THE COAL RESEARCH.

Southland Times, Issue 1535, 9 February 1872, Page 3

THE COAL RESEARCH.

«. The Government Assistant-Geologist, Captain Hutton, returned to Invercargill in the beginning of this "week, having been absent for three weeks examining the coal deposits of the district. In his search he was accompanied by Mr T. J. Thompson, | of Invercaruill, who has from time to time been engaged propecuting similar investigations, and whose knowledge of the country was deemed advantageous to the enterprise. On leaving Invercargill, the party proceeded direct to the Mataura. crossing it at Menzies' Ferry. From thence they proceeded to Mr Brunton's run, towards the coast-line, where they found a bituminous coal seam of good quality. From thence they proceeded to Knapdale station, where a superior lignite was examined, but no real coal found. Leaving Knapdale, the party recrossed the Mataura at the Pyramids, and examined the "Waimea plains, where also a \ good lignite waa obtained. They were likewise well pleased with a limestone seam opened at this place, and which is used by parties in the neighborhood for building purposes. From thence they went to the Hokanuis, and made an overhaul of the geological features of the country at the rise of the Otapiri stream. Leaving that locality they proceeded to Castle Rock station, by way of Cowan's Gorge, where they halted. Next day was devoted to an examination of the limestone formation at the back of Castle Rock station. From that stage they proceeded to the celebrated Mount Hamilton out-crop, which they examined at a level of 2000 feet above the river. From Mount Hamilton they proceeded by the Five River Plains down the Waiau River, following the west side of the Takitimos. Arriving at Blackmount station, they went on to Taylor's creek, where they saw an out-crop of coal, the quality of which is not stated. From Taylor's creek they visited Mount Linton, where they inspected no fewer than six seams, the quality being reported as that of a good coal for steam purposes. Reaching Mount Beaumont, they found a great many out-crops, all reported to be of the true brown quality. The day j following, they examined the lower outcrops at a place known as Mount Nightcap, also reported a true brown formation. | Leaving Mount Nightcap, they proceeded by way of the Aparima to Orepuki, where a good brown Beam was found at the bottom of the water races on the diggings. Seturning again by the Aparirna, they visited the Forest Hill Gap, and proceeded up the Otapiri, where some good outcrops of a bituminous nature were examined. Following the slopes of the Hokanuis as far as Anderson's, they came upon a good out-crop on their way down. From thence they returned to town, arriving as above. The result of their discoveries may be stated as follows : — Brown coal, 9 outcrops ; bituminous, 3 ; and superior lignite, 3.