Correspondence.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 359, 2 April 1861, Page 3

Correspondence.

To the Editor of the Colonist,

Sir —Can you tell the public why the new public wharf is not of the shape and dimensions it was originally planned ? and who made the alteration? and whether the present shape is as conveuient as the original one ? I am, &c, AQUARIUS.

To the Editor of the Colonist.

Sir—l inclose a circular just received from Englaad; but I must undeceive your readers as to the volcanic origin of the iron sand referred to. It may also be found on the Kaipara river, on the west coast of the North Island and nearly abreast of the " Mary Katherine " shoal, in large quantifies. Near to it is an overhanging hill, which is continually being tvashed away by the heavy freshes, and which, on examination, will be found to consist of transparent sand (having much the appearance of chrystalised moist sugar), earthy substance, and iron sand. The continued action of the freshes downwards, and the opposing westerly gales upwards, separate, the two, and deposit the smd in the shallow bays and the iron along the sloping beach for miles.

1 have been informed that this iron sand is to be found at the Moutere, in our bay. Of the other I have a small sample which was pronounced by the Newcastle Plate Glass Company (Black-friars-bridge, London);as a superior material for the finest sorts of glass manufactures, such as telescopes, spectacles, ifrc. The maogrove, which I believe produces the best potash, grows in the immediate'vinciy of these deposits: why, therefore, is it not possible to ballast a ship or two with glass bricks ? L. N.