466 Proceedings. 



Sixth Meeting. 11th October, 1884. 

 Dr. Spencer, Vice-president, in the chair. 

 New Members. — J. Hindmarsh of Eakaumoana, and J. Large. 



1. "On the Effect of the Scientific Societies of New Zealand on the 

 Character of the Nation," by A. Hamilton. 



2. A fine specimen of sponge sent by Mr. Harding, of Castlepoint, and prepared in 

 the usual manner, proved to be of a marketable kind, though of low value. 



3. Dr. Forrester Matthews presented to the Museum of the Society a specimen of tbe 

 " Vegetable Sheep," (Raoulia), from the Nelson mountains. 



Annual Meeting. 2nd February, 1885. 

 The Eight Eev. the Bishop of Waiapu, President, in the chair. 



Abstkact of Annual Eepoet. 



Four papers were read before the Institute at its ordinary meetings and three ad- 

 dresses were delivered. 



Thanks were accorded to those members who had contributed specimens for exhibition 

 at the meetings. 



During the past year twelve meetings of the Council were held for the transaction of 

 the business of the Society and six ordinary meetings were held. There were 11 resigna- 

 tions received during the past session and 25 members joined the Society, thus making a 

 total of 121 members on the roll. » 



The Council have made arrangements for obtaining a much larger room than at pre- 

 sent. It is intended to use the largest part of the room as a local museum. 



The accounts show a balance of £28 4s. 8d. remaining to the credit of the Institute, 

 in addition to £150 fixed deposit in the bank. 



Election of Officers for 1885 : — President — W. Colenso, F.L.S. ; Vice- 

 president — Thomas Tanner ; Council — W. J. Spencer, S. Locke, F. W. C. 

 Sturm, H. Hill, N. Heath, H. S. Tiffin; Honorary Secretary — A.Hamilton; 

 Honorary Treasurer — J. N. Bowerman ; Auditor — T. K. Newton ; Curator 

 of Museum — A. Hamilton. 



