On Lightning Conductors. 117 



first see existing faults rectified, and then at intervals of, say, 

 not more than three years, examine and test every conductor. 



In conclusion, I would quote the following words from the 

 report of the conference: "There is no authentic case on 

 record where a properly constructed conductor failed to do its 

 duty." 



The subjoined diagrams illustrate the conductors at the 

 Melbourne University. These are very much superior to 

 many in use elsewhere; nevertheless they would all be 

 condemned under the Code of Rules, and the newer type is 

 distinctly inferior to those used on the oldest part of the 

 building. 



Old Conductors — Half -inch iron rod ; area, 

 '196 square inch; joints every twenty feet; 

 screw couplings. 



New Conductors — Iron, covered with very 

 thin copper; three contact joints every twelve 

 feet; area, about '15 square inch, of which 

 about one-sixth is copper. 



Art. XI. — On the Official Reports of the Taraiuera Out- 

 break, luith Objections to some of the Conclusions 

 drawn by the Government Geologist, Dr. Hector. 



By G. S. Griffiths, Esq. 



[Read 9tli September, 1886.] 



In reading the official report of this outbreak, it will be 

 noticed that Dr. Hector describes his chief object in visiting 

 the scene of activity as being "to ascertain the exact locality, 

 nature, and extent of the outbreak, and its probable con- 

 sequences to the district." 



