Hawke's Bay Philosophical Institute.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 37, 1904, Unnumbered Page

Hawke's Bay Philosophical Institute. Annual Report. During the past year there have been, including the annual business meeting, seven meetings of the Institute. The Council met seven times, and transacted a large amount of general business. At the ordinary meetings four lectures were delivered and six papers read. The library has been increased by twenty volumes, and the accommodation for the books has been much improved. The Institute is deeply indebted to Mr. Pointon, who has erected a new lantern-gallery, which has added greatly to the convenience and comfort of those who work the lantern. In September last Mr A. Hamilton withdrew from the Museum a large number of his Maori curios. His remaining curios, together with a number of botanical specimens, Mr. Hamilton presented to the society. The botanical specimens of the late Mr. Colenso, which had been lent to Mr. Cheeseman, of Auckland, were returned by that gentleman properly classified and arranged. Mr. Hill was authorised to communicate with the Government with a view to the specimens being placed on deposit in the Colonial Museum, where they would be of considerable use for scientific purposes. Acting on the recommendation of the Council, Mr. Hill communicated with the Premier, with the result that the specimens have been forwarded to Wellington and placed on deposit as suggested. Early last year a sub-committee was appointed to consider the question of arranging the specimens and putting the Museum in order generally. Nothing, however, has been done in this direction; but your Council consider the matter should be dealt with at once, if the Museum is to be of any use to the society or to the public. Four new members were elected during the year, making a total membership of fifty-five. List of Papers read during the Session, 1904. May 2.—The President, Dr. Moore, delivered the inaugural address, his subject being “What we know about Alcohol.” June 7.—Lecture by Dr. Kennedy, “Star-gazing without a Telescope,” illustrated by a large number of lantern-slides. July 4.—Joint lecture by Messrs. Tanner and Hill, “The Hot Lakes District,” the former taking the northern part and referring particularly to the Waimangu Geyser; the latter dealing with the southern portion, with special reference to Ruapehu and the nature of volcanoes. Numerous lantern-slides were used in illustration.

September 19.—Lecture by Mr. Hill, “The Making of the Heretaunga Plains and Artesian-water Basins,” illustrated by lantern-slides. Seismograph records were shown by Mr. Hogben. October 17.—Paper by Mr. Dinwiddie, “Herbert Spencer.” November 21.—Papers by Mr. Taylor White, (1) “On the word ‘Moa’”;(2) “Notes on Ants.” Election of Officers for 1905.—President—H. Hill, B.A., F.G.S.; Vice-President—H. W. Antill; Council—W. Dinwiddie, T. Hall, E. A. W. Henley, M.B., F. Hutchinson, jun., T. C. Moore, M.D., T. Tanner; Hon. Secretary—Jas. Hislop, district school; Hon. Treasurer—J. W. Craig; Hon. Auditor—G. White; Lanternist—C. F. Pointon.