2. Several interesting communications from Mr. J. C. Crawford, now in England, accompanied by pamphlets and printed notices bearing on the subjects, were read, the most important being on the "Manufacture of Granolithic Cement," the material for which, he considered, was abundant in New Zