Philosophical Institute of Canterbury. Session of 1868–9. Proceedings.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 2, 1869, Page 417

Philosophical Institute of Canterbury. Session of 1868–9. Proceedings. General Meeting. November 4, 1868. J. Haast, Ph. D., F. R. S., President, in the chair. On the motion of Mr. Nottidge, it was resolved, —“That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable that the rules be revised, and that the Rev. James Wilson, and Messrs. Davie, Fereday, and the mover, be appointed to draw up new rules, and report to the next meeting.” Papers read:— (1.) “On the removal of the left upper jaw, for Cancer,” illustrated by photographs, by J. S. Turnbull, M. D. (2.) “On the Delirium Tremens,” by J. S. Turnbull, M. D. (3.) “On the earlier Earthquake Waves observed on the coast of New Zealand,” by C. Davie, Chief Surveyor. (See ante, p. 222.) Second Meeting. December 2, 1868. J. Haast, Ph. F. R. S., President, in the chair. The President (Dr. Haast) laid before the meeting “Maps of the World,” and “Charts of the Stars,” by Colonel Sir Henry James, which had been presented to the Institute by Mr. W. Packe. The Secretary stated that a number of scientific works had been lent to the Institute by Dr. Powell. Papers read:— (1.) “On four fishes commonly found in the River Avon; with a consideration of the question, What is Whitebait?” by Ll. Powell, M. R. C. S. St. A. (See ante, p. 84.) A discussion ensued, resulting in the following motion by Dr. Turnbull, being carried:—“That Messrs. Davie, Fereday, and Nottidge be appointed a committee to watch over the progress of the fishes mentioned in Dr. Powell's paper, and also specially to carry out the two suggestions with which the paper terminated.” (2.) “On a new species of Seal,” by the Rev. C. Fraser, M. A., F. G. S., who identified it with the genus Stenorhyncus leptonyx, but suspected it might ultimately be established as a distinct genus. (See ante, p. 33.) (3.) “On the Geographical Distribution of Plants in New Zealand,” by J. Haast, Ph. D., F. R. S. This paper was introductory to one by Mr. J. F. Armstrong, “On the Vegetation of the neighbourhood of Christchurch, including Riccarton, Dry Bush, and Hoon Hay Bush,” which was next read. (See ante, p. 118.) On the motion of the Honorary Secretary (Rev. C. Fraser), it was resolved to refer to the Council, the consideration of how Mr. Armstrong might be induced to prepare and publish an account of the Botany of the Christchurch District, and to what extent the Institute should be prepared to contribute towards the expenses of the publication.

Third Meeting. March 17, 1869. His Honor W. Rolleston in the chair. Messers. J. E. Fitzgerald, and L. C. Powell were elected honorary members of the Institute. Eight volumes of a Catalogue of the Fishes in the British Museum, being a present from that Museum to the Canterbury Museum, were laid on the table. Paper read:— “An Enquiry into the applicability of the Doctrines of Political Economy to Colonies,” (Introductory), by J. S. Turnbull, M. D. Fourth Meeting. May 5, 1869. J. Haast, Ph. D., F. R. S., President, in the chair. Mr. Edward Dobson, C. E. (late Vice President) was elected an honorary member of the Society. On the motion of the Honorary Secretary (Rev. C. Fraser), it was resolved,—“That an address from the Council of the Institute should be sent to Mr. E. Dobson, on the occasion of his election as an honorary member. On the motion of the Honorary Secretary, it was resolved,—“That it is desirable to make the year of the Institute commence with January 1st, and terminate with December 31st, and that, in order to arrange this, members be requested to pay a subscription of one guinea for the half year, ending 31st December, of the current year.” Paper read:— “On a specimen of Berardius Arnuxii, or Ziphid Whale, captured at New Brighton,” by J. Haast, Ph. D., F. R. S. (See ante, p. 190.) The Honorary Secretary (Rev. C. Fraser) drew attention to the improvements made by Mr. G. Cawood upon the nautical compass; and the following resolution was adopted:—“That Messsrs. Jollie, Davie, Triphook, and G. W. Hall be appointed a Committee to confer with Mr. Cawood respecting his alleged improvements upon the nautical compass.” Fifth Meeting. June 2, 1869. J. Haast, Ph. D., F. R. S., President, in the chair. The President laid on the table a copy of the report of the Government Botanist and Director of the Botanical Garden at Melbourne, for the year 1868. Mr. E. Fereday exhibited some specimens of the Sesia Tipuliformis, a species of what are commonly known as Clear-winged Moths, which are very destructive to currant bushes. The Secretary laid on the table copies of the “Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute, Vol. i., 1868.” Papers read:— (1.) “On a Collection of Saurian Remains from the Waipara River,” by J. Haast, Ph. D., F. R. S., who described the animal as belonging to the Amphisulia, animals of a more fish-like character than the existing crocodiles, and marine in their habits. In addition to a drawing of certain remains sent to England by Mr. J. H. C. Hood, some organic remains were exhibited, including a vertebra of a Plesiosaurus found near the same place, with portions of femur, tibia, and paddle bones. (See ante, p. 186.) (2.) “On University Education, as adapted to the circumstances and prospects of the Colony of New Zealand,” by the Rev. C. Fraser, M. A., F. G. S. (See ante, p. 192.) A lengthy discussion ensued, in which the Rev. Canon Wilson, the Rev, C. Fraser, Dr. Turnbull, Dr. Haast, and Messrs. Tancred and Davie took part. Sixth Meeting. July 7, 1869. J. Haast, Ph. D., F. R. S., President, in the chair. The report of the Council, for the year ending June 30, 1869, was read by the Honorary Secretary (Rev. C. Fraser), and on the motion of Mr. F. E. Wright, was adopted. The following is an abstract:—

