsert, those of succeeding cycles being less so. The columella apparently rises to a height intermediate between that of the first and second cycle septa. The columella appears in the base of the corallum as a circular stock, but becomes thinner and more blade-like higher in the corallum. First cycle septa join the columella at about the level of the wall, while the second barely extend half the distance to the columella. Septal faces and proximal edges are unknown.

Remarks. The species is distinguished from Wellsotrochus cyathiformis by its discoidal form and flat central base, the bladed appearance of the upper portion of the columella, the costae of equal size, and its generally larger size. It differs from W. conicus in shape of corallum, relationship of the proportions between costae and intercostal spaces, and the character of the columella, and in having fewer septa. W. discus has been found in the following associations. (1) Whangaroa, Nedlers Point, brown sandy friable matrix (weathered ?), with abundant W. discus. (2) Whangaroa, Nedler’s Point, grey dense siltstone with mollusca, fish scales, and

bone fragments. Specimens questionably associated with the species occur with: (1) Whangaroa, Nedlers Point, dark carbonaceous limey calcarenite with immature Inoceramus ??, small ammonites and Syncyclonema sp. (2) Otamatea S.D., no lithology data available.

Genus Notocyathus Tenison-Woods 1880. Palaeontology of New Zealand, 4; 9. Gorallum cuneiform to trochoid, with paliform lobes before all by the last cycle of septa, those before the second and third cycles often forming deltas. Notocyathus euconicus, n. sp. 1958. Notocyathus conicus (Alcock) ; Squires, New Zealand Geol. Surv. Pal. Bull. 29, p. 54, pi. 9, figs. 12-13.

Material. Holotype, CO 1064, SI 17/488, GS 483, Wharekuri, Waitaki Valley, North Otago, coll. A. McKay, 1880, Duntroonian. Figured Squires (1958) pi. 9, figs. 12, 13.

Description. Gorallum tall, conical, with the upper margin of the calice the broadest part of the corallum. Septa are arranged in four complete cycles with small non-deltoid pali developed before all septa except those of the last cycle. Paliform lobes before the first cycle are deep, merging with the columella which is small. Costae are long and straight, branching occurring in the lower third of the corallum. Costae are conspicuously ornamented by a single row of granules, although granules developed on the lateral portions of the costae may also be conspicuous. The upper margins of the septa are ridged, but the sides at depth are nearly smooth, except for scattered granulations.

Remarks. Squires (1958) confused specimens of this species with N. conicus (Alcock), but as a result of examination of a very large suite of specimens in the collections of the Geological Survey and of further collecting in the Kaipara region its identity is established. Most conspicuous differences between N. euconicus and N. conicus (Alcock) are in the shape of the corallum—compare Squires, 1958, pi. 9, figs. 12, 13 ( Notocyathus euconicus ) with fig. 14 ( Notocyathus conicus). N. conicus has its greatest diameter below the upper margin of the corallite, while N. euconicus is broadest at the calicular lip. The base of N. euconicus is also more pointed, Notocyathus conicus (Alcock) occurs in New Zealand, but is restricted in its distribution to the Pakaurangi Point Beds, Hukatere, Kaipara. Notocyathus viola Dennant from the Balcombian of Muddy Creek, Victoria, is similar in general outline to N. euconicus, but it is compressed.

Occurrence. Widely distributed in greensand and mud facies, occurring first in the Duntroonian thence more or less continuously through the Waiauan. It is apparently restricted to the South Island except for a single occurrence in the Waitakian of the Wairarapa.

Family FLABELLIDAE Bourne, 1905 Genus Tortoflabellum Squires 1958. New Zealand Geol. Surv. Pal. Bull. 29: 69. Gorallum colonial, flabello-meandroid formed by intratentacular intramural polystomadeal budding. Septa numerous, columella deep, formed by fusion of the inner ends of septa, wall epithecal, thickened internally by stereome.

