A VALUABLE DISCOVERY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3953, 2 November 1891, Page 2

A VALUABLE DISCOVERY.

Mineral Springs in the Jla :uri.

What may prove a valuable discovery was, according to the Examiner, made on Wednesday last in the Makuri, about thirteen miles from Pahiatud, where the track to Donald's crosses the river, and it has been reported to the Government by MrTone, the Crown Lands Ranger. Bemg atfci acted by the appearance of the water, and the presence of air bubbles, he proceeded to examine the water of a stream flowing out to the road, and found it of a somewhat brakish taste, with evidence of gas i ising throughout. On following it up about a chain into the bush he fpund the spring in a circular pop!, several feet in diameter, prettily situated and surrounded witu ferns, the temperature being 60|deg. fahr. At the same time the temperature of the river and a neighbouring oreek were 50 and 52 degs. fahr. respectively. There was sufficient evidence that some chemical action was going on as bubbles of gas arose at frequent intervals. The water from the spring has a bluish tinge, coloring the pebbles over which it flows, and resembling chalybeate water. It is similar to the springs at Akiteo on the coast with the exception that theso latter are colder, It is 4ifficult to say what, an analysis may prove the water to contain. It is neutial to bitmus paper, but as the spring is in the midst of limestone, that was to be expected. There is no doubt the discovery wjll be'follbwed up by proper analysts'and may grove lobe one of great value, especially as ifc is r.pt improbable that magnesia may be the property with which the water is ohargedand for a sanatorium few places cojild be found more picturesque. The spring is situated on a Government Koad Keserve and his frequently attracted passers-by on account of the peculiar gasses which #re pccasionally emitted,