Auckland Institute. 555 
with numbers of star-fish with long radiating arms, each twelve or fifteen inches long; 
these have now dried up quite small. You will see a cluster of rare little shells on the 
stem covered up with sponges. These shells are only found in deep water.” 
The specimen alluded to by Capt. Mair was exhibited. 
2. ** The Curculionide of New Zealand,” by Capt. T. Broun. 
Capt. Broun stated that the Curculionide now known to inhabit New Zealand 
numbered 114 species, distributed among forty-six genera. Of this number one genus 
and thirty species were now described as new for the first time. 
3. “ The New Zealand Heteromera," by Capt. T. Broun. . 
Thirteen species were indicated as new. 
4. “ Description of a new Species of Polypodium,” by T. F. Cheeseman, 
F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 856.) 
5. “Notes on the firing of Torpedoes by Electricity," by J. A. Pond. 
(Transactions, p. 164.) 
ANNUAL GENERAL Meetine. 18th February, 1878. 
R. C. Barstow, President, in the chair. 
New Members.—T. Bennett, W. A. Brett, Sir Robert Douglas, Bart., 
M.H.R., W. P. Gordon, A. J. Hunter, W. W. Mitchell, J. P. Walker, 
F. A. White. 
The Secretary read the minutes of the last annual meeting, held on 19th February, 
1877. 
ABSTRACT OF ANNUAL REPORT. 
During the year six meetings were held, at which 24 papers were read. Since the 
last annual meeting 48 new members have been elected, the total number on the 
register of the Society now being 278. Numerous donations have been made to the 
useum, but from the want of funds it has been impossible to supply cases in which 
to exhibit them to the public. Arrangements have been made by the curator for inter- 
changes with the chief British and European Museums, and several valuable collections 
have been already received. The retiring Council recommend that an attempt should be 
made to obtain a landed endowment for the Institute, its present revenue being insuf- 
ficient to maintain the museum and library in an efficient state. 
The balance sheet showed the total receipts to be £498 4s. Od. (including a balance 
of £80 19s. 3d. from last year. The expenditure amounted to £423 7s. 4d., leaving a 
balance in hand of £74 16s. 8d. 
Erection or Orricers ror 1878:— President, T. Heale ; Council —R. C. 
Barstow, The Rev. J. Bates, J. L. Campbell, M.D., J. C. Firth, His Honour 
Mr. Justice Gillies, The Hon. Col. Haultain, G. M. Mitford, J. A. Pond, 
The Rev. A. G. Purchas, M.R.C.S.E., J. Stewart, M. Inst. C.E., F. 
Whitaker ; Auditor—T. Macfiarlane ; Secretary and Treasurer—T. F. 
Cheeseman, F.L.S. 
