SOME FOLK-SONGS AND MYTHS FROM SAMOA. 217 



time the goddess and the model wife of Polynesia. I would like 

 these little bits of folk-lore gathered together in some shape for 

 the study of the generations to come. The world seem to be get- 

 ting very prosaic, and while these little bits of poetry remain, we 

 should preserve all we can. 



The President — I think the vote of thanks of the Society is 

 due to Dr. Fraser. With reference to the wish that these records 

 should be printed and put into a permanent shape before they are 

 lost, I think that would be hoped for by every one who wishes to 

 see these interesting traditions preserved. Some day, when there 

 is not so much opportunity of meeting people who have spent so 

 many years as these gentlemen have amongst the natives, there 

 will be less authentic accounts than at present. With reference 

 to the natives' belief as to the creation of the world, I know some 

 people are sceptical as to whether some of the missionary teach- 

 ings have not filtrated into and tinctured a belief already existing. 

 But if that is not so, and the belief existed before the arrival of 

 the missionaries at the islands, then it is still more interesting. 



WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1890. 



Dr. Leibius, m.a., f.c.s., President, in the Chair. 



Twenty members and eleven visitors were present. 



The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed. 



The Certificates of five new candidates were read for the 

 third time, of three for the second time, and of three for the first 

 time. 



The following gentlemen were duly elected ordinary members 

 of the Society : — 



Brown, J. Ednie, f.l.s., Director-General of Forests ; Sydney. 

 Marshall, Hezlett Hamilton, l.r.c.p., l.r.c.s. Edin., Lie. Fac. 



Phys. & Surg. Glas.; Sydney. 

 McMurray, Wahab, m.d., M.Ch., l.m.k. & q.c.p. IreL; Sydney. 

 Olliff, Arthur Sidney, Government Entomologist ; Sydney. 

 Rennie, Geo. Edward, b.a., Syd. m.d. Lond. m.r.c.s. Eng.\ 



Sydney. 



The Chairman announced that Dr. Fiaschi had been appointed 

 to the vacancy in the Committte of the Medical Section and the 



