(5.) Big River Group.

New Big River.—This lies near the head of the Big River, about twenty miles south of Reefton. It strikes north and south, and the main block or series of blocks pitches to the north. Fig. 13 shows the disposition of quartz in the vein.

Blackwater.—This is a narrow type of vein. It strikes north and south, and dips to the west at about 70°. The direction of dip of the quartz blocks has not-yet been definitely ascertained, as the mine is only being developed. The gold is free, evenly distributed, and often coarse. There are frequent blocks of stone, mostly of uniform value, but a few patchy. The blocks have an

Fig. 13.—Section, Big River Vein.