THE KAKAHU.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1864, 12 March 1889, Page 2

THE KAKAHU.

The possibility of developing Hie mineral resources, if any, of the Kak»hu has been a question that has cropped up from time to rime, and people interested have cl timed that the Government would do no more than its duty in hiving the district io question fairly prospected. As a matter of fact, two, if not three, geological surveys Lave been made, but their results hivo not been made generally public; they have been treated as departmental matter, and as though they were of little or no iutfsre.st,except, perhaps, to geological students, lo the course of the last ■ tiou campaign Mr Rhodes was asked if inf the event of his return he would endeavor to have another report made upon the Kakahu, and in accordance with his affirmative promise it was arranged that Professor Uhlrich, of the Mines Department, should inspect euch minerals as are to be found ic disliict. In order to further this object a small local committee was formed, and persons acquainted with the district were communicated with, so that the Professor might have every opportunity of seeing ell the mineral earths, ores, etc., which were thought to be of value. On Monday, the 4tli, Profeasor Uhlrich, accompanied by Messrs A. E. G. Rhodes and James Allen, M.H.R.’a, arrived in Temuka front Dunedin. They were waited upon at the Crown Hotel the same evening, and the mangomen ts made by the Committee submitted to them nod approved of. The following morning the whole party, accompanied by Mr E. T. Rhodes and your reporter, started for the Kakahu, the route choson being that by way of Hilton Valley. The route as moat of your readers know, is a very interesting one, and the visitors were much pleased with the general character s of the country. The early morning was somewhat cloudy, leaving it unceitaia whether beat or ruin would result. Long before noon all doubts on that point were set at rest, and it was seen that we were in for a hot day. After passing Hilton both Professor Uhlrich and Mr Allen, who is himself a raineralogical expert, remarked upon the different character of the rocks, and the former displayed a knowledge of the locality that would almost lead one to suppose that be had visited the district previously. This, however, resulted from a perusal of Mr Park’s report upon the district made some years previously, and we were somewhat astonished to find that the Professor was provided with a map, showing very accurately the position of all the outcrops of coil, etc. At eleven o’clock Laugdon’s limekiln was reached. Here tho horses were unyoked, and accommodated in a stall 3 belonging to Mr R, A. Barker, who was on tie ground ia accordance with pervious arrangement. He was accompanird by Mr W. Barker. Messrs R. H. Postleth waite and W, Shiers also joined the party. Mr Sluers, who had arrived some few minutes previously, had already commenced operations, and had, with the assistance of a laborer, laid bure two small outcrops of coal iu the riverbed. Here then it was decided lo make a start. These outcrops displayed brown coal of somewhat indifferent quality, it being soft and flaky. One member of the party, with a prediction for shiny Newcastle, remarked that “it looked uncommonly like blank dirt/’ It was stood, however, that in all probability such coal would improve at a greater depth. The second outcrop occurred in the riverbank, and was traced across tbe creek. Higher up on the broken hill face, a distinct wedge-liko seam could also be seen. I gathered from the Professor’s remarks that all this coal was of a fair quality of lignite, and could be utilised for fuel under certain circumstances, but that from the way in which the seams (if such they could be called) dipped it would be almost impossible to work them to advantage. The general direction lay under a huge limestone hill, and the proximity of water would always . debar a mine or tunnel from being successfully worked. We found here the remains of a shaft opened by Mr Meredith, but now abandoned and full of water. Subsequently we were informed thatthis seam , had been worked so early as 1807, and that it was Bft in thickness. Mr Meredith claimed to have taken some 300 tons of coal from it previous lo the flood of ’6B, He utilized it for lime-burning purposes, ■* lime being then worth about 13s per bag. Naturally he preferred to burn lime rather than excavate coal, and when the flood occurred mining operations were abandoned. Leaving these indications we made our way through the Kakahu Gorge. Here an inleresting scene was presented to us. Nature seemed, as it were, “ jumbled up.” Not being a geologist I cannot express its proper features; but there seemed to be a little of everything, and of nothing much. The way ran through a wild ravine. Jutting out into what at another season would have been a tumultuous mountain torrent were wild, ragged-looking rocks. At their base on our right band was an attempt at a track. This formerly led to a marble quarry, whose ephemeral existence was testified by barren patches in tho straty nicks, where it was evident that blasting operations had been carried on. In tho dry creek-bed at our feet were numerous undeveloped monuments and tombstones, to wit, blocks of marble attached to masses of slaty rocke. These were curiously and beautifully veined, but in no case sufficiently large as to be of commercial value, except that they contained, wo understood, a large percentage of pure lime. In this gorge, near a pool that offered almost irresistible temptations lo bathing purposes, Mr Allen discovered a lump of conglomerate that ho felt no hesitation in saying contained gold. Your reporter, as a practical man, secured it. Without any desire to discount the establishment of a company to work a valuable deposit, I may say that an immediate attempt was made to do a “trade.” My nearest neighbor—thegentleman who loved Newcastle coal—distinctly objected to be burdened with this valuable mineral deposit, and subsequently my efforts to trade it off for two small drinks or a stick of Ruby were quite unavailing. As a philanthropist I feel that T am not a success, my efforts in that direction evidently being badly received. If any of your large number of subscribers cure to possess a valuable specimen it is still on offer at the above price. I trust this will not be counted lo me as an “ad.” In the meantime the professor \vas diligently pushing on, and in the wild solitude of the gorge we met Mr W. L. Duncan, who waa able to put us in the way of seeing fresh country. Leaving the riverbed, which certainly possessed a cooling element, we struck over a saddle.

