Discussion on Dr. Newman's Paper on Physiological Changes in the English Race in New Zealand

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 9, 1876, Page 617

Discussion on Dr. Newman's Paper on Physiological Changes in the English Race in New Zealand 3. “Speculations on the Physiological Changes obtaining in the English Race when transplanted to New Zealand,” by A. K. Newman, M.B. (Transactions, p. 37.)

The author argued that, from the lesser atmospheric pressure in these southern latitudes, and the want of phosphates, vital functions were more active, but less perfectly performed, and that the result was that the offspring of Europeans reared in Australia and New Zealand were physically and mentally inferior to those born in England. Mr. Crawford: “How about Trickett?” Dr. Newman said that Trickett was an exception; and one might just as well say, if it were pointed out that Chinamen were not tall, how about Chang? Mr. Carruthers said he would like to see some statistics in support of the statement, and doubted if they would bear out the author's deductions. Dr. Hector said that it was quite a novelty to have such a sweeping attack made on the climate of New Zealand, and thought that general experience was opposed to the author's views. He considered the paper valuable, as it called attention to many things, which he believed, however, to be due to causes that might be remedied, and not to those attributed to them by the author. Mr. Andrew said, that if the author was right in his statement, that there was a deficiency of phosphates in our food, he was glad that he had suggested as a remedy a large consumption of oysters. The Hon. Mr. Mantell said he was sure that there were many members who would like to discuss the subject more fully, and he would move that the subject be adjourned till next meeting, which was agreed to. 4. The Chairman called attention to a communication from the Hon. Mr. Waterhouse relative to certain specimens of Timber, proving the protective influence of charring against the ravages of the Teredo. 5. “Notes on the Valley System on the Western Flanks of Mount Cook,” by S. Herbert Cox, F.C.S., F.G.S. (Transactions, p. 577.) The author gave an account of explorations made by himself and Mr. McKay while engaged in the geological survey of the district. Dr. Hector said that this was the first recorded attempt to ascend the Mount Cook range from the west, but he understood from the author that he had not discovered any practicable route to the peak. 6. The Chairman, before adjourning the meeting, announced that three papers required to be held over. He called attention to the large series of Photographs arranged in the Hall, which had been brought by Dr. Hector from America to illustrate the scenery of the Yellow-stone Hot Lakes and the Nevada Mines.