The Council in presenting this report to the members of the Institute, feel that they have just cause for congratulation in the marked success which has attended the meetings of the Institute throughout the year, and in the increased number of members. One of the most important events connected with the Institute has been its incorporation with the New Zealand Institute under the Act of the General Assembly, by which that Society was established. Among the conditions of incorporation it is stipulated that one-third of the annual income of the Institute shall be devoted either to a local Museum or Public Library, or that one-sixth of the income shall be remitted to Wellington, to be expended there upon the Colonial Museum by the Governors of the New Zealand Institute. In accordance with this condition, one-third of the income of this Institute has been appropriated to the Museum under the direction of the President (Dr. Haast). The Council are persuaded that the members of the Institute made a wise selection in determining upon this object. They have helped to promote the efficiency of an institution which must always be of the highest value in the prosecution of scientific researches, and which is intimately connected with the immediate objects of the Institute itself. The establishment of the New Zealand Institute, with which this Society is now incorporated, must be regarded as of especial importance, as forming a bond of connection between the various local scientific societies of the colony, and as introducing an element of permanence, which has hitherto been wanting to their efforts. The publication of a selection of the papers read before this and similar societies is a further benefit of which the members have a valuable proof in the recently published volume of the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute. The efforts made by the President (Dr. Haast) to supplement the vote passed in the Provincial Council for the erection of new buildings for the Museum, are deserving of special notice in this place; the subscriptions obtained by him, amounting to £463, have secured the adoption of an enlarged plan with some additions of an ornamental character in keeping with the purpose for which the building is intended. Among the objects contemplated by the Institute, may be named the appointment of two or more members to write the history of the colonizing and progress of Canterbury, under the general direction and superintendence of the Council. Also, the publication of a work on the Botany of the neighbourhood of Christchurch, by Mr. J. F. Armstrong, Government Gardener,—under the auspices of the Institute. Committees have also been appointed for the collection of information upon various subjects of public interest, and from these, if re-appointed, useful reports may be expected during the course of this session. Since the 1st of July sixteen original papers have been read before the Institute. Numerous gifts have been received by the Institute. Copies of the first volume of the “Transactions of the New Zealand Institute” have been received for distribution among members, and application has been made for a further supply. In the volume of “Transactions” for next year, a selection from the papers read before this Institute, will also appear, following up those which have been given in the first volume. It rests with the Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute to make the selection, while it falls to the members of this Society to elect one of their members to a place at the Board. A sum of £36 18s. 6d. has been expended in providing suitable accommodation for the members of the Institute, at their place of meeting, and also for the books and other gifts deposited there. The room of the Institute is open to members at any time. A sum of one hundred pounds sterling has been remitted to England, for the purchase of valuable scientific works of reference; a copy of the list forwarded lies open for the inspection of members, and a suggestion book has been provided in which members may inscribe the names of such additional works as they would recommend to the Council for purchase during next year. A change has been made in the commencement and termination of the annual proceedings of the Society, in order to bring them into full agreement with those of the New Zealand Institute; and for the purpose of effecting this alteration, members will be asked to pay one guinea each as their subscription for the half-year ending December 31st of the present year. For the future the yearly accounts and proceedings of the Institute will date from the 1st of January to the 31st of December of each year. The progress which has been made during the past year encourages the Council to hope that the Institute will become increasingly serviceable in promoting the interests of science, as a depot, where all recorded observations of natural phenomena will be received and attended to, and where men of literary and scientific pursuits or tastes may meet for the interchange of ideas. The number and character of the papers read before the Institute may be taken as a very satisfactory evidence of the importance attached to such pursuits in a young colonial society. Christchurch, July 8, 1869.

