MANAWATU PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. 



Third Meeting : 8th July, 1909. 



Mr. M. A. Eliott, President, in the chair. 



Mr. R. C. Bruce, of Hunterville, gave a very interesting address on 

 " Reminiscences of the Maori Race." 



Speaking on the question of the origin of the Maoris, IVIi-. Bruce exjiressed himself 

 as strongly of the opinion that they were originally a branch of the Aryan stock, though 

 110 doubt they had become mixed with many other strams in the course of their slow 

 migration from the central plateau of Asia to the islands of the Pacific. In support of 

 this, Mr. Bruce pointed out the close resemblance existing m some cases between Maori 

 and Celtic myths — as, for instance, those associated with the hokioi in the one case and- 

 the eagle in the other. As illustrating the curious occurrence at times of a " throw- 

 back " to a long-previoiis strain, he stated that he had himself seen a Maori who was an 

 exact reproduction of the Aztec type, comparing that fact with the recently rejiorted 

 occurrence of a black calf in the Chillingham herd of wild cattle. 



As to the existence in New Zealand at the time of the coming of the Maoris of an 

 aboriginal race of lower type, Mr. Bruce stated that the best aiithorities with whom he 

 had discussed the subject — Sir George Grey, Sir Walter BuUer, and others — had always 

 declined to express any definite opinion ; but that there were certain facts which tended 

 to support the idea — as, for instance, the discovery by Mr. Field, on the Waitotara, of 

 human remains distinct from the Maori type, and the discovery also of an old building, 

 at the supporting posts of which were foimd hiiman skeletons. 



Mr. Bruce concluded with an earnest appeal for the preservation of all legends and 

 memorials of the Maori yet remaining. 



Fourth Meeting : ]9th August, 1909. 

 Mr. M. a. EUott, President, in the chair. 



Dr. J. M. Bell, Director of the Geological Survey, gave a most interesting- 

 lecture on " The Heart of the Southern Alps." 



The lecturer pointed out the points of difference, geological, botanical, and climatic, 

 between this district and similar ones in other parts of the world, calling special attention 

 to the very low level, considermg the latitude, reached by the Franz Josef Glacier, and 

 the remarkable contrast between it and the semi-tropical vegetation which fringed its 

 lower reaches. He also mentioned the fact — unique as far as was known — that the 

 terminal of this glacier had been during the last few years perceptibly advancing. 



The lecture was illustrated by a series of very fine lantern-slides, from photographs 

 taken by Dr. Bell during his different expeditions. 



