432 



Proceedings. 



source ; tlie bitter taste of tlie mineral substance wMcb tlie water holds in 

 solution is quite appreciable at the mouth of the river after a course of 

 about seventy miles. 



It was down this river that the wonderful avalanche of ice and mud 

 forced its way from Euapehu to the sea in 1863, scouring out the bed 

 of the river, destroying a bridge, and doing great damage to the native 

 cultivations. The cause of the avalanche may no doubt be attributed to a 

 sudden escape of vapours from the same volcanic source that gives origin 

 to the mineral waters. 



A specimen of the water from near the source of the river, forwarded 

 by Mr. Gilbert Mair, R.M., has been analyzed, with the following results : — 



"Water persistently turbid, from the presence of clayey matter ; taste, 

 very sour. Contains the constituents of potash alum, with the addition of a 

 little chloride of magnesium and protochloride of iron. The total of fixed 

 matters obtained from 2 oz. of the water was "370 gramme, or at the rate of 

 456 grammes per gallon. 



7. " On Phosphate of Lime for Manure," by "W. Skey. 



The analysis showed this to be a really valuable manure, admirably 

 adapted from its richness in phosphates, and especially in soluble phos- 

 phates, to supply growing crops with the one thing which is most useful, 

 viz. phosphoric acid. 



This manure was sold by Messrs. "W. and T. Hurst, of Auckland, and 

 was forwarded by Mr. Eyburn, of Auckland, for analysis. 



8. " On Coal from Preservation Inlet," by "W. Skey. 



The specimen was forwarded for examination by Mr. Eccles, of Dunedin. 



It appears that this coal belongs to the series of hydrous or brown coals, 

 and, as is usual with such, its proportion of sulphur is very large. As a fuel, 

 therefore, it ranks in value with the Clutha and Saddle Hill coals of the 

 South Island. 



ine toiiowmg is an anaiys 

 Water 



IS : — 



... 16-20 



Pixed carbon 



... 41-23 



Hydro-carbon 



29-43 



Sulphur ... 



5-40 



Ash 



7-74 







100- 



Percentage of water upon carbonaceous matter, 21-29. 

 9. " Remarks on some of the Coleopterous Insects which injure Trees 

 in the Neighbourhood of "Wellington, by R. H. Huntley. 



Absteact. 

 After explaining upon what trees the various insects feed, the author 