Tortoflabellum marwicki n. sp. (Plate 1, figs. 4,5.) Materials. Holotype, GO 1302, G.S. 733, Hokianga South Head, Pareora ?; paratype, CO 1167, G.S. 4422, locality uncertain, age Altonian, Description. Gorallum moderate in size, smaller than Tortoflabellum flemingi. Gently sinuous in calicular outline, broadly flabelliform, calicular series not branching but decidedly sinuous, or completely hooked. Gorallum apparently arises from a slightly compressed pedicellike stalk, spreading rapidly and suddenly above the stalk. The wall is evenly epithecate. Septa are numerous, approximately 20 per centimetre. They are not grouped, but extend evenly to the columella which they meet at right angles. The columella is lax and flabelliform.

Discussion. Tortoflabellum flemingi Squires, the genotype species, is characterized by the distal forking of the calicular series in addition to the convolutions of the series. T. marwicki lacks the forking, although the series are sinuous. In addition, T. flemingi has a broader calicular diameter, the range being 10 to 15 mm, while the diameter of the calice of the holotype of T. marwicki is 5 to 10 mm.

Squires (1958) included one of the specimens described here as T. marwicki as one of the three specimens placed in T. flemingi. Since then, field work has indicated that T. flemingi is extremely abundant in those areas where it is found. The Hinnites Shell Bed (Waiauan) of Weka Stream contains numerous specimens which are so badly weathered that they cannot be collected intact. In the hard basal members of the Hurupi Shell Bed (Waiauan—Lower Tongaporutuan), at various localities in the Wairarapa, T. flemingi is present in great numbers. In occurrences it is relatively constant in the characters of calicular diameter and in the presence of forked series. On the other hand, attempts to recollect the specimens described here were not fruitful. The type specimen, from Hokianga South Head, was collected nearly 75 years ago by Alexander McKay, and except for a single specimen of unknown history in the Auckland Museum from the same locality has apparently not been recollected. None were seen during a recollection attempt in 1959. A second specimen, somewhat better preserved in that corallum form is more adequately shown, has baffled all attempts at recollection or at relocation. The latter specimen bears two series of numbers, a field number and a later “GS ” number. These would indicate the locality to be at Pongaroa Trig., Mt Cerberus S.D. Matrix from these coral specimens (a large fauna is concerned: for listing, see locality 210, Squires 1958, p. 88) indicates an Altonian age (G. H. Scott, pers. comm.), while rocks in the vicinity of Pongaroa Trig, are Waiauan or Tongaporutuan, Altonian rocks within the same general area are generally of the “ banded ” type and not notable, therefore, for their fossil content.

It is unfortunate that a second specimen, or series thereof, of the Mt Cerberus S.D. specimen could not be collected, for the calicular diameter of this specimen is 5.0 mm. The wall was badly cracked and fractured during preservation, but there is no obvious evidence in the septa or the columella of the corallum having been compressed. Indeed, in the remainder of the fauna there is no evidence of compression. It remains, therefore, an intriguing possibility that there may be a third distinctive type of Tortoflabellum. Yabe and Eguchi (1942) figured and described a specimen from the Pliocene of Japan referred to Flahellum cfr. multiflore Gardiner {sic.). The calice of this specimen is gently undulatory, not to the same degree as the present specimens, but probably indicative of a polystomadeal condition. Dr W. J. Rees, British Museum (Natural History) was kind enough to lend a specimen of Gardiner’s species, enabling study of the septa. The dentate character of the septa of this species is quite different from that of typical Flabellum, and of Tortoflabellum.

Occurrence. Upper Pareora Series; Hokianga South Head, Altonian, locality uncertain.

Genus Flabellum Lesson 1831. Ulus. Zool., pi. 14. Corallum usually free, cylindrical to compressed turbinate. Septa numerous, columella feeble and deep. Wall epithecal.

Flabellum planus, n. sp. (PL 1, figs. 10, 11.) Materials. Holotype GO 1230, N2B/687, GS 1189, Pakaurangi Point, Kaipara Harbour, coll. H. T. Ferrar; paratype CO 1310.

Description. Corallum medium sized, highly compressed. Lateral profile is subcircular. Upper margin of walls slightly scalloped. Wall thick, the epitheca not bearing any ribs or growth lines. The epitheca may be granular or smooth even microscopically. Septa are thin, sparsely granulate laterally and not thickened proximally. Septa arranged in four groups and number about 50, that is in four complete cycles plus portions of the fifth cycle. The base of the corallum terminates in a short pedicel which is usually worn. The lateral edges of the corallum may be drawn out into crests or flanges.

