482 JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. 
(3.) ‘* The Auckland Water Supply,” by Mr. Justice Gillies. 
The object of this paper was to shew that in the suburban dis- 
tricts of Auckland an excellent water-supply might be obtained 
by impounding the rainfall. The average rainfall in Auckland was 
certainly not less than 40 inches; so that every square toot of sur- 
face has rained upon it annually at least 20 gallons of water, even 
on making fair allowance for evaporation, &c. A cottager whose 
dwelling is only 24 feet by 12 will receive onits roof annually 5760 
gallons, which, if he provided the storage, would afford him nearly 
16 gallons per day. As the rainfall is distributed over a large por- 
tion of the year, the storage room required would not be very large, 
although, of course, it would depend on the size and requirements 
of the household. Concrete tanks were recommended tor the 
storage of the water, in preference to the ordinary iron tanks, and fil- 
ters should also be provided for the water used for drinking pur- 
poses. The author maintained that no family on the Auckland 
Isthmus need have any difficulty in having, even in the driest sea- 
sons, an abundant supply of pure and wholesome water. A long 
discussion arose, in which Mr. Peacock, Mr. Aitken, Mr. Campbell, 
and Dr. Purchas took part. 
SOUTHLAND INSTITUTE. 
Invercargill, 29th May, 1883.—J. T. Thomson, Esq., President, 
in the chair. 
Papers—‘‘ On the Distribution of Seeds,” by J. C. Thomson, 
Esq. The paper dealt with the special appliances with which the 
seeds of many plants were furnished as aids to their distribution, 
the examples adduced being chiefly local plants. The bearings of 
the question were also touched upon. The paper, which was 
illustrated by numerous specimens and by enlarged drawings, was 
favourably received, and gave rise to considerable discussion. 
ROYAL SOCIETY OF NEW SOUTH WALEe: 
ANNUAL MEETING. 
Sydney, 2nd May, 1883.—Mr. Christopher Rolleston, C.M.G., 
President, in the chair. 
New members—C. B. Stephen, M.A., J. T. Lingen, M.A., B. 
M. Osborne, and H. E. Kater; 
Annual Report (abstract)—‘‘ The number of new members. 
elected during the year was 41, and the total number of members 
on the 30th April, 1883, 486. During the past year the Society 
has received 791 volumes and pamphlets as donations; in return 
it has presented 835 volumes to various kindred societies, as shown 
by the accompanying list. The Council has subscribed to 43 
scientific journals and publications, and has purchased 573 volumes, 
at a cost of £336, which, together with new bookcases, account for 
bookbinding, &c., makes the total sum expended upon the library 
during the past year £422 12s 10d. The council reports that dur- 
ing the past year no reduction has been made in the mortgage 
upon the building (£1500), but that the sum of £94 2s has been 
been received, and £271 7s conditionally promised towards the 
building fund, in response to the circular sent out in August last. 
