I.—Recent or Terrace Formation.

Extensive gravel terraces bound the Hurunui River and rise in successive steps to a height of 150ft. above the river from the Greta Bridge to the mouth. Similar terraces are also found along the Wainu River, but not to the same height, and in this part of the district the drainage appears to have been cheeked by the river fringe, so that a very extensive area of swampy and valuable alluvial land has been formed, which is also to be included under this heading.

A third deposit, also so included, is that which forms the terraces of grey-sand, clay, and gravel, containing recent sea-shells, which has evidently teen a shore deposit that has been elevated 70ft. to 100ft. above the sea, and has been preserved as raised beaches in favourable situations.