Wellington Philosophical Society. 495 
The Rev. Mr. Ottway agreed with the author, and considered that probably the 
estimate as regards our timber was even under-stated, but that the real value of the 
timbers could not be ascertained until a market had been created for them. He men- 
tioned his own experience in districts in the North Island, where puriri trees, which could 
at one time be had for the asking, in some eight years become worth 25s each, and that 
since that time (1874) that timber had been in great demand for railway trucks and gun- 
carriages, and had become a considerable source of wealth to those who had conserved the 
trees. He also pointed ont that the peculiar value of the New Zealand timber lay in the 
large size of the hardwood logs that could be obtained. 
Dr. Hector thought it of the highest importance that this subject should be thoroughly 
inquired into, and the author deserved great praise for the trouble he had taken in pre- 
paring the paper. Anyone who helped to bring about the conservation of our forests con- 
ferred a public benefit. 
Mr. Kirk had listened with pleasure to the paper. He thought the extent to which 
conservation should be carried out ought to be considered ; also the question as to its 
effect on climate. There was nothing in New Zealand to pata with the oak or spruce. 
Kauri was our best timber, but unfortunately it was fast disappe 
Mr. Lecoy replied at some length, and refuted many doubts pee iy previous speakers 
on the value of his statistics. He thought that when his paper had been read web 
it would be found that his views were supported by experience. 
n ihe motion of Mr. O'Neill,- the further discussion of this paper was adjourned 
until next meeting, to afford members an opportunity of perusing it as it deserved. 
2. * What should be the highest aim of the Wellington Philosophical 
Society,” by Dominick Brown. 
ABSTRACT. 
The author jonta out that there were many subjects other than ques- 
tions purely scientific which might be encouraged among the members, and 
which would benefit not only themselves, but the community at large. 
Owing to the lateness of the hour the discussion on this subject had to be postponed. 
Tamp Mretine. 9th August, 1879. 
A. K. Newman, M.B., President, in the chair. 
New Member.—J. S. Prendeville. 
. “Suggestions towards a Theory accounting for the Movements of the 
Magnetic Needle," by the Hon. R. Hart, M.L.C. 
An interesting discussion followed, in which Messrs. Martin Chapman, J. T. Thom- 
son, Robert Pharazyn, and the President took part, some of the petes differing from 
ihe views set forth by the author. 
2. ** On the Forest Question in New Zealand," by A. Lecoy. 
Discussion on this paper was then resumed. The following members spoke on the 
subject :—Messrs. Campbell, Marten, Chapman, J. T. Thomson, H. Blundell, R. Pharazyn, 
T. Kirk, and Dr. Newman; and by all the author was complimented on the able manner 
in which he had dealt with this most important subject. The speakers, while not being 
; 49 