On the motion of Dr. Turnbull, the Honorary Secretary was directed to have the Report printed. The Honorary Treasurer, J. W. S. Coward, L. S. A., read a statement of the receipts and expenditure during the year, which was approved of, and ordered to be printed. Dr. Haast, F. R. S., gave a verbal description of some moa remains, and specimens of flint and stone implements, discovered in certain ovens of Moa-hunters' encampments, situated near the mouth of the Rakaia. A lengthened discussion ensued on the probable age of these remains. Seventh Meeting. August 4, 1869. J. Haast, Ph. D., F. R. S., President, in the chair. The President (Dr. Haast) read a letter from W. H. Flower, F. R. S., Curator of the Royal College of Surgeons, England, relative to contributions to the Canterbury Museum; also, letters from Professor Agassiz, on the same subject. Papers read:— (1.) “Sanitary Measures to be adopted for the prevention of Small Pox,” by Dr. Frankish. (2.) “On Sewage Irrigation and its results, with a sketch of the main drainage systems of London and Paris,” by Selby Tancred, Assoc. Inst. G. E. (See ante, p. 214.) Eighth Meeting. September 1, 1869. J. Haast, Ph. D., F. R. S., President, in the chair. Mr. W. H. Flower, F. R. S., was elected an honorary member. The election of officers for the ensuing year was then proceeded with. Dr. J. Haast, F. R. S., was re-elected President, and the Rev. Canon Wilson, and T. Nottidge, were elected Vice-Presidents. J. W. S. Coward, L. S. A., was re-elected Honorary Treasure, and the Rev. C. Fraser, M. A., F. G. S., Honorary Secretary. The following gentlemen were chosen members of the Council:—C. Davie, E. Fereday, E. Jollie, H. J. Tancred, W. Rolleston, and S. Tancred. On the motion of the Rev. C. Fraser, the following resolution was adopted:—“That the Council be instructed to postpone the annual dinner of the members of the Institute from the middle of September until the 8th of October next, that day being the hundredth anniversary of the landing of Captain Cook in New Zealand.” On the motion of Mr. Nottidge, it was resolved,—“That it is expedient a section should be established for the prosecution of microscopical researches, in order that members may have opportunities of meeting and working together with fewer formal restraints than are necessary at the ordinary meetings of the Institute.” On the motion of Mr. Nottidge, it was resolved,—“That the Council be requested to purchase, for the Institute, a good microscope, and such accessory apparatus as they shall deem advisable. And that for the above purpose the Council be authorised to expend a sum not exceeding forty pounds sterling.” Papers read:— (1.) “On the Geology and Palæontology of the Waipara District,” by Dr. Haast, F. R. S. The writer expressed his opinion that while the Saurian remains found in the district were undoubtedly similar to those of the late Secondary, or Cretaceous strata, in Europe, the shells and plants were as decidedly Tertiary, judging by the European standard. [Printed with Reports of Geol. Survey N. Z., 1869–70.] A discussion followed, in which Messrs. Bowen, Nottidge, and the Rev. C. Fraser took part. (2.) “The earth of New Zealand a bad conductor of Electricity, as compared with that of other countries,” by F. E. Wright. (See ante, p. 226.) (3.) “On the structure and colour of the fibre of Phormium tenax,” by T. Nottidge. (See ante, p. 108.) Ninth Meeting. October 6, 1869. J. Haast, Ph. D., F. R. S., President, in the chair. Two volumes of the “Official Catalogue of the Exhibition of 1862,” presented by Mr. Enys to the Institute, were laid upon the table. The Honorary Secretary (Rev. C. Fraser) stated that it was necessary, at this

meeting, to choose a member to take part in the election of Governors of the New Zealand Institute, in accordance with the provisions of the New Zealand Institute Act. On the motion of Mr. Fereday, it was resolved,—“that the President (Dr. Haast) be appointed to vote in the election of Governors of the New Zealand Institute.” On the motion of Mr. Nottidge, it was resolved,—“That the Honorary Secretary be requested to write to Dr. Hector, to ascertain whether any, and if any, what provision has been made to defray the expenses of the members appointed to vote for Governors of the New Zealand Institute, and also for the expenses of Governors so appointed.” Dr. J. Haast, F. R. S., exhibited a specimen of the Euplectella speciosa, a sponge, sometimes called venus's Flower Basket, which had been obtained for the Museum from Manilla. Paper read:— “On a proposal to divert the Stream of the Avon to a new channel along the North Town Belt, and to make the present river-bed a main drain for the town, occasionally flushed from a sluice,” by J. S. Turnbull, M. D. A discussion ensued on the practicability of this scheme, and of forming a second channel for the storm waters along the North Belt, and drains on the two sides of the river flushed by its waters. The Rev. C. Fraser drew attention to the prediction of Lieutenant Saxby, respecting certain remarkable effects likely to be produced upon the tides in consequence of the peculiar relative positions of the sun, moon, and earth. Mr. Fraser expressed his opinion that there was no ordinary conjunction