OTAHUHU MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XII, Issue 4271, 22 July 1875, Page 3

OTAHUHU MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.

A very interesting paper was read before the members of this society, at a special meeting on Monday last, by Mr. Woodward. The night being rough, only a small number of persons were present; but we venture to say that not one of those regretted having left his fireside on that occasion. The subject chosen by Mr. Woodward was "Volcanos—Active and Extinct." He commenced by giving a brief outline of the chief volcanic belts of the earth ; he then answered at considerable length the question, " What is a volcano ?" pointing out with great ingenuity and research the different theories relative to the generation of subterranean heat. Having explained the immediate connection between volcanos and earthquakes, he passed on to a consideration of the latter phenomena, giving interesting details of the terrible catastrophe of Lisbon and the troubles of Calabiia. From this point Mr. Woodward confined himself to the mountains aud other geological featuree in the immediate neigliIxiurhood of Otahuhu. He epoke of the probable extreme antiquity of our mountains, comparing them with the long-ago extinct volcanos of Aavergne, in France, and the craters of the Rhine. Throughout the paper, which was of fifty minutes' duration, he was listened to with profound attention and much pleasure. Aa animated discussion ensued, in which several gentlemen took part with great ability, and valuable facts were elicited. Those gentlemen who were instrumental in calling tho Otahuhu Society into being have reason to be pleased and proud of the result of their labours. That Society is evidently accomplishing the work for which it was established, namely, the encouragement of vigorous mental action in its members. The fortnightly meeting of the society will be held on Monday, the 2Gth imst., when a discussion will take place on the subject, " Is it desirable that museums and other kindred institutions should be open to the public on Sunday ?"'—[Correspondent.]