Iron Ores.

Hæmatite, of excellent quality, containing 94 to 96 p.c. of oxide of iron, is found near Maori Point on the Shotover, where it is said to occur in a lode six feet thick. As good limestone is found at Lake Wakatipu, and brown coal at Gibbstown, about 18 miles distant, it is possible that in time iron works may be established here with advantage.

Hæmatite is also found in the vicinity of Port Molyneux, and coal could easily be obtained; but lime would have to be brought from Waihola by rail, or from Dunedin by sea.

Very good clay iron ore exists near Tokomairiro, and as limestone and coal are both found in the immediate neighbourhood, and a railway runs through the district, the conditions are very favourable for an iron foundry, provided the ore can be obtained in sufficient quantity.

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From Maruawhenua, I have also received excellent samples of clay iron stone, and here also limestone and coal are sufficiently near.

Titaniferous iron sand is found in considerable quantity at Port William in Stewart Island; but limestone would have to be brought from Winton, and coal from Kaitangata or the Wairaki field.

Brown coal is used in Germany and Austria for the manufacture of iron with the application of step grates, such as are described in Mr. Ulrich’s report.