WEST LAND INSTITUTE. 



First Meeting. 11th August, 1880. 



Mr. John Nicholson, in the chair. 



Mr. F. E. Clarke read a paper "On a new species of Trachypterus, found 

 at Jackson's Bay." (Transactions, p. 195). 



Second Meeting. 18th February, 1881. 



Dr. Giles, President, in the chau\ 



Mr. F. £. Clarke read a paper "On a Bird new to Science, found at the 

 mouth of the Mikonui Eiver." 



abstract of annual report. 



During tlie year eleven ordinary and three special meetings have been held. One 

 hundred and eighty-three new books have been received from Mudie and Co., of London, 

 and this addition to the Library increases the number of volumes to upwards of 2170. 



The reading-room has been well attended during the year, the number of visitors 

 availing themselves of its advantages being considerably more than for the year 1879. 



The sum of £70 17s. lOd. was received, being the society's portion of the amount 

 voted by Government to free libraries, and £25 as share of rent derived from the Govern- 

 ment House, Hokitika. 



The accounts show : — Balance in the Bank of New Zealand, £77 6s. 6d. ; cash in 

 hand, £1 5s. ; overdue subscriptions, £15 15s. ; rent due for the society's reserve, £6 ; 

 and subsidies of £15 each due from the Borough and County Council, making a 

 total of £130 6s. 6d. ; liabilities, £7 Os. 5d. ; thus showing a credit balance to the Society 

 of ^123 6s. Id. 



The number of members on the roll for 1879 was 115 ; and for this year 110, thus 

 showing a decrease of 5 members for the year. 



Election of Officers for 1881 : — President — Dr. Giles ; Vice-president — 

 Mr. Spence ; Hon. Treasurer — Mr. Croft ; Council — E. C. Eeid, A. H. King, 

 J. Pearson, M. W. Jack, Dr. James, D. Macdonald, J. Nicholson, E. W. 

 Wade, H. E. Eae, F. A.Learmonth, E. F. Eich, G. A. Paterson; Auditors — 

 H. Harvey, J. P. Virtue. 