of these bodies which could have an effect upon the tides, as much greater than that produced at the spring tides as those spring tides exceeded the ordinary daily tides. Address, Delivered October 8th, being the anniversary of Captain Cook's first landing in New Zealand, by Julius Haast, Ph. D., F. R. S., President. When, seven years ago, I had the honour, as first President of this Institution, to address you at your first anniversary dinner, I offered you a short resumá of the scientific researches and results obtained in New Zealand since the time when the colony was formed. An attempt to do so to-day for the past seven years would be a far greater, but also still more gratifying task, owing to the wonderful advancement New Zealand has made during that time in intellectual pursuits, and their results—a matter of great and sincere congratulation to the members of this Society, and to the colony at large. When, in 1862, the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury was called into existence, there was no other Society in New Zealand which had the ambition to aspire to such high aims as we did, and although we failed in many respects to carry out our programme, we may at least safely claim the merit of having formed a depository for scientific researches in Canterbury, which did not at that time exist in any other part of New Zealand. It is true there was an older Society, with similar aims to ours, in Wellington: but for many years the members had not met, and, in consequence, some of them had their papers read before you. But how different is it to-day? Not only have scientific societies been created throughout the colony, but they have likewise found a centre in the New Zealand Institute in Wellington, the well-directed efforts of which will result in great advantages, both in an intellectual and material point of view, to the inhabitants of the land of our adoption. The first volume of the “Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute,” embodying the labours of all the affiliated societies, which is in our hands, gives palpable proof both of the value of that body, even in the first year of its existence, and of the marked attention which has been paid to scientific matters, even amidst the absorbing occupations incidental to founding a colony. And from year to year the value of the Institute will be enhanced by its evoking in many quarters scientific research, often of great utility in promoting the advancement of the colony, which otherwise would have lain dormant, either from the want of example and encouragement, or of a proper organ for publication. Whatever may be the political tenets of those who are friends of science, literature, and art, in New Zealand, in one thing I am sure they will agree with me—that in any circumstances a centre for the maintenance of intellectual life amongst the inhabitants of New Zealand is of incalculable importance to us all, and that the creation of a depository where the results, whether small or great, of all labourers in the domain of the mind, can be collected and published, is an important step towards the advancement of this colony to that position which it deserves to occupy. These labours, after becoming at once accessible to the present inhabitants, will be preserved for coming generations, forming, as it were, the foundation stone of future research. Viewed, however, from another point of view, the encouragement of intellectual, and in this instance I may say, physical research, will be of the highest benefit to the colony,

as it will most probably lead us to pay more attention to the study of physical science in our schools, high and low, than has hitherto been the case. Unless this be done, our colonial youths, when they come into competition with new arrivals from the Northern hemisphere, will have no chance in the struggle of life. I think the time is long since past when the education of a young man who does not intend to follow any of the so-called learned professions, should be considered finished when he has acquired some knowledge of Latin, a little less of Greek, with the rudiments of Mathematics, all of which, as soon as he enters active life, he usually tries to forget as fast as possible, owing to his having, as a general rule, by always being overworked, been bored to death by them. But the things he ought to have learnt, which he would treasure in his mind, which would give him intellectual enjoyment and invest him with great advantages, both intellectual and practical over those who had not followed the same course of study, he has never been taught, and any allusions made to them have often been of a disparaging character. The Universe, the sublime laws by which the innumerable suns, planets, and their satellites around him are governed; the earth, which is his home, with all its wonderful treasures, animate and inanimate, and their relations to each other, are totally unknown to him. He wanders, as it were, blindfolded over this beautiful earth, a stranger in his own domain—Heaven and Earth a sealed book to him. And is it possible that any other study, however sublime, can be compared with that of the works of God, which certainly must elevate the mind far higher than that of the