h. Changes in Level of the Land. The following is a table
showing the probable changes in level in the locality: Higher
land when valleys on the peninsula were eroded. Depression,
accompanied by invasion of valley floors by the sea. Practical
still-stand, no major movement when spit was constructed.
Depression till the spit was awash and barrier beach constructed
on the lake margin, and the boring of the stumps now exposed on
the seaward margin. At this time shore platforms were cut on the
ends of the spurs along the Tai Tapu-Little River Road.
Elevation of from 12 to 15 feet, the present level. It will now
be advisable to compare this sequence of events with any
chronology of movements of the land indicated in the adjacent
districts. To the south there is definite evidence of a downward
movement of the land in the neighbourhood of Timaru, the drowned
river stream valleys incised in the edge of the Timaru Downs, as
well as the presence of submerged forests at Pareora and to the
north of Timaru indicating such