C.—2c

2

DIRECTOR'S REPORT. Summary of Field Operations. During the field season of 1925-26 detailed topographical and geological surveys were carried out in the following areas : — (1.) Mangakahia Subdivision, North Auckland, by H. T. Ferrar, M.A., F.G.S., Geologist (during the latter part of November and December 1925 only). (2.) Motueka Subdivision, Nelson, by J. Henderson, M.A., D.Sc., 8.E., A.0.5.M., Mining Geologist, and L. I. Grange, M.Sc., A.0.5.M., F.G.S., Assistant Geologist. (3.) Kaitangata - Green Island Subdivision, by M. Ongley, M.A., B.Sc., Geologist. At the beginning of 1926 Mr. Ferrar, who has had experience in soil surveys in Egypt, was transferred to Central Otago, in order to begin a soil survey on behalf of the Public Works Department. This work, however, remains under the control of the Geological Survey. Visits for various purposes were made by me to several parts of Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Green Island and other localities near Dunedin, Alexandra, St. Bathans, and Murchison. Dr. J. Marwick, Palaeontologist, visited many localities in northern Hawke's Bay and in the Gisborne - East Cape district in order to collect fossils and obtain general geological data. Mr. H. T. Ferrar, Geologist, made special visits to Pegleg Gully and Manuherikia Falls on behalf of the Public Works Department. Progress of Areal Surveys. During the twelve months ended 31st May, 1926, approximately 777 square miles was geologically examined in detail. Of this area 120 square miles is in North Auckland, 530 square miles in Nelson, and 127 square miles in east Otago. In addition a soil survey of roughly 230 square miles was made in. Central Otago. This work requires geological examination not only of the area mapped but also of the surrounding country. Mangakahia Subdivision. The geological examination of the Dargaville-Rodney Subdivision having been completed, Mr. H. T. Ferrar was transferred to the Mangakahia Subdivision, a large tract of unexplored country lying to the west of the Whangarei - Bay of Islands Subdivision and north of the Dargaville-Rodney Subdivision. The progress made by Mr. Ferrar before he was transferred to Central Otago is described in a later part of this report. Dargaville-Rodney Subdivision. Mr. Ferrar's detailed report on the Dargaville-Rodney Subdivision is in course of preparation. Waiapu Subdivision. During the year geological maps of the Waiapu Subdivision have been printed. The detailed report of Messrs. Ongley and Macpherson is being revised, and will shortly be sent to the printer. Tongaporutu-Ohura Subdivision. Mr. L. I. Grange's detailed report on the Tongaporutu-Ohura Subdivision and his geological maps are nearly ready for the printer. Egmont Subdivision. The detailed report on the Egmont Subdivision (Geological Bulletin No. 29), mentioned in last year's annual report, has been completed, and, together with accompanying maps, is in course of publication. Motueka Subdivision. The survey of the Motueka Subdivision has now been finished, and a detailed report is in course of preparation. In this report the marble deposits of the Pikikiruna Range and other localities will be fully described. A summary of the work done during the past season appears on later pages. Kaitangata - Green Island Subdivision. During the past season Mr. M. Ongley completed the survey of the Green Island coalfield and of adjoining areas. Work was also done in Clarendon, Mangatua, and Waipori survey districts, but the greater part of the latter survey district has yet to be examined in detail before the survey of the subdivision can be considered complete. The work done during the past season is described on pages 6-8,