Auckland Institute. 567 



the Maoris were a branch, had lived for ages in a climate and under con- 

 ditions where the means of subsistence were easily obtained. There was, 

 therefore, no incentive to progress. The European races had for the 

 most part to contend with an inhospitable climate, and had to fight for 

 their existence with neighbouring races — their efforts were thus quickened 

 and intensified ; and the discovery of metals led to an enormous advance. 

 Granted time and opportunity, the Maori race was capable of similar 

 improvement. 



Third Meeting : 5th August, 1907. 



Mr. E. V. Miller, President, in the chair. 



New Members.— H. H. Metcalfe, C.E., H. Roche, Dr. Buck. 

 Dr. R. Brifiault delivered a lecture on " Science and Meta 

 physics." 



After illustrating the growth and characteristics of scientific method, 

 and the standards of scientific demonstration, the lecturer proceeded 

 to compare the conceptions held by the physicist on certain physical 

 questions — as the nature of matter, the transmission of energy, ideas of 

 motion, force, space, &c. — with the arguments of metaphysicians and 

 others. 



Fourth Meeting : 28th August, 1907. 



Mr. E. V. Miller, President, in the chair. 



Papers. — 1. " Notes on the Vegetation of Mount Hector, 

 Tararua Range," by D. Petrie (p. 289). 



2. " Description of a New Veronica,''' by D. Petrie (p. 288). 



3. " Botanical Nomenclature," by T. F. Cheeseman (p. 447). 



4. " Translation of Dumont D'Urville's Account of the 

 Voyage of the * Astrolabe,' Part I," bv S. Percy Smith (p. 416). 



Fifth Meeting : 2nd September, 1907. 



Mr. E. V. Miller, President, in the chair. 



Mr. F. P. Worley, M.A., delivered a popular lecture, with 

 experimental illustrations, on " The Composition of the Sun." 



Sixth Meeting : 30th September, 1907. 



Mr. E. V. Miller, President, in the chair. 



Mr. W. E. Bush, C.E., City Engineer, delivered a popular 

 lecture on " The Disposal of City Sewage." 



The lecture was profusely illustrated with limelight views and dia- 

 grams. 



