OTAGO INSTITUTE. 



First Meeting. 11th February, 1873. 



J. T. Thomson, F.RG.S., Vice-President, in the chair. 



New member. — The Right Eeverend S. T. Neville, D.D., Bishop of 

 Dunedin. 



1. " On the Glacial Action and Terrace Formations of South New 

 Zealand," by J. T. Thomson, F.R.G.S. {Transactions, p. 309.) 



Considerable discussion took place on the geological and glacial hypotheses 

 set forth in the paper, in which the Hon. Captain Fraser, Messrs. McKerrow, 

 Gillies, and Beal took part. They were all opposed to the theory propounded, 

 and argued that as a rule the transformation of the earth's surface was 

 attributable to aqueous and volcanic agency. 



Mr. McKerrow considered that the fact of the remarkable curve made in 

 the course of a river's descent had been clearly brought out by the collating 

 and comparison of the survey data. It was quite new to him. 



Regarding a suggestion that the Whale Fishery in the far South Sea 

 should be prosecuted in vessels belonging to Otago, Mr. A. Bathgate referred 

 to the Act against the killing of whales along the shore in the calving season 

 being allowed to remain a dead letter, and spoke in favour of the fitting out of 

 whalers from Port Chalmers. 



Mr. Gillies and Mr. P. Thomson said it was a venture which, properly 

 managed, would bring enormous profits. 



Mr. J. S. Webb mentioned that the Spectroscope ordered some time ago 

 was on board the " Beautiful Star," and would be landed before next meeting. 

 He believed it was one of the finest instruments that had ever crossed the 

 Line. 



Second Meeting. 24:th April, 1873. 



It. Gillies in the chair. 



New member. — The Reverend E. G. Penny. 



The Secretary reported the election by the Council of Mr. Pui'dic to the 

 office of Curator and Librarian. 



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