OTAGO INSTITUTE. 
First Meerine. 6th April, 1881. 
Dr. Hocken, Vice-President, in the chair. 
New Member.—David White. 
: 1. Professor Parker exhibited and made remarks upon the skin and skeleton of the 
Takahe (Notornis mantelli), the property of Mr. J. Connor, manager to Captain Hankinson, 
of Lynwood, Te Anau, where the bird was recently killed. 
Mr. F, Chapman communicated some particulars as to the occurrence of Notornis, 
furnished to him by Mrs. Cameron, of Centre Island, Foveaux Strait. This lady stated 
that two specimens were killed and eaten by Maoris in 1878, who described them to her 
as resembling the poksko, but of the size of a turkey. She had offered £20 for a specimen, 
but without success. 
Dr. Hector said that as three specimens of the bird had now been obtained from 
widely separated localities, he thought it highly probable that others would be found. 
He mentioned having heard, in 1862, near the Matukituki River, a loud booming noise 
followed by a piercing shrill whistle, probably made by some large bird (possibly Aptornis). 
The noise had been heard again this year at the same place by one of his assistants. 
2. Dr. Hector exhibited and made remark upon living specimens of the South Island — 
Paes (Sphenodon giintheri). 
3. Professor Parker exhibited a simple joan of dissecting microscope, made by Mr. 
Bourne, Assistant in the Museum 
4..‘* The Cause of Vers in executing Minor Triangulation with Tastra 
ments of small Diameter,” by J. Aitken Connell. 
Szconp Mzetinc. 21st June, 1881. 
G. M. Thomson, President, in the chair. 
New Member—G. Anderson. 
‘‘ The Birds of Macquarrie Island,’ by Professor Scott. 
: ‘* On a new Species of Cotula, ” by D. Petrie. (Fransastions, Pp. 362). 