works of men, however excellent they may be? But, in order that I may not be misunderstood, I wish to assure you that I should be very sorry indeed to see classical languages and Mathematics removed from the curriculum of our schools. Such a proceeding would also be suicidal to the aims of Physical Science. The study of any language, whether ancient or modern, and of its best authors, will always enlarge and elevate the mind, exercise the memory, and evoke or cherish noble feelings and actions in the learner, whilst the study of Mathematics will teach him to think logically and accurately, without which, Physical Science would be above his comprehension. The acquisitions of the natural philosopher, of the astronomer, of the chemist, or of the geologist, obtained by actual research or by induction, can only be considered of lasting value if they have been corroborated or proved by strictly mathematical reasoning, in having, as it were, been reduced to mathematical formulæ. But here, again, I may once more point out that only those young men will reap the full benefit of the wisdom of the ancients and of mathematical investigations who intend to continue their philological and mathematical studies, while those who, after leaving school, enter into a walk of life in which such knowledge is not required, will shortly have forgotten all that was drummed into them during a number of years, and, at the same time, will have cause to regret at every step they take, both their ignorance of Physical Science, and their want of acquaintance with the laws and treasures of nature around them. The question naturally arises, why, since Physical Science has made such wonderful strides during the last three centuries, that mankind has advanced more during that time than in any similar period before in the history of the world, the education of youth, even of the higher classes, has been almost stationary; so that we can truly say it still resembles in many respects the course of teaching in those times when the native language of the country was despised as unworthy of being taught; when old women were burnt as witches; when the stars in the firmament were only thought to be placed in the heavens to form constellations by which the life or fate of man was guided; when chemistry was alchemy, and its chief use considered to be the making of gold from baser metals, or the brewing of the Elixir of Life; and when the little knowledge of Physical Science (Natural History included) possessed in these days was mixed up with superstition and scholastic axioms? The answer to this question seems to me to be very simple. The only exact knowledge possessed at that time was Mathematics, principally their higher branches, together with the philosophical, poetical, and prose writings of the eminent men who had shed a bright lustre over the periods in which they lived. These writings were the precious heirloom which antiquity had bequeathed to the middle ages. As such learning was then considered to be the only kind of knowledge worth possessing, all intellectual energy was directed to its acquisition, and the professors of the day despised the ignorance and superstition of those to whom the treasures of antiquity were not accessible. They also, and naturally, showed contempt for alchemists, astrologers, and others pursuing knowledge in a similar manner, and while unable to refute the latter, their mathematical knowledge made them feel that the doctrines of those men were erroneous. A remnant of this feeling of contempt for the study of physical science still lingers in some countries amongst the teachers of the so-called classical schools; although they do not like to confess it even to themselves; and being desirous of continuing the teaching of their predecessors, they consider it as the invasion of an upstart into the holy precincts of their educational temple when physical science wishes to enter the schoolroom. Unfortunately, many of these teachers, however eminent in other respects, know very

little of physical science, and this may be an additional reason why they resist its introduction into the curriculum, since they are not able to understand its value; while it must also be allowed that they have just cause to look with pride upon many distinguished men who, educated at their schools, have without such knowledge, brought great credit to those institutions. Here human nature simply comes into play. On the Continent of Europe and the United States, this defect has already been partially remedied, and in Great Britain powerful advocates, even from the ranks of the most eminent classical scholars, have come forth to break their lances for the introduction of such studies into all schools. In your mother country they are mostly men who have travelled, who have seen the advantages conferred by such studies upon a whole generation in other countries. They have witnessed the delight of the pupils when, after the study of languages and mathematics, natural history, geology, mineralogy, and chemistry, had their turn, and refreshed the scholars for the drier work. They have seen what a treasure the pupils carry with them when they leave school by possessing some knowledge of the laws by which the Universe, from our