Copper Ores.

The copper lode at Moke Creek, Lake Wakatipu, was discovered in about the year 1863, and up to the present time is the only one of any importance known in the Province. Mr. Hacket in his report, describes it as a true lode, 1½ feet thick, striking with the country rocks, but dipping at an angle of only 15°, while the strata dip at 50°. Another lode near Waipori was discovered about two years later.

Copper, when it exists in quantity, is of all metals the most easily found, for it generally covers the neighbouring rocks with large green stains. And as the Province has been extensively prospected for the last 10 years without any further discoveries, it is improbable that other lodes exist, except perhaps in some of the West Coast Sounds.