Auckland Institute. | 463 
may be but little, but let that little be done. We may be wanting in the 
qualifications necessary to complete such a work, but it only requires that 
which is in our power—energetie and judicious efforts—to complete the 
small portion of the task that falls to the share of the present generation. 
The rest must be left to time and posterity. 
l. *On the Botany of the Northern Part of the North Island," by 
T. Kirk. (Transactions, p. 84.) 
Dr. Hector spoke in commendation of the paper. He hoped that such 
excursions as that of the cutter * Glance," during which the observations 
were made, would more frequently be undertaken than hitherto. He 
himself had had a six months' excursion in the same quarter. Novelties 
could now hardly be looked for in New Zealand, for the plants were pretty 
equally distributed, and a number of excellent observers had devoted them- 
selves to exploration in it. Passing from botany, Dr. Hector made some re- 
marks upon the geology of the district to the north of Auckland. Although 
the geology of New Zealand was very complex, still the great features were 
now fairly ascertained. Dr. Hochstetter’s researches had surpassed the 
others in published results, but he must have derived a great deal of informa- 
tion from Major Heaphy and other local geologists. Dr. Hector then gave 
a most interesting account, first, of the geology of the New Zealand Islands 
as a whole; and next, more particularly of the geology of the northern part 
of Auckland, pointing out especially the areas occupied by paleozoic rocks 
that might prove auriferous, and also the area and extent of the great 
northern coal field. ‘The lecture was illustrated by a geological map of the 
Northern District, which was published by Dr. Hector in 1866, and also 
by unpublished maps and sections of the coal fields. 
Captain Hutton followed with some remarks on the same subject, saying 
that he believed Dr. Hector’s account was the first that had been given of 
the general geology of New Zealand, and more especially of that part which 
had been more minutely described. 
The Rey. Dr. Purchas expressed his gratification at the remarks that had 
been made by Dr. Hector and Captain Hutton. He said he had visited the 
Thames Gold Fields, and had been surprised at the quantity of gold lost there 
owing to the presence of sulphurets and the fine nature of the gold. That 
loss, he thought, might be obviated. He moved that the thanks of the 
meeting be given to Dr. Hector for his interesting statement. 
Dr. Fischer seconded the motion, which was agreed to. 
Thanks were also given to Mr. Kirk. 
2. "The Secretary then read a paper “On the Crater of White Island,” 
by Dr. Rolston and Lieut. Edwin, of H.M.S. * Falcon." 
