502 . Proceedings. 



7. "On the Position of Sulphocyauogen among the Elements, with Notes 

 upon the Series of double S ulphocyanides discovered by the author in 1868," 

 by W. Skey. 



8. "A Description of some new Species of Gymnostomum," by Charles 

 Knight, F.RC.S. {Transactions, p. 354.) 



Specimens of these plants were laid on the table. 



Sixth Meeting. 12th September, 1874. 



Charles Knight, F.RC.S., President, in the chair. 



New members .—Herbert Gaby, Frank Bailey Passmore, C.E., John 

 Gibson Dees, C.E. 



exhibited 



Mr. 



Wellington Soap and Candle Works, being 



commencement of this new branch of industry in the colony. He stated that 

 the difficulty of procuring oil of vitriol in the colony prevented the manufacture 

 of this and many other useful chemical products. White Island had been 

 mentioned as likely to afford a supply of sulphur for vitriol works, but the 

 sulphur is there found largely mixed with sulphate of lime, and could not be 

 obtained in a pure state in quantity. Still, if the manufacture of plaster of 

 Paris were combined with this process, it might perhaps be made profitable, as 

 the same calcination would yield sublimed sulphur and leave plaster of Paris 

 as a residue. He also exhibited a series of nickel ores, lately analysed in the 

 laboratory, from a new locality, the richest samnles containing 1 4 ™r rant, of 



zinc 



1. "On the Hot Winds of Canterbury," by Alexander McKay, of the 

 Geological Survey Department. {Transactions, p. 105.) 



Captain Edwin thought the winds described nrast be of a local character, 

 and that they might not be from the north-west, but receive their direction 



mountains 



Walter 



2. "Notes on certain disputed Species of New Zealand Birds," by 



, C.M.Z.S., etc. {Transactions, p. 211.) 

 Longitude of Wellington Observatory," by 



3. "Memorandum on the Longitude of 



Captain Nares, of H.M.S. " Challenger," with x W *^ 1C „ 



F.R.S. ; communicated by the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. 



Sir, — I have the honour 

 gitude of Wellington, whicl 

 lie Observatory here, by Ca 



Museum, "Wellincrt 



relative to the 



