PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5735, 2 November 1905, Page 7

PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.

A meeting of the Wellington Philosophical Society was held in the Museum last evening. Mr M; Chapman presided. A motion of regret at the death of Captain F. W. Hutton. F.E.S., and of appreciation of his work in almost every branch of natural history was passed, and it was decided to send' a copy of the resolution to his widow. , The first paper read was "Notes on Some South Island Birds and Maori Associations in Connection Therewith," by Mr J. Cowan. There was some discussion whether the' mountain bird kea had been known to attack living sheep. Several incidents were narrated showing the remarkable inquisitiveness of the bird. Ur P. B. Phipson read a paper on the “Transformation of Barley into Malt.” He described the structure of the grain, the internal processes which take place during malting, and the preparation of malt in its commercial form. The author was complimented bv Professors T. H. Easterfield and T. W. Kirk. The secretary read a paper by Mr T. W. Downes (Wanganui) on "Some Historic Maori Personages.” The author considered that all available knowledge of the Maoris should bo placed on record since there was evidence that the race would become extinct. To Eauparaha, Heke, and Maketu were chiefs who would be long remembered on account of their relations with the pakeha. The personal appearance of Te Rauparaha was described with reference to portraits exhibited./ Hie lifo had. been well pourtrayed in a paper by the late W. T. 1.. Travers. Hone Heke, the great Ngapuhi chief, was well known from his action in cutting down a British flagstaff. Several portraits of the warrior were described and one was exhibited. Maketu was the great fighting chief of Wanganui. Maketu stood out for a time against the sale of Wanganui to the New Zealand Land Company. His portrait also- was exhibited.