Report of Society's Meetings. 363 
Fibres-, by Mr. Cfdss the expert at the Colonial Exhibi- 
tion. 
After a few remarks from Mr. Hawtatytte and the Vice- 
President, it was suggested that the Agricultural Com- 
mittee should further consider Mr. Jones's offer, and 
report on the suitability of the land and on the expenses 
of carrying out experimental cultivation thereon. 
Mr. Thos. Watt gave notice of the following motions ?«— 
(1.) That the Agricultural Committee be requested to furnish a report 
at art early date as to the prospects of banana Cultivation in this colony, 
as an article of export. 
(2.) That three months hence I shall move that the resolution abol- 
ishing the opening of the Reading-Rooms at night, be rescinded. 
Mr. Hawtayne gave notice that, at the next meeting, 
he would move : 
That His Excellency the Governor be asked to supply, through the 
Government Botanist, specimens of our hardwood and other woods, in 
sections, with bark, leaves, inflorescence and seeds, on cards similar to 
Hhose exhibited by the Japanese Government at the Forestry Exhibition 
in Edinburgh, and by the Government of South Australia at the Colo- 
nial, and Indian* Exhibition of 1886, for the purpose of exchange with 
Museums and Associations. 
In the unavoidable absence of the author the Secretary 
read a paper by Mr. Wm. Price Abell on Notes on Steam 
boilers applicable to Sugar Estates.* 
It was suggested that the paper be brought up for 
discussion at the next meeting, and be placed, in the 
meantime, at the disposal of the press. On the motion 
of the Vice-President, seconded by Mr. Steel, the thanks 
of the Society were accorded to Mr. Abell, and the 
Secretary was direfted to ask him to attend the next 
meeting. 
Extra6t letters were read from Mr. Walker, Resident 
* This paper is printed on page 320.— Ed. 
