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The Vanished World Society has benefited greatly from the professional
guidance and practical support received through its partnership
with the Department
of Geology, University of Otago.
In particular, the volunteer hours Dr Ewan Fordyce (Associate
Professor) has provided have been pivotal in enabling the Society
to achieve the standards required for such an enterprise.
Education is a significant function of the Society, growing
new employment opportunities and the creation of a greater public
awareness of the need for the protection of Waitaki’s
unique geophysical and palaeontology
heritage.
Two educational programmes are planned to be run from the
Centre:
- Community classes
- Outside the classroom educational support activities
Thomas Forrester
Forrester and Diatomaceous Earth
Thomas Forrester had an early association with Dr James Hector and prepared the drawings for the first geological map of New Zealand in 1865.
In 1886 Dr Von Haast called at the Oamaru Athenaeum where Thomas Forrester was the Hon. Curator, seeking geological specimens characteristic of the District for an Exhibition in London to mark the jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Included in the material sent was a lump of light earthy material called kaolin.
This, being diatomaceous earth proved to be of great interest to microscopists as it contained many new specimens. One was named Oamaruensis after the District
After the Exhibition in London inquiries came from around the world seeking samples.
The first letter came addressed to A person in Oamaru interested in science. It was handed on to Thomas Forrester by the Post Master who was aware of his interest in geology.
Many letters were to follow and Thomas Forrester was to spend much time fossicking for material, preparing and exchanging slide material on Diatoms from deposits in North Otago.
More Fossils in North Otago:
Living Fossils in North Otago!
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