where the heat was inlenae, and made for the main road. Leaving this again, we inspected a creek, where it was said slate was to be found. There was no doubt about this. The slate was true ns far as geology is concerned. It ran, however, in flakes, adverse to those considered valuab'e for commercial purposes-—that is lo say, had it been possible to produce it in tizsa convenient for roofing purposes it would still have been useless from the fact that it could not h»ve' been punched for nails. Probably, wo wi re told, 90 slates out of every 100 would split. Our guides, who, by the way. were not believers in slate, were by no means but suggested pushing on fur another outcrcp of coal. Our friend with the preference for Newcastle coal, however, decided to make further, experiments, but, although armed with a capital pick-axe, ho did not succeed in breaking off-much valuable roofing slate. On the road to the only active limekiln we were met by the Hon. T. 11. Wigby and parly. Mr Wigley gave us his views on tlio coal question, and, iu accordance with them, we uude for a white bluff near a suspension bridge crossing the Kakahu. At the risk of being thought digressive, 1 ’must record my appreciation of this bridge. It is a sort of modified suspension, and n fleets a good deal of credit upon Mr Shiers, the designer. The white blnff turned out to be most interesting. It contained a seam of coal easily worked, if not particularly payable, and in addition there was useful pipeclay, certain ferruginous earths, and glass sand, All these came in for a share of attention, as well a kind of conglomerate, _ of which it was said that a previous

. assay had yielded payable gold. As man perfectly ignoraut of mineralogy, I may say that 1 doubt this, my principal reason being that the luUlrfinder declined being burdened with his speo&en after a brief interview with the profeisor. Of the coal I may say it looked sa promising as any, and was not likely to bo interfered with by water. It being now about 2 o’clock, it was decided to adjourn for luncheon, and a return was made to Lanedon’s kiln, whither Mr Wigley bad preceded us. On our way we passed through the “ pipe-clay cutting.” Here in abundance was to be seen a kind of white, easily-worked olay, much in request among North Canterbury potters, who require it for admixture with the coarser clays. From time to time comignments have been sent northward, but owing to the cost of oarriige the trwde cannot be considered extensive, and probably is not payable! In the courao of conversation it was learned that, in spite of many obs aoles, lime can be forwarded to Christchurch and sold at a small profit for 3i 6d per bag. The lime is, however, considered to be too pure, former tests showing that the rook from which it is produced contains no less than 98 per cent of lime. For ordinary practiced purposes 60 per cent of lime would be sufficient, and unless plasterers were skilled in its admixture a less pure quality would b_s preferable. At such a low cost, however, it would still be of value «s a dressing for the heavy Hakahu flats, which, as distinct from the downs, are deficient of this element ox soil. Luncheon concluded, a start was made, and the eastern branch of the Kakahu stream was explored. A seam of coal opposite Cliff’s old. mill came in for a share of attention, bub the opiaion of former surveyors was again confirmed. It was unworkable at a profit. Coal of inferior quality b-' been burned, but only in such places as other fuel has been difficult to pror, in the former seams, it dipped away, and/ in consequence, its commercial value was proportionately decreased. At inspection of the Professor’s mop showed that two other outcrops yet remained to ha seen : one at Mr Hesketh’s, the other at Beautiful Talley, Of the latter no one seemed to know much, and'it was therefore decided to push on for Heraldine and view Mr EesketL’a. mine en route. This proved to bo situated within about half a chain of the ctabla. An attempt had been made to work it, tub evidently very little had been taken from it. A vigorous application of piokaxe and spade brought to light come fairly presentable brown coal, which we were told burned fairly well, bat left a considerable amount of ash, and a decidedly sulphurous smell. The proprietor, although at present content to pursue farming avocatior s, and certainly the trim and orderly appearance of his homestead warranted him io doing so, was of opinion that at a futurs date the scam would become of commercial vriue. Along a picturesque and winding road we made our way to Geraldine, the prosperous appearance of the several homesteads that we eliciting favorable comment, although, as might be expected

