A century of geological research in the Auckland province

Abstract

Summary Following the initial discoveries of Hochstetter in 1859, geological research in the province was for a long time almost entirely the work of officers of the early Geological Survey. This period lasted until the late “eighties”, when Sir Algernon Thomas, first professor of natural science, encouraged a few of his students to take advanced degrees in geology and to publish the results of their researches on local geology. This research work of geologists at Auckland University College, at first intermittent, increased, particularly after the appointment of Professor Bartrum, and it now represents a substantial contribution to knowledge concerning the province. The information compiled at the University is most complete for the district surrounding the city of Auckland, where it has proved useful in engineering projects A short account is given of the careers of some pioneer survey geologists and university geologists. A brief outline of the geology of the province omits reference to some of the more complex problems concerning North Auckland and the Central Volcanic region. Some emphasis is placed on the geology of Auckland city and its environs. The whole, accompanied by a simple correlation table, is intended to serve as an introduction to the student and visiting geologist. A reference list of some one hundred and forty papers, including unpublished theses, is included.