PROCEEDINGS. 295 
matter would be quoted for many years in popular books on 
so-called science as one of the wonders of electricity :— 
Bank of New Zealand, Auckland, 6th September, 1886. 
Dear Sir, 
Referring to our conversation about the coins which had been taken 
from a tin cash-box found in the house of Mr. Hazzard at Wairoa after the 
volcanic eruption and destruction of the house by fire, the owner of the 
coins will not part with them on any terms, as attaches a sentimental 
i in sas e has, however, 
f inspection. The owner tells 
ginalky four half-crowns ne the expla het 
was me aL or ioe of eta ‘colour, but when the two cr me of ti the 
on the ou ace of the third 
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fire, an d c 
sufficient naar to satisfy yourself by examination, be good enough to 
return the coins to m 
Yours very truly, 
A. Liversidge, Esq., Sydney. D. L. MURDOCH. 
The University, Sydney, 27 September, 1886. 
My dear Sir 
I am much obliged to you for the opportunity of examining the coins 
from the ag which had been found in soa ‘aan d’s house at Wairoa 
after the eo, and destruction of the h 
had been stuck together “with sbi pik ze e advent her cr to 
i en 
are at once removed by strong ammonia solution, % ch would not be the 
case with gold, and a pure white silver re ei is left. On arte two half- 
m in t 
e 
effects exactly : the outer portions of the half-crowns were 
blackened, but ey: ~ central parts, where the air had less access, presented a 
ink i 
ted 
which the coins have pic been ce 
I return the coi a sealed packet pena W. ith thanks and kind 
Tam, ae very truly, 
D. L. Murdoch, Esq. . LIVERSIDGE. 
