Wellington Philosophical Soctety. 413 
of a body in a cave at Sumner, which went to prove that it could not 
possibly be of the great antiquity attributed to it. 
8. ‘On the habits of the Frost Fish.” By C. H. Robson. (See Tran- 
sactions, page 218.) 
Mr. Travers could hardly agree with Mr. Robson’s theory that this fish 
committed self-destruction by rushing on shore ; but that probably, as with 
the ling, the wind-bladder becoming inflated, it floats belly upwards and is 
driven on shore; possibly it tries to get into shallow water from its 
enemies. 
4, “Is access to the Sea necessary to Hels,’ by James Duigan.’’ (See 
Transactions, page 221.) This paper went to prove that access to the sea 
could not be necessary, and instanced the Virginia Water, Wanganui, as a 
place where eels live, and from which it would be impossible for them to 
get to the sea. 
Mr. Mantell said that eels travelled for long distances through the grass. 
Mr. Travers pointed out that there was a creek supplied from the Vir- 
ginia Water, and they might get that way. He still thought it was neces- 
sary for at least the young fish to frequent the sea. 
Mr. Kirk thought it quite possible for eels in Virginia water to visit the 
sea. He did not think there were any eels in New Zealand that did not - 
go to sea. 
5. “On the probability of Finding Coal in Wellington Province,” by 
J.C. Crawford. (See Transactions, page 879). 
Mr. Mantell said that he thought the discussion of this paper should be 
postponed until next meeting, when perhaps the author would be present. 
Mr. Travers said that coal had been found in Wanganui. 
Firrs Genera Mertine. 29th Atha 1876. 
Dr. Buller, President, in the chair 
New Members.—The following new members were announced :—A., 
Hamilton, Geo. Hunter, M.H.R.; Francis W. Frankland, Martin Chapman, 
Wellington; Dr. 8. L. Muller, Blenheim; Dr. 8. M. Curl, Rangitikei; 
Arthur Wicksteed, Wanganui. 
It was announced that the Annual Meeting would be held in February, 
it had been delayed to allow the Treasurer to get in some outstanding 
subscriptions. 
PAPERS, 
1. On the Old Lake System of New Zealand, with Observations as 
to the Formation of the Canterbury Plains,” by J. C. Crawford, F.G.S. 
(See Transactions, page 869.) 
2. Further paper on the “Igneous Rocks of Wellington ;” a posteript 
