5

H.—26

and remarks, for the Head Office at Wellington, is printed monthly in the newspapers. The usual abstract of the climate of New Zealand for 1876 has been supplied for Vol. IX. of the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute. Astronomical — Time Ball Observatory. The Observatory is in good order, the astronomical clock being now in an excellent state of adjustment, with a steady rate. All the other instruments are in good condition. Rating time is given to the shipping by the starting clock and time-ball at least once a week, at Wellington, due notice being given in the morning papers. Mean time is also transmitted to Lyttelton; but, as it is not by the automatic clock, the same accuracy cannot be obtained. The observations are, as hitherto, chiefly taken by the Yen. Archdeacon Stock, 8.A., assisted by Mr. J. Kebbell, who is a most skilful and enthusiastic amateur. The only extra work at the Observatory during the past year was the search for the supposed intra-mercurial planet, which was made at the request of the Astronomer Royal, and in which I had the cordial assistance of Mr. W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S., and Mr. J. Newton Coleridge, C.E., whose experience, as amateur photographers, was of great service on such an occasion. Laboratory. The following is a summary of analyses performed in the Colonial Laboratory during the past year:—■ Analysis. 1. Coals ... ... ... ... ... ... 22 2. Rocks and Minerals ... ... ... ... ... 22 3. Metals and Ores ... ... ... ... ... 38 4. Examination for Gold and Silver ... ' ... ... ... 31 5. Waters ... ... ... ... ... ... 23 6. Miscellaneous ... ... ... ... ... 32 Total ... ...* ... ... ... 168 A full account of these analyses will be found in the Annual Report on the work performed in the Laboratory, published as a separate report. James Hector, Manager.

ACCOUNTS OF THE NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE FOR 1876-77.

Arthur Stock, Hon. Treasurer.

28th August, 1877.

By Authority: Gboege Didsettby, Government Printer, Wellington.—lB77.

Eeceipts. Expendituee. 3alance in hand, 19tli September, 1876 fote for 1876-77 Contribution from Wellington Bhilosopliical Society !ale of Volumes £ s. d. 218 4 4 500 0 0 31 10 0 15 15 0 Expenses of Brinting Volume IX ... Expenses on account of Index Miscellaneous items Balance £ s. d. 600 13 11 28 0 0 13 6 1 123 9 4 £765 9 4 £765 9 4.