Wellington Pkilosophical Societyi 425 



The Eev. Mr. Ottway agreed with the author, and considered that probably the 

 estimate as regards our timber was even under-stated, but that the real value of the 

 timbers could not be ascertained until a market had been created for them. He men- 

 tioned his own experience in districts in the North Island, where purui trees, which could 

 at one time be had for the asking, in some eight years become worth 25s each, and that 

 since that time (1874) that timber had been in great demand for railway trucks and gun- 

 carriages, and had become a considerable source of wealth to those who had conserved the 

 trees. He also pointed out that the peculiar value of the New Zealand timber lay in the 

 large size of the hardwood logs that could be obtained. 



Dr. Hector thought it of the highest importance that this subject should be thoroughly 

 inquired into, and the author deserved great praise for the trouble he had taken in pre- 

 paring the paper. Anyone who helped to bring about the conservation of our forests con- 

 ferred a public benefit. 



Mr. Kirk had listened with pleasure to the paper. He thought the extent to which 

 conservation should be carried out ought to be considered ; also the question as to its 

 effect on chmate. There was nothing in New Zealand to compare with the oak or spruce. 

 Eauri was our best timber, but unfortunately it was fast disappearing. 



Mr. Lecoy replied at some length, and refuted many doubts cast by previous speakers 

 on the value of his statistics. He thought that when his paper had been read carefully, 

 it would be found that his views were supported by experience. 



On the motion of Mr. O'Neill, the further discussion of this paper was adjourned 

 until next meeting, to afford members an opportunity of perusing it as it deserved. 



2, " What should be the highest aim of the WelHngton Philosophical 

 Society," by Dominick Brown. 



ABSTEACT. 



The author pointed out that there were many subjects other than ques- 

 tions purely scientific which might be encouraged among the members, and 

 which would benefit not only themselves, but the community at large. 



Owing to the lateness of the hour the discussion on this subject had to be postponed. 



Third Meeting. Qth August, 1879. 

 A. E. Newman, M.B., President, in the chair. 

 New Member, — J. S. Prendeville. 



1. " Suggestions towards a Theory accounting for the Movements of the 

 Magnetic Needle," by the Hon. E. Hart, M.L.C. 



An interesting discussion followed, in which Messrs. Martin Chapman, J. T. Thom- 

 son, Eobert Pharazyn, and the President took part, some of the speakers differing from 

 the views set forth by the author. 



2. " On the Forest Question in New Zealand," by A. Lecoy. 

 Discussion on this" paper was then resumed. The following members spoke on the 



subject; — Messrs. Campbell, Marten, Chapman, J. T. Thomson, H. Blundell, E. Pharazyn, 

 T. Kirk, and Dr. Newman ; and by all the author was complimented on the able manner 

 in which he had dealt v^th this most important subject. The speakers, while not being 



49 