Remarks. The thick, smooth wall of the new species is particularly characteristic and separates it from its closest allies in the Flabellum deludens group. Although the wall is thin at the very calicular margin, it thickens rapidly downwards, but thins again laterally towards the lateral edges. The species is perhaps closest to Flabellum deludens from which it differs in the character of the wall and the lack of strong septal ribs and the less scalloped profile of the calice. Flabellum australe has an entire calicular rim and strong septal ribs.

Occurrence. Papaurangi Point Beds, Kaipara, Altonian.

Family DENDROPHYLLIDAE Gray, 1847 Genus Dendrophyllia de Blainville 1830. Dictionnalre des Sciences Naturelles, Paris 60: 319.

Corallum dendroid, formed by extra tentacular budding from the edge zone; some coralla are partially epithecate. Costae well developed, corresponding to septa. Septa arranged according to Pourtales plan. Columella small.

Dendrophyllia pahiensis, n. sp. (Plate 4, figs. 7-10.) Materials. Hole,type, CO 1345, N2B/5, GS 544, Pahi, Kaipara Harbour, Auckland, coll. A. McKay, Bortonian; paratypes, thirteen fragments of a corallum, CO 1346-58, N2B/5, GS 544, Pahi, Kaipara Harbour, Auckland, coll. A. McKay, Bortonian. , , ,

A single specimen in a collection obtained from Whaingaroan beds along the coast south of the mouth of Waikato River, between Huriwai and Waikawau Streams, by Mr J. A. Grant-Mackie, Auckland University, is tentatively placed with this species. The specimen is apparently a dendrophyllid coral, but seems to have a greater number of septa. Better preserved specimens will be necessary for adequate identification of these materials.

Description. The description is based upon thick basal fragments. Distal ends are unknown. Corallum quite massive in basal portions, the distal parts of branches being unknown. Peritheca thick, calices small, not elevated, usually oval in plan. Distal cahces may be protuberent and surrounded by relatively thin wall. Costae are narrow, about the width of the interspaces. Ornamentation of costae unknown. Epitheca apparently absent. Septa poorly preserved but apparently arranged in three cycles with portions of the fourth cycle present in some systems. The arrangement is a simple one with the six primary septa reaching the columella, the second cycle septa reaching the columella, but being joined by the third cycle septa about midway. Fourth cycle septa join the third about one-third the distance to the columella. The columella is quite loose in structure and occupies most of the calice.

Discussion. The description is based upon a number of fragments of an axial portion of a colony which has been rolled about. Because the distal portions of the colony are unknown, the description is inadequate. Probably the distal portions have protuberant calices and thin walls if the general plan of other Dendrophyllia is followed. The species is superficially similar to D. boschmai from which it differs in the smaller size of the calices, the fewer septa, and the simpler septal plan.

Genus Endopaghys Lonsdale 1845. Quart. Jour. Geol. Soc. London. 1: 514. Solitary, cuneiform, with aliform appendages extending outwards along the axis of the corallum near the base. Costae distinct except of the base and the appendages.

Endopachys cf. E. greyi Milne Edwards and Haime, 1848. 1848. Endopachys greyi Milne Edwards and Haime, Ann. des Sci. nat., ser. 3, v. 10, p. 81, pi. 1, figs. 2,2 a. A single specimen is placed here. Unfortunately, attempts to preserve the integrity of the various pieces in which it was collected were not successful and the specimen is no longer worthy of photographic reproduction. The corallum is about 20 mm in width and about 15 mm high. The species with which it is allied is widely spread in the Recent Indo-Pacific.

Occurrence. Altonian, Northern Hokianga.

