232 JOURNAL OF SCIENCE. 



kariki to Patea, and pointed out how the country generally in this part 

 of New Zealand had undergone alterations by the shifting of the sand 

 through the action of the wind. The author gave data for fixing the 

 rate of such movements. The paper also contained much interesting 

 information regarding the relics of the native race. 



Sir James Hector, speaking on the paper, said he thought it a most 

 important one. In a new country they should be very careful as to 

 how they interfered with the natural changes of the coast line. He 

 was of opinion that Mr. Field had done good service in bringing this 

 matter before the Society. They in New Zealand would have to guard 

 against selling lands situated in dangerous positions on the coasts. 

 They should also prevent mischievous people from interfering with 

 mouths of rivers and thus prevent natural changes. Mr. Field's paper 

 had opened up a subject of extreme practical importance to the Colony. 



Mr. J. Beetham thought this a valuable paper. He would 

 encourage those who had the opportunity to note carefully such changes 

 as had been spoken of. There is no doubt great alterations had taken 

 place on our coasts and in our rivers owing to the reasons given by Mr. 



Field. 



AUCKLAND INSTITUTE. 



Auckland, June 22nd, 1891.— Professor Brown, President, in the 

 chair. 



New members. — Messrs. E. Craig, C. Malfroy, and P. Sylow. 



Papers. — (1) "On the Prospects of finding "Workable Coal on the 

 Shores of the Waitemata," by James Park, F.G.S. (See p. 208.) 



(2) " On the Geyser Action of Rotorua, by C. Malfroy, C.E. (See 

 p. 203.) 



OTAGO INSTITUTE. 



Dunedin, August 11th, 1891. — Professor Gibbous, President, in 

 the chair. 



Papers. — (1) "On the Anatomy of Boltenia," by J. Watt, M.A., 

 (communicated by Professor Parker). The paper, which was originally 

 prepared as a thesis for honoiirs, was illustrated by very numerous 

 sections prepared by freezing. Among other points brought out was 

 the remarkable variation existing between different individuals in the 

 relative lengths of the body and the peduncle, and in the arrangement 

 of the external ridges of the body. 



(2) " On the extinction of Native Birds on the West Coast," by 

 Jas. Richardson. The author cited the experience of Mr. Mueller 

 (chief surveyor of Westland) and of Mr. Wilmot (district surveyor) 

 regarding the scarcity of the kiwi and kakapo in the region between the 

 Haast river and the head waters of the Dart river, where these birds 

 were formerly numerous ; and related how he had himself noted their 

 disappearance from the region of Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, the 

 fact being attributed to the depredations of ferrets, weasels, and stoats. 



