Wellington Philosophical Society. | 539 
affinity between races should not therefore rest upon the designs of their handiwork, which 
is often quite opposed to the results of an examination of the structure of their language, 
which, of course, is a much surer guide. He spoke of the affinities of race which really 
do exist as most wondrous and suggestive, and mentioned that one form of the Malagash 
(i.e. Madagascar) numerals was identical with those of Fiji, which again closely resemble 
those of New Zealand. 
A discussion of a conversational character ensued, Dr. Hector pointing out the 
interest of the observation made by Mr. Romilly, that, after battling for many days with 
a strong adverse current, a sudden change in its direction had carried them in the wished- 
for course without a change of wind, as bearing on the intercourse of the inhabitants of 
the different islands. i 
he thanks of the Society were recorded to Mr. Romilly for his interesting address. 
Sixtn Mretine. 21st January, 1882. 
Dr. Hector, President, in the chair. . 
New Members.—E. Best, Allen Hogg, M. Fearnley, C. Hedley, J. McLen- 
nan, A. F. Somerville, and Dr. T. R. King. 
|A list of the additions to the library since last meeting (some 40 volumes) 
was laid on the table, and the principal objects added to the Museum were 
exhibited. . 
1. “A Study of the Causes leading to the Extinction of the Maori,” by 
Alfred K. Newman, M.B., M.R.C.P. (Transactions, p. 459.) — aes re 
Dr. Grace agreed with a good deal in the paper, but did not accept the statement that 
the Maori were dying out so fast as the auth med to think. No doubt they were 
decreasing, and the fundamental cause was their indolent habits. If it were possible to 
make the Maoris do a fair share of work for their existence the race would improve. - In 
Jamaica, which was a fertile country, the natives were lazy, and they were decreasing ; 
but in Barbadoes, where the soil and climate were not so good, and where they were 
obliged to work for their living, they were increasing. We had a duty to perform in im-— 
‘proving the race. We had to a certain extent deprived them of their vigorous habits, and 
have not succeeded in impressing upon them the benefits to be derived from true industry 
and virtue. He did not think they suffered much more from introd' d di than did 
Europeans. The need for healthy manual labour was at the root of the evil, especially in 
a humid climate like ours, where such habits are necessary. He did not look with despair 
at the future of the Maori, and he thought that in fifty years hence we should have a 
larger population of natives than we have now. 
1 & eAdvncs anil ‘inelined 
The President, in thanking Dr. Newman for his eloq 
