310 The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. [Jan* 
employed for purposes of divination in Polynesia. Thus the name was 
introduced here by the Maori, but, lacking the coconut, he applied the term 
to other methods of divination, and even employed it in a generic manner. 
The Polynesian twirled the coconut as a divinatory act; the niu sticks of 
the Maori were thrown. 
The illustration shows a native about to cast the niu. He has a number 
of straight pieces of fern-stalk (the stipe of Pteris aquilina). One of these 
is stuck in the earth in a vertical position. On each of the other pieces is 
tied a strip of flax-leaf ( Phormium ). These sticks represented the different 
individuals, clans, or tribes, whose fortune it was desired to forecast. The 
operator lays one of the sticks on the palm of his right hand, and, with a 
quick thrust of the hand forward, casts it at the vertical stick. Each stick 
is so cast, and auguries are drawn from the manner in which they fall, to 
right or left of the vertical stick, one on another or separate, and also from 
the position of the flax-knot, as to whether it falls upward or downward. 
Another method of divination was to balance the free sticks on the tops 
of others stuck vertically in the ground. Having so carefully balanced them, 
the operator would depart, and return after a certain lapse of time to observe 
the position of the balanced sticks. Auguries were derived from the con¬ 
dition in which the sticks were found, the number that had fallen, and the 
position in which they lay. 
INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGICAL CONGRESS. 
Thirteenth Session, Belgium, 1922. 
The Organizing Committee for the Thirteenth International Geological 
Congress has issued a circular stating that the Congress will meet at 
Brussels from Thursday, 10th August, to Saturday, 19th August, 1922. 
Excursions in connection with the Congress will begin on 1st August and 
continue until 3rd September. 
Lists of the subjects to be discussed and of the excursions are given in 
the circular, a copy of which may be seen at the Geological Survey Office, 
Wellington. 
AUSTRALASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCE¬ 
MENT OF SCIENCE CONGRESS. 
Sixteenth Session, Wellington, 1923. 
The Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, which has 
been in existence since 1888, will hold its next Congress at Wellington in 
January, 1923, and preparations are now being made by the New Zealand 
members which, it is hoped, will make the forthcoming conference one of 
the most memorable of its kind. 
Amongst the visitors from Australia will be the President, Sir G. H. 
Knibbs, Director of the Institute of Science and Industry of the Common¬ 
wealth ; Sir Baldwin Spencer, President of the Section Ethnology and 
Anthropology; Professor Harvey Johnston, President of the Section 
Biology; and Mr. Keith Ward, Government Geologist, Melbourne, President 
of the Section Geology. 
Intending subscribers are requested to communicate with either 
Professor Marsden or Professor Cotton, Victoria University College. 
Wellington. Early payment of the subscription fee, £1, will greatly 
facilitate the work of the Honorary Secretaries. 
