Canterbury Philosophical Institute. 467 



1. " On the Practical Uses of an Observatory," by W. M. Maskell. 



This paper was printed by resohition of the Council of 2nd October in the 

 " Lyttelton Times." 



2. " Remarks on the Coleoptera of Canterbury, New Zealand," by C. M. 

 Wakefield. (See Transactions, p. 294.) 



3. " On PhaXacrocorax punctatus (Spotted Shag)," by T. H. Potts, RL.S. 

 (See Tra7isactions, p. 201.) 



Eighth Meeting. 2nd October, 1872. 

 His Honour Mr. Justice Gresson, President, in the chair. 



New member. Armson. 



Publications received since last meeting were laid on the table. 



Annual General Meeting. %th November, 1872. 

 His Honour Mr. Justice Gresson, President, in the chair. 



ANNUAL REPORT. 



The Council congratulate the members of the Society on the completion 

 of the eighth year since its first establishment. The Society has now a firm 

 footing, and its future welfare is no longer a matter of uncertainty. The 

 Council would, however, point out that, although the number of subscribers 

 is as large as ever, there has been during the past year a dearth of papers and 

 communications, which may cause the Society to be compared unfavourably 

 with the other afiiliated Societies on the appearance of the Transactions of the 

 New Zealand Institute. They would therefore urge upon the members the 

 necessity of each one endeavouring to contribute information during the next 

 session of the Society, and the Council beg to suggest that the Society is the 

 proper medium for publishing much valuable information which is at present 

 forwarded to newspapers and English periodicals. 



Nine papers have been read during the past session. 



Numerous gifts of books have been received during the year. 



A marine aquarium constructed of slate and plate-glass in the best method, 

 and to contain 15 J gallons, has been obtained from home, and will shortly be 

 stocked and placed in the Museum, where it will undoubtedly prove highly 

 attractive. 



A grant of <£5 has been made to assist Dr. Haast in his explorations in 

 the Moa Bone Cave at Sumner. 