Literature Cited Gardiner, J. S., 1905. Madreporaria in Fauna and Geography of the Maidive and Laccadive Archipelagoes, Vol. 2, pts. 3,4, Fungida and Turbinolidae, pp. 933-957, pis. 89-93. Imlay, R., 1957. New genera of early Cretaceous ammonites from California and Oregon, Jour. Washington Acad. Sci., 47 (8): 275-277. Powell, A. W. 8., 1935. Tertiary mollusca from Motutara, West Coast, Auckland, Rec. Auck. Inst. Mus., 1 (6): 327-340. Squires, D. F., 1958. The Cretaceous and Tertiary corals of New Zealand, N.Z. geol. Surv. Pal. Bull., 29. and Geophys., 3: I—7. Stephenson, W., and Wells, J. W., 1955. The corals of Low Isles, Queensland, Univ. Queensland Papers, Dept. Zoology, 1 (4): 1-59, 7 pis. Vaughan, T. W., and Wells, J. W., 1943. Revision of the sub-orders, families, and genera of the Scleractinia, Spec. Pap. Geol. Soc. America, 44; 1-361, pis. 1-51. Wells, J. W., 1958 a. Scleractinia in Moore, R. G. (ed.) Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology, Part F, Univ. Kansas Press, pp. 328-444. region, Rep. Great Barrier Reef Comm., vol. 6, pi. 2, pp. 21-29. Yabe, H., and Eguchi, M., 1942. Fossil and Recent simple corals from Japan, Sci. Rep. Tdhoku Univ., 2nd ser., Geol., 22: 105-178, pis. 9-12.

Donald F. Squires, Division of Marine Invertebrates, U.S. National Museum, Washington 25, D.G.

1 Since the preparation of this manuscript, a number of additional specimens of Cretaceous corals have been examined. Among them an excellent Caryophyllia sp. from the Ngaterian, 2i miles south of Motuhora (NBB/946803) submitted by Dr J. Marwick. This specimen, preserved as basal and calicular moulds, is the most complete yet examined and seems quite similar to the specimens from the Motu Section.

2 This latter has been described as Sphenotrochus gardineri by Squires, 1961, American Mus. Novitates 2046.

3 Dr G. A. Fleming has recently submitted a specimen of W. cyathiformis from the Haumurian conglomerate at Tuparoa Beach (N72/498). This is the first record of the genus outside North Auckland.

Diameters of Galice Height No. of Septa GO 1300 Holotype . ...... 8 x 11.5 8.0 50+ GO 1301 Para 9 x 11.0 11.0+ — . GO 124 - 7.5 x 11.0 — — GO 125 8.5 x — 11.0 —

MEASUREMENTS (in mm).

Character of Base Height Diameter Wall Height No. of Septa Paratype Gostate +2 6.9 1.5 48 Paratype Costate — 7.2 1.3 48 Paratype Attached 2.8 9.1 1.0 48 • Holotype Attached 3.2 11.6 1.0 48

MEASUREMENTS (in mm).

Specimens Height Corallum Diameter Galice Diameter Columella .No. ot Septa OU 6389.1. Holotype 27.4 11.5 61 OU 6389.2. Paratype — 8.0 3.0 OU 6389.3. Paratype — . OU 4694 — 8.0 3.5 46 GS 226 CO 1361 25 + 11.0 GS 226 CO 1360 12.9 6.2 48 GS 241 CO 1338 18.0 10.8 3.6 38+ GS 121 1L CO 1359 17.4 6.3 2.0 48 ,

MEASUREMENTS (in mm).

Specimen Height Diameter No. of Septa Holotype GO 1332 — 3.9 x 6.4 51 Paratype GO 1333 _ 3.4 x 5.4 43 Paratype GO 1334 — 9.3 x 8.4 50

MEASUREMENTS (in mm).

Height of Septa Height of Wall Diameters No. of Septa Holotype, GO GO1303 13035.1 5.13.0 3.011.7 11.748 48 Paratype, CO 1304 3.8 3.2 9.4 48 Paratype, GO 1305 — 11.2 48 Paratype, GO 1306 — — 5.8 48

MEASUREMENTS (in mm).

Height Diameter No. of Septa Range (32 specimens) 3.9-11.7 2.8-7.8 31-53 Mean values 7.1 5.0 47

MEASUREMENTS (in mm).

Galice Diameters Columella Branch Septa Holotype GO 1345 13455x7 5x73 323 2332 32 Para type GO 1347 13474x5 4x52.5 2.523 2337 37 GO 1348 1348— 5x6 — 5x6 .— i 11 .—. GO 1346 13463x4 3x4 — 19 CO 1349 1349 5x5 5x5 — 17 —

MEASUREMENTS (in mm).