WANGANUI.

Lyttelton Times, Volume VI, Issue 388, 23 July 1856, Page 9

WANGANUI.

It may be interesting to your rcsuers to be informed that alum is found here in great abundance, though it is not known to the great body of the settlers. It was? first noticed some 18 months since by Mr. Francis Williamson, gardener, exuding: from the cliffs in the bank of the river, in nearly a mire state, and he communicated the fac:. to" a few others. It exudes, jjas before observed, ma chrysfalized state, and nearly pure, from the strata of clay, and effloresces, dries, and becomes detached in ii.ikes or scales, falling generally into the river,

but frequently on ledges above highwater mark, where it accumulates during dry weather to a great extent. I forward yon a specimen for your examination, and that of those who may interest themselves in the matter, by the '"Tyne," which will leave ior Wellington in a few dnys ; it was taken up at one handful by myself, from a spot above high-water mark, and is not more pure or free from earth than large quantities among which it lay, nor at that particular spot more than otheis. I should say it would yield 75 per cent of pure crystalized alum.

From a prospectus which has been issued and circulated through the town aud neighbourhood, it would appear that we are soon to have a neiospaper, —the " Wanganui Chronicle and ltangitikei Messenger." Judging from the prospectus, it will supply a want which lias been Jong felt, and that on terms as liberal as could be expected or desired on its first appearance. —If ellinrjton Independent