from louthorn vulture, some surprise was expressed that a living could bo made npen auch small holdings. - Leaving the pretty bueh-clad Gapea’s Valley behind ua we emerged upon the Eae-has-to-moan*, and from thence made our way to the Geraldine Dairy Factory, which, by the kind invitation of Mr JPoatlethwoite, we were Wallowed to inspect. The actual process of ■cheese making we did not bbo, but upon the shelves in the store-room wo found several tons of excellent cheese made upon the Cheddar principle, and nearly ready for export. 'With a reporter’s insatiable thirst for information I made enquiries re the oheeoe, »nd ascertained that a lormor lot of similar quality had been purchased by an expert from Home, who pronounced it the best he budget sampled. Of a long evening passed in Geraldine little can bo said. Oar only reason for stopping thsro was that a communication had been forwarded to the Professor to the effect that it would bo well if the seams already viewed at the Kakahu could be traced through to Woodbury. Early on the following morning Mr 0. G. Tripp, of Orari Gorge Station, sent down a waggonette and pair, and with it a brief note suggesting that the party should viiit the Waihi Gorge where there wore some distinct seams of coal as well as other objects of interest. He also suggested that as ho had coal upon his, run after inspection ah adjournment could be made to his i residence for tho double purpose of lunch cud tho viewing of several interesting specimens. His programme was adopted, and a drive of some three quarters of an hour saw us at Mr Doan’s Hotel at Woodbury. Generally speaking, on stopping at an hotel the first thing is to refresh the inner man, but on this occasion wo were no sooner disembarked than the landlord asked tho professor to inspect sundry spacimene that pe had collected from time to time. These oonoioted principally of lignite, several sorts of sandstone and clay, certain iron ores, nuundic, and on inferior kind of graphite long believed by residents to contain manganese. While inspecting this collection we were apprised of the arrival of Mr Tripp, who brought with him a spare saddle horse. A start was at once made lot tho Yvhiibi Gorge. Hero, in a most picturesque riverbed, were found two distinct seams of coai, tho larger of Which waa declared by Mr Meredith, who was on the spot, to be identical with the one _ ho previously worked at tho Kakahu, ana m which ho maintained was of at leant thiJkess. Ibis there wes no means of ascertaining, beyond that its general dueotion was about the same, and it may be remarked in parenthesis that it was a necidod Oversight that where those deposits ot coal

vrero generally known to exist, it was a thousand pities that no effort had bsen made to expose their IhictnoEO. Amongst other interesting ot jacts in the riverbed we were shown a large fossil bsd of oysters. These appeared to be of abnormal rz>, and regret was expressed by the cynical" member of our party that the native? tad been so wanting in public spirit aa to consent; to ba fossilized previour to our appearance upon the scene. Tho securing of several chalky looking sheila hardly compensated for the lack of such eucaulent bivalves a* must have previously existed. A glorious driva through bush and over downs followed, and in due course wc were piloted ! o » gully in an almost virgin bush upon Mr Tripp’s freehold. Candidly, I must admit that travelling through some of She prettiest country in South Canterbury more than compensated rnn for the lack of success that 1 could not h.dp feeling had bitbarto attended our expedition. Certainly Wo had toon coal and minerals of various kinds, but in common with rny companion! I knew that this was not a more pleasure trip, and unless something solid representing to iho people of the district there .m-agio letters & a cl wore to he found, oar explorations would be