408 Proceedings. 
I will not detain you longer, as there are several papers to be read; but 
I would just point out that the eminently practical treatise by Dr. Lemon 
on ‘‘ Duplex Telegraphy,” and the suggestive paper by Mr. M‘Kay on “The 
Hot Winds of Canterbury,” show that other subjects have been discussed, 
and that the attention of our Society has not been confined to any particular 
branch of scientific inquiry ; that, on the contrary, it has during the past 
vear kept in view the avowed object of its existence, namely, ‘“ the develop- 
ment of the physical character of the New Zealand group: its natural 
history, resources, and capabilities.” 
Mr. CG. C. Graham, in proposing a vote of thanks to the President, said 
that the Society was fortunate in having at its head one who had s0 
thoroughly identified himself with the furtherance of science in New Zea- 
land. The able réswné contained in Dr. Buller’s address gave a clear view 
of the rise and progress of science in this Colony, and of its rapid develop- 
ment during the past few years. He asked the meeting to join with him im 
congratulating their President on the scientific honours which had fallen 
upon him. Although born and bred in the Colony, he had through his 
devotion to science, achieved a position of great distinction, and was there- 
fore entitled to the thanks of all who had the interest of the country at 
heart. 
The vote was carried by acclamation. 
PAPERS, 
The President said he had received a letter from Dr. Hector containing 
a series of very interesting ornithological notes made during a voyage to 
England. (See Transactions, page 199.) 
1. A paper was read by the President from the Ven. Archdeacon Stock, 
containing remarks upon a large bat that had been seen by him in1 4, 
which he believed to be a new variety. (See Transactions, page 180.) 
Mr. Kirk stated that he had seen a large bat at the Clarence River, but 
he had been unable to distinguish it from Scotophilus tuberculatus. 
2. The President read a paper entitled “ Notes on Gerygone flaviventris.” 
(See Transactions, page 181.) The paper contained extracts from ‘“ The 
Birds of New Zealand,” and observations in reply to a paper from Mr. 
Justice Gillies, in last year’s volume of Transactions. 
3. A paper entitled “Remarks on Dr. Finsch’s Paper on Ornithology” in 
Vol. VIL., of the Transactions, was also read by the President. (See 
Transactions, page 194.) The paper contained criticisms on Dr. Finsch’s 
views respecting classification, as propounded in a paper read before the 
Otago Institute. 
A discussion ensued, in which the author of the paper and Messrs. Kirk 
and Graham took part, on the question, “ What constitutes a species?” The 
