482 Proceedings. 



of the oxides. Other functions used are the total feldspars (calculated on 

 the assumption of unlimited silica), the total metasilicates, and the iron-ores 

 and minor accessories. A trial })lotting of the feldspars has not shown very 

 definite grouping into a belt, and if a further series of analyses does not 

 remedy this defect it will be necessary to seek for other functions of the 

 analyses which do satisfactorily group themselves. 



About a thousand analyses have been calculated and plotted, but some 

 years ago the research was laid aside in view of the anticipated early publi- 

 cation of the second edition of Washington's Suj)erior Analyses of Igneous 

 Rocks, which would render unnecessary the individual collation of analyses 

 from original pajiers. This publication was, however, delayed by the war, 

 and has not yet reached New Zealand. It is hoped to resume and com- 

 plete the researcli by the aid of a Government research grant. Meanwhile 

 it is of interest, in view of recent discussion of silica-saturation from the 

 C[ualitative point of view, to point out that a quantitative study could 

 easily be made. 



'■ The Tectonic Conditions accom})anying the Intrusion of Basic and 

 Ultra-basic Igneous Rocks." by Professor W. N. Benson. 



'' Notes on the Mechanical Composition of the so-called Loess at Timaru," 

 by Mr. L. J. Wild. (Printed in the Transactions, pp. 286-88.) 



'■ The Organization and Functions oi a State Geological Survey," by 

 Mr. P. G. Morgan. (Printed in the N .Z. Journal of Science and Technology, 

 vol. 2, pp. 289-99, 1919.) 



Resolutions. — The following resolutions were adopted : — 



1. ■■ That the Government be urged to appoint a Palaeontologist as a 

 permanent member of the Geological Survey at the earliest possible oppor- 

 tunity, such an officer being essential for the proper carrying-on of any 

 geological survey."" (Proposer, Mr. R. S|)eight ; seconder, Dr. C. A. Cotton.) 



2. ■' That this meeting urges upon the Government the importance of 

 instituting a seisinographic installation of tlie most modern type, as the 

 instruments used in New Zealand at jiresent, though giving very useful 

 information, are not capable of work of the highest character." (Proposer, 

 Professor W. N. Benson ; seconder. Dr. C. A. Cotton.) 



SECTION 3.— CHEMISTRY, PHYSICS, AND ENGINEERING. 

 Wednesday, 5th February, 1919, 10 a.m. 



Present : Professor T. H. Easterfield, President, in the chair, and a 

 number of others. 



Papers. — " An Improved Planisphere," by Professor D. M. Y. Sommer- 

 ville. (Printed in the N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology, vol. 2, 

 pp. 193-95, 1919.) 



" Tables of Mathematical Functions, "" by Dr. C. E. Adams. 



" The Leather Industry," liy Mr. A. V. Mountford. 



Thursday, 6th February, 1919. 10 a.m. 



Present : Professor T. H. Easterfield, President, in the chair, and many 

 others. 



Pa])('rs.^'' The New Zeahiud Climate,"' by Mr. F. L. Wooles. 