conskbrod a mere wa.Lo of time. Sa it may bo, but when I viewed the park liko exoanrs, reachieg ivj it were from the low foothills to the ss», studded with clumps of hush end swtfally arranged plantation?, ur.d off-ring abundant feed to thousands of sheep and other stock, I could not foal that hero lay Canterbury's true wealth. In the wonderful capabilities of an almost virgin soil, eurely them _ was enough of wealth to satisfy nayo-m. T his b, however, digressive. In the bush referred to wo found exposed moro seal, if anything of a superior quality 6-> that previously mot with. The extent of this coal had boon partially tasted, a drive being sunk on either side of it. The difficulties in the way of working a seam liko this should bo by no moans great, A twenty minutes’ driye brought us to the homestead, ie situated in a lovely piece of bush. The wools formed a perfect typo of a New Zealand home. I cannot iu the course of many wanderings recall such a picturesque spot. A very hospitable vrelcome awaited ne, and the afternoon being well advanced luncheon was much appreciated. In the course of his wanderings over hia run Mr Tripp had colko-ed several specimens oi ores, and these •were in good time submitted to the Professor. Of their nature I cm say little. I gathered, however, that two kinds _of olny shown would have made excellent firebrick only for aa admixture of peroxide of iron, which would causa them to fuse. The substance, however, produced would ho of considerable value in iron smelting. Whiht the horses were feeding we had an opportunity of inspecting the grounds, sheaving shod, etc, and all vrero pleased and astonished at the attention paid to detail. Gates, fsncc-n, everything, in fact, was in excellent order, while the actual ground* around the house wore simply beautiful. Natural beauty has been enhanced by art, and the whole forms ft lovely picture. In the afternoon, much against our will, a move had again to be made, and Woodbury was reached at about five o'clock. A drive not seen iu the morning was then inspects.:!, although the owner, Mr Jansen, hardly aeemed to relish an enquiry into what ho deemed vested rights, it waa found that a shaft had bsen sunk into a hill near whsio the coal Beam exit ed, but it has not yet been struck. The hive oa far aa it had leached was through sand, and, judging by indications, it hardly Doomed probable that She right, spot had been selected, A eras.rt drive landed the party at Hr Postlethwaita’s, whore they had been ackcd to pass the evening, at about 8,30 p.m. Early the following morning, in deference lo the wishes of th .< Professor, who felt that ho could not rest without inspecting «ae Beautiful Valley country, tha horses were yoked, end faced again to the east. Living Kaakoih’a on tho right, a low saddle nos crossed, and in duo time the western branch of the Er.kc.lui ws.s ranched. Mere the best lot of coal yet seen ■pbi found. For some three hundred feet it lay exposed, and it was decant thickness. Further on it cropped out again, but not in such quantity. This oeam proHooted little difficulties in the way of working, It was clear of water, and could ho e&dily got at. Its only drawback was tbs distance from a railway. Probably at present, while cea-borna coal ia 00 cheap, it will hardly pay to work, but at some future date there can bo little doubt that it will be worked mere or leas extensively. At all events, when the bush is destroyed the neighboring settlers will find it of inestimable value. Thia was the last deposit viewed by the Professor, and a return wa* jonacquently made to Temuka. As before remarked, no definite report is yet before the public. Any remarks made, or conclusions arrived at, tiro simply those of a man totally unskilled in mineralogy, but'it may safely be said that there is little prsapect of the mineral deposits of the Kakahu b*iag developed to advantage ia a speculative or pecuniary sense. The district appears to bo an anomaly. Only 60 tho geological student cau it over repay more than passing attention, except, indeed, commonplace articled, such as drain fcil.ee, bricks, and lime, can bo produced at prices to enable them to ba successfully placed upon the market. Iu ouch case a tramway to connect with the nearest line of railway would be an imperative necessity.

GERALDINE ROAD BOARD. The usual monthly meeting of this board was held yesterday, Prseont Messrs W. Poatlothowaite (chairman), S'. R. Flatmon, W. U. Slack, P. McShana, and J. Holland. MINUTES. The minutes of the previous meeting were road and confirmed. ' TENDERS. Contract No, 280—Formation and shingle near Kelland’a,. Boundary road—J, pean, £34 9j ; J. Beckloy, £29 ; J. Fiofiald, £23 15fl (accepted); J, H. M, Tagg, £20.-~-Tho beard considered ths work could nut bo done for tha £2O, and decided to give it to the next highest. Contract No. 281—Gathering and staoVing boulder?, Rangstatft Station road.—J, Reekley, lid par jd; P. Paulis, BJd p»r yd; Charles Broe., 6i per yd (accepted by lot); G. Br?.e, 6d per yd. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was road and dealt with ns follows Faom Mr J. Reilly, Woodbury, calling the attention of the board to the goisa growing on the road from Mr Barker’s fence to Mr Goodwin’a gate, and pointing out that the seeds -of the came were carried over the writer's land by flood water.—A long dig--1 oussion took place re gorje upon roads, and it was decided to take legal proceedings against those persons who had not attended to tho notices sent out to thorn. From Mr J. Hay, Kekabu, drawing Iha attention of the board to a willow tree having fallen in the Kakaha river end obstructing tho same.— Attended to. From Mr K, Cameron, Winchester, ru rates. Tho Hon. T. Wigloy having forwarded a ohtqus for rates duo by him, it was decided to write to him for tho expenses incurred in obtaining the eamo--£2 2i. Ifc was decided to give tho agon! a for tho Rffv. Foster’s estate notice that unlcvj the rates duo thereon were paid within fourteen days, proceedings would bo taken to jccotcv the 3amo,

Ef im the Geraldine Town Board rc leave granted by tho Ro'id Baiwd to break rood end use tho pq.vuq for their water-race, declining to kerp iuci'o of trio road in rvpair ttian they used, i-nd raftrred tha bosrd !o tho Uuaicioal Corporation* Act, 188(5.” eub-eecuon 4 of section 316, and “ Tire Town Districts Ac*, 1881,” section 33,-The boar A considered tho lot tor had been ruleunderstood, as th® Koad Board only wiflhod that portion of the road to be kept in repair which tha Town Bosrd made use of for the race. It was decided to notify the latter board that tho repairing ot the damage done was all that was required. INTERVIEWS. 1 Mr J- 0. Blush iu waited on the Board with a petition from several ratepayers in the Ofari district, requesting the Board make a oro>sing over the railway sn a line with the old Kakahu road, and to improve the road running along the west side of tha railway from Scott’s crossing io the Kakahu road. Mr Binskia painted out tho necessity that existed ler at once doing tho work.—lt was decided to apply to tho Land Office for land to continue the road from Lot 17 through Lot 5, Block 23. The road bo bo repaired. Mr Eord, of Belfiold, again waited on tho Board ro getting a road to his property. Ho stated that Mr Sugrue was quite willing to sell to tho Board what land they might require for road purposes, Mr Eord offered, if tho Board favorably entertained his application, to give hia labor iu pulling down tho existing fence or in creeling another. —It was decided lo endeavor to purchase tho land required and form tho road. Bive Bell, of Geraldine Flat, waited on tho Bjard wiih regard to the storm water running down the Geraldine road and across hoc property.—-She was informed that the work applied for had been arranged for, and would be carried out in a short time. OTEEBEEb’s EEEOET. Tho ovorroer'a report was read nsad dealt with ns follows : “I have tho honor to report for the information of tha Board as under;—Belfisld Works: Tho driving of iron rails has been competed during the month, the Government having supplied 10 tons of rail?. The river-bed is now dry, and favorable to taking out a trench for the willow siakoa. lino’s Creek : Pile cleaning of this creek has also been completed, and the flux burnt, so as to giro ao outlet for the flood water. Boundary Road : The redecking of the bridge near the wool works will ba out of hand id-a day or two. Ono of thfco’d timber culverls on this road ia broken through and rrquires lo bn taken out before winter. One of the fords also rt quires to be deepened, as the water is dammed back on the road in wot weather, cursing damage on tho upper side of the road. Kakahu Road: An old timber culvert near Mien's house also requires taking out, and a ford constructing iu place of culvert. As directed, I have had ton iron rails driven at Peckham’s croHsir.g to secure tha willow groynes. The men are now repairing, the footbridge at Foster's, Kakahu. Road diversion near K'lbnd’s : 1 have fenced off the land required for road purposes and invited tenders for making tho road. I have also given notice to Mr Pitman re taking the bod under tho “Public Works Act.” Morrison’s Greek : I have examined the creek at tho road crossing as directed. The creek always will overflow here io heavy flood. Owing to the sinupua nature of the creek below the road the water does not get away quick enough, A little relief might he obtained by Mr Stewart cutting down the trees on tho edge of tho creek on his own land, but this would not prevent overflow in heavy floods.” It was resolved that the old, timber culvert on the Boundary road be replaced by a pipe and tho ford deepened. MISOBILANHOES. Mr Krllsnd drew tbs attention of tho board tothessato of crossing over the Hao-hae-te-moans, on the Boundax-y road,—lt was decided to improve the crossing. It was decided to call for tenders for 15C0 •willow stakes for liver protection purpoees. ACCOUNTS, Account) amounting to £l2l 18s 4d wore passed for payment, and the board adjourned.