478 Proceedings. 



the legitimate duties of a Society which professedly aims at the increase of 

 human knowledge. And it is clear that in this, as in many other matters, 

 it is only the making a beginning which is difficult. Once get classes fairly 

 established for the teaching of both the practical and theoretical branches 

 in the art of mining, and other classes, in which the theory and practice of 

 other arts can be acquired, will soon be demanded and supplied. It is 

 already proposed that the South Kensington Department of Science and Art 

 should largely extend its sphere of operations and establish branches in the 

 various British colonies. The Mining School will form the node or nucleus 

 for such a branch in Nelson. A School of Design is the next desideratum, 

 and it ought not to be long before that is established. Other departments 

 should spring up by natural development, and will undoubtedly do so if the 

 inhabitants of the district vouchsafe to the movement that popular support 

 to which it is entitled. 



He next referred to the importance of popular lectures and conversa- 

 ziones, in which amusement could be efficiently blended with instruction, as 

 further methods of increasing the Society's influence. The remainder of his 

 address was devoted to arguing the claims of the prosecution of Science and 

 Literature by those engaged in active business, as a means of developing a 

 condition of sound mental health. 



Council Meeting, 5th December, 1887. 

 Dr. Boor, President, in the chair. 



The Bishop of Nelson was nominated to vote at the election 

 of a Governor of the New Zealand Institute. 



Donation.—" The Zoology of Victoria," by F. McCoy, F.B.S., 

 by the Public Library, Museum, etc., of Melbourne. 



5th December, 1887. 

 Dr. Boor, President, in the chair. 



Donations. — Twenty-four geological specimens, by Mr. H. P. 

 Washbourne. " Official Keport of the Observations made on the 

 Transit of Venus, 1882," by J. McKerrow, Surveyor-General of 

 the Colony ; by the author, through Mr. A. S. Atkinson. 



Paper. — "A few Experiences of Fijian Life," by W. E. 

 Atkinson. 



Council Meeting : 2(ith December, 1887. 



Dr. Boor, President, in the chair. 



Donation. — " The Mining Industries of New Zealand for 

 1887," from the Mines Department (Govt, of N.Z.). 