central sun down to the smallest atom upon earth, is governed, and experiencing that delight which a contemplation of Nature affords—how it ennobles their daily occupation, fills their leisure hours, and teaches them to observe and think. But what intellectual resources of this kind has a young man who leaves a school conducted on our present system? Is he not nearly as much a stranger on this beautiful earth as when he first came upon it, and where will he find time, amid the turmoil of life, to gain that knowledge so necessary to him now-a-days, but which, during the many years of his school-life, was withheld? I trust you will not think I am overstepping my privileges in thus openly expressing my opinion about the present mode of teaching the rising generation, but I should neither be doing my duty, nor deserve the honourable position in which you have placed me, did I not state fearlessly, and without restraint, my convictions on the subject. But, I repeat, that should not some attention be soon paid in our schools to the study of physical science, the time is not distant when in the race of life and in competition with young men from other countries, our colonial youth will be left far behind. However, I have no doubt that many years will not elapse before the people of Great Britain which, of all nations, has the most practical national sense, will thoroughly remedy the evil, and that there will be no country on the face of the earth where the study of physical science is more fostered, so as to preserve to that empire its pre-eminence in the great race of nations, in which, after all, that arts of peace, civilization, and industry will give the ultimate decision. I have detained you too long upon a subject, which, during the last few years, has been treated by such able and distinguished men, that perhaps I could have left it in their hands had I not thought it my duty to allude to it. In order to honour more fully the memory of that illustrious navigator who was the real discoverer of New Zealand, we have fixed the day of our anniversary dinner upon the day when, one hundred years ago, Captain Cook landed officially in New Zealand, and it is from that day that the blessings of civilization have been bestowed upon these beautiful islands. Captain Cook was forty-one years old when he reached our coasts, he being born on the 27th August, 1728. He was in every respect a son of the people, having raised himself from the ranks by his knowledge, honesty of purpose, and courage —one of the most remarkable men which the eighteenth century produced. He not only advanced far into the Arctic, but also explored three times the Antarctic zone, which had never been visited before. It is from him that we not only obtain the earliest reliable accounts of most of the islands of the Pacific Ocean, of the north-west coast of America, of Behring's Straits, and of the Antarctic regions; but he also fixed astronomically, innumerable points on the coasts visited by him, generally with such admirable accuracy, that we still look upon them as reliable authorities. His accounts of the geographical features of the countries visited by him, and of the manners and customs of their inhabitants are also among the most reliable and valuable we possess. He died in the cause of science—an irreparable loss not only to his country, but to the world at large. Truly he may claim to be called the Columbus of the Pacific Ocean, and the inhabitants of the Australian Colonies and New Zealand owe him a great debt of gratitude, because it was his foresight, and his excellent judgment of the natural capabilities of the countries visited, which principally directed the attention of the statesmen of the mother country to these distant lands, where now a branch of the Anglo-Saxon race is occupied in laying the foundations of an empire which, in centuries not far distant from our own, will be ranked amongst the first of the earth. Although every intelligent inhabitant of this country honours the name of Captain Cook, would it not be possible to show this by another mark of our respect? and I therefore do not hesitate to offer a suggestion which I hope will be taken up and acted upon by our legislators. Hitherto great confusion has prevailed relative to the name of this island, which is called both the Middle and South Island. The appellation Middle Island is a mistake, as the size of Stewart's Island precludes it from being ranked with the two others. The most eminent geographers of Great Britain and of the Continent of

