OTAGO INSTITUTE. 
First Meetinc. 114% February, 1873. 
J. T. Thomson, Е. R.G.S., Vice-President, in the chair. 
New member. — The Right Reverend S. T. Neville D.D., Bishop of 
Dunedin. 
1. “On the Glacial Action and Terrace Formations of South New 
Zealand,” by J. T. Thomson, F.R.G.S. (Transactions, p. 309.) 
Considerable discussion took place on the geological and glacial hypotheses 
set forth in the paper, in which the Hon. Captain Fraser, Messrs. McKerrow, 
Gillies, and Beal took part. "They were all opposed to the theory propounded, 
and argued that as a rule the transformation of the earth's surface was 
attributable to aqueous and volcanic agency. 
. Mr. McKerrow considered that the fact of the remarkable curve made in 
the course of a river’s descent had been clearly brought out by the collating 
and comparison of the survey data. It was quite new to him. 
Regarding a suggestion that the Whale Fishery in the far South Sea 
should be prosecuted in vessels belonging to Otago, Mr. A. Bathgate referred 
to the Act against the killing of whales along the shore in the calving season 
being allowed to remain a dead letter, and ре Ч in favour of the fitting out of 
whalers from Port Chalmers. 
Mr. Gillies and Mr. P. Thomson said it was a venture which, properly 
managed, would bring enormous profits. 
Mr. J. S. Webb mentioned that the Spectroscope ordered some time ago 
was on board the “ Beautiful Star,” and would be landed before next meeting. 
He believed it was one of the finest instruments that had ever crossed the. 
Line. 
Ѕесохр MEETING. 24th April, 1873. 
R. Gillies in the chair. 
New member —The Reverend Е. б. Penny. x 
The Secretary reported the election by the Council of Mr. Purdie to the 
office of Curator and Librarian. 
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