692 Proceedings. 



Fourth Meeting: Sth September, 1886. 

 Dr. Hector in the chair. 



Papers. — 1. "On Polynesian Folk-lore," by E. Tregear. 

 {Transactions p. 486.) 



2. " On a new Species of Moth, [Pasiphila lichenodes,) by 

 A. Purdie, M.A. (Transactions, p. 69.) 



Fifth Meeting : 20(/(- October, 1886. 

 Dr. Hector in the chair. 



New Member. — Mr. Hughes. 



Papers. — 1. " On the Waihao Greensands and their Eelation 

 to the Ototara Limestone," by Mr. McKay. [Transactions, p. 

 434.) 



2. " On Tree Blight," by W. M. Maskell, F.K.M.S. 



The author suggested that the Government be petitioned to take some 

 immediate action in the matter, and try by every means to prevent the 

 wholesale destruction of their trees by insects, etc. In his opinion it -would 

 be of far greater use to spend some of the vote to the Forest Department in 

 preserving the trees, than in trying to plant olives in Auckland. He had 

 been for some time trying to bring about some action in the matter, and 

 he would move " That a deputation wait upon the Government and petition 

 that something might be done." 



Mr. Crawford seconded the resolution, which after discussion was 

 unanimously carried. 



Mr. Maskell proposed, and Mr. Chapman seconded, "That the Council 

 of the Society be authorised to take steps to carry out this resolution." — 

 Carried. 



^f ^Exhibits.— (1.) A fine specimen of female salmon-trout which had been 

 caught by Mr. Eutherfurd in the Hutt River, weighing 11 pounds, was ex- 

 hibited by Dr. Hector. (2.) The Chairman exhibited a map of the recent 

 earthquakes at Charlestowu, which he had just received, and certain re- 

 markable facts connected with them were discussed. (3.) A collection of 

 fossils from Otago were also shown and described by Mr. McKay. 



Dr. Hutchinson was nominated to vote in the election of Governors of 

 the New Zealand Institute for the ensuing year. 



Sixth Meeting : \dth January, 1887. 

 Dr. Hector in the chair. 



New Member. — Mr. J. Esdaile. 



Papers. — 1. " On a Common Vital Force," by Coleman 

 PhilHps. 



Abstbact. 



Jhe author states that his paper contains a subject partaking rather of 

 philoliophical inquiry than strict scientific research. But as late discoveries, 

 such as the theories of Darwin, tend in the one direction of asserting " the 