Europe—such men as Arrowsmith, Keith Johnston, Petermann, Hochstetter, etc.—call it always the South Island, while in New Zealand, even in official documents, it is called sometimes by the one, sometimes by the other name. In order to avoid further misunderstanding, would it not be appropriate to give this island the name of Cookland? for, so far as I am aware, no country visited by that illustrious navigator has been so designated; or in the case of the Northern Island claiming that name, on the ground of it being the first part of the country where Captain Cook landed, might not another distinct name be given to it, D'Urville Land, Antipodea, and Alexandra Land, having already been proposed. I should have suggested its being called Tasman Land, had not the inhabitants of Tasmania rightly appropriated the name to their island. However, I am quite content to have mooted the subject, and leave it in the hands of our legislators to move in the matter, which, as I believe, deserves some consideration at their hands. I have to congratulate you upon the near completion of the new museum building, where it will be possible to find the necessary room for the proper arrangement of the collections belonging to the province, and to which the public has so liberally contributed, and I am proud to say that our Institute may claim some little credit in the work of bringing about this desirable result, it having for several years urged the erection of a proper building upon the Provincial Government, and those of our members who also hold seats in the Provincial Council having likewise laboured in the same direction. The report of your Council, laid before you on the 8th of July in this year, justly points out that we all have cause to be satisfied with the advance made by the Society during the past year with the accession of new members, and its general prospects in the future. Our principal aim being to promote the intellectual and material progress of Canterbury, a great deal still remains to be done towards accomplishing so desirable an object. At the same time, I may claim the sympathy and assistance of the inhabitants of the province for our Society, which can only progress when the province at large takes an interest in our doings and augments our ranks, so that we may gain more workers in the common field of enquiry. Will you here allow me to offer you my warmest and most sincere thanks for the honour you have done me in again electing me your President, and will you kindly receive my promise that I will endeavour to do my duty to the Society to the best of my ability. I desire, however, to express a hope that you will allow me to retire at the next election into your ranks, giving place to some other member, who will be able to conduct the business of the Philosophical Institute more efficiently than I have done. Although much has been discovered, and wonderful inventions have been made, a great deal of the general field of enquiry still remains unexplored; not to speak of the peculiar rewards which New Zealand offers to the student and lover of nature. Let us, therefore, strive to contribute our share towards the accumulation of those facts, by inductive reasoning on which sound knowledge can only be gained, and however small the mite which we may be able to add, it will always be some addition towards the great mental edifice raised by the intellect of mankind to the glory of that First Intelligent Cause, in Whom all ultimate knowledge rests, Whom we vainly seek to conceive or to understand, and “in Whom we live, and move, and have our being.” Tenth Meeting. November 3, 1869. J. Haast, Ph. D., F. R. S., President, in the chair. The Honorary Secretary (Rev. C. Fraser) intimated that he had written to Dr. Hector respecting the expenses of delegates for electing Governors, etc., but had as yet* Letter received on November 1st; answered on 2nd.—J. H. received no reply. He understood, however, that it would be necessary for the delegates to proceed to Wellington in order to take part in the election. Mr. G. W. Hall moved,—“That a committee be appointed to obtain information as to the various grasses, native and artificial, suitable for stock feeding, and especially as to the best means of utilising the grasses indigenous to the colony.” The motion was seconded by Mr. Fereday, and carried, after some discussion on the result of experiments which have already been made, the necessity of extensive correspondence, and a liberal allowance of time to the Committee for bringing up their report. The Hon. J. B. Acland, Messrs. J. Hall, R. Wilkin, J. F. Armstrong, A. Duncan, and the Mover, were appointed a Committee to carry out Mr. Hall's resolutions, and power was given them to add to their number. Mr. Nottidge moved,—“That a Committee be appointed to draw up a code of rules for the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury; such Committee to consist of the Rev. J. Wilson, Mr. R. Fereday, and the Mover.” The motion was carried, on the understanding that the new code would be merely a simplification of the present rules.

Paper read:— “On the Tendency of Modern English Poetry,” by W. C. Purnell. Dr. Haast read letters from Mr. Townsend, of Akaroa, and Captain Gibson, Harbour Master at Lyttelton, on the subject of the tidal disturbances expected to occur on October 5th. The former stated that on the day in question the water in Akaroa Harbour was lower than it had been since the great earthquake wave of August, 1868; that six tides in succession were unusually low; and suggested that the sun and moon being both on the equator at the time, an accumulation of waters would take place there, and consequently a lowering of the level in this part of the world. Captain Gibson stated that he had taken measures for ascertaining the precise extent of any tidal disturbances which might occur at Lyttelton, but nothing unusual happened. A short discussion followed on the reading of the letters.