WELLINGTON PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. 



First Meeting. 26th April, 1882. 



Dr. Hector in the chair. 



New Members. — Eev. H. V. "White, Eev. A. Dasent, Dr. Dakers, Dr. Cole, 

 Emil Senn, F. V. Waters, J. P. McAlister. 



1. "Does Morality depend on Free Will?" by the Eev. H. Yere 

 White, M.A. 



2. "Notes on the Katipo, a Venomous Spider of New Zealand," by 

 C. H. Eobson, lighthouse-keeper on Portland Island. 



Mr. Eobson was of opinion that there is a variety on the island with only faint red 

 markings on the abdomen, having all the habits of the known variety. 



No full description or specimen was forwarded, and Dr. Hector thought it would 

 be premature, under the circumstances, to take it for granted that there are two distinct 

 species. 



3. " On the Search for concealed Coal in New Zealand," by J. C. 

 Crawford. 



ABSTEACT. 



The writer suggested that search should be made with the diamond drill for concealed 

 coal measures, which were overlaid by tertiary formations, in the valleys of the Wanganui, 

 Wangaehu, Turakina, and Eangitikei rivers, at spots which the Geological Department 

 might point out ; also that the eastern side of the dividing range might also be examined, 

 though the borings at Poverty Bay should give an indication of the strata. 



Dr. Hector did not think that the suggestion was of much use without indications of 

 the best localities, as it would not be a very wise proceeding to bore at random where there 

 was perhaps 2,000 or 3,000 feet to bore through. 



Mr. J. C. Harris suggested that Mr. Crawford might have thrown out the idea for the 

 benefit of future generations. The surface deposits on the West Coast and in Auckland 

 were known to be so extensive that the colony would be amply supplied from them for 

 at least five or six hundred years. These must be nearly exhausted before any boring 

 operations for concealed deposits could be undertaken with profit. 



Second Meeting. 8th July, 1882. 



W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S., President, in the chair. 



Neiv Members. — A. S. Atkinson, J. B. Byrne, J. L. DArcy Irvine, C.E., 

 H. B. Kirk, B.A. 



1 . The President apologized for not being able on this occasion to deliver the usual 

 opening address, owing to pressure of professional business. He trusted, however, at 

 subsequent meeting to make a few remarks. 



