[INTRODUCTION]
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Geological Survey Office,
Christchurch, September 2nd, 1864.
To the Honorable JOHN HALL, Secretary for Public Works.
SIR,--In accordance with your instructions to report on the formation of the Canterbury Plains, I have the honor to communicate to you, for the information of His Honor the Superintendent, the geological facts, collected during my journeys, concerning this important region, and to draw those conclusions which will hear upon many points of the highest practical value to the Province. I have added five Sections, showing the Geological Structure of the Canterbury Plains, together with a small Geological Sketch-map in illustration.
In order to give a clear exposition of the subject under review, I have thought it expedient to divide my Report into four parts, viz.:--
1. On the Causes which have led to the formation of the Canterbury Plains.
2. On the Physical Geography of the Canterbury Plains, with notes on their Geological Structure.
3. Notes on the different Rivers which have formed the Canterbury Plains.
4. Artesian Wells.
I have selected from my journals only those parts bearing upon the subject under consideration, which are strictly indispensable to enable the unscientific reader to follow my explanations, leaving the strictly scientific part for future publication.
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May I be allowed, in conclusion, to state that I hope that this Report will offer not only the necessary information to clear up some uncertainties concerning the nature of our Rivers, but also to assist in offering some suggestions to prevent or avert real danger, where it exists or may threaten for the future.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
JULIUS HAAST,
Provincial Geologist.
