534 Proceedings. 



An interesting series of gem sands from Mudgee and the diamond drift of Bingera 

 presented by Professor Liversidge, and also specimens illustrating his discovery of the 

 formation of moss gold by the action of gentle heat on arsenical iron pyrites, together 

 with specimens of the recently found native bismuth and tin ore of Tasmania, were also 

 exhibited. 



Eighth Meeting, l^th January, 1878. 

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



1. " Further Notes on the Ornithology of New Zealand," by Walter L. 

 BuUer, C.M.G., Sc.D., F.L.S. {Transactions, p. 201.) 



2. " On the Species forming the Genus Ocydronuis, a peculiar Group of 

 brevi-pennate[Eails," by Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., F.L.S. {Trans- 

 actions, p. 213.) 



3. " On the Egg of the Huia ( Heteralocha acutirostrisj," by Walter L. 

 Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., F.L.S. {Transactions, p. 212.) 



4. "On the Addition of the Eed-tailed Tropic Bird (Phcdton rubricauda) 

 to the Avifauna of New Zealand," by Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., 

 F.L.S. {Transactions, p. 219.) 



The President remarked that the hop plantations drew large numbers of the small 

 parroquet to certain localities. The sparrow on the contrary was useful in destroying 

 insects, as was also the introduced minah. He agreed with the author that the pukeko 

 were disappearing in some places. He thought it doubtful if the kakapo were plentiful 

 in the Kaimanawa Ranges, as, if it were so, we should have more specimens. 



Dr. Hector thought the Maoris did not go far into the bush at Kaimanawa. In 1869 

 when he explored those mountains he frequently heard the cry of the kiwi and observed 

 the tracks which are made by the kakapos at certain seasons when they assemble on the 

 bare grounds above the limits of the forests. 



Mr. Chapman thought that a search for food had a good deal to do with finding 

 certain birds so plentiful in certain localities. He thought that the little Zosterops would 

 be destroyed by the sparrow. 



5. " On Mill's Fourth Fundamental Theorem respecting Capital," by 

 John Carruthers, M. Inst. C.E. {Transactions, p. 24.) 



Dr. Newman did not agree altogether with the author's views. Political economy 

 did not apply in the same way in all countries. It was a mistake to think that capital 

 was only useful when in use. He qiiite agreed with Mill's theory with the limitations 

 he puts on it. The author did not, in his opinion, understand the value of passive 

 capital. 



Mr. Young wished the discussion postponed, as he thought many objections might 

 be made to the author's views. 



The author, in reply, said that political economy had nothing to do with countries. 

 It was a mathematical question and was either true or false ; the axioms must be proved. 

 He did not consider that anytloing had been said to show that he was incorrect in his 

 views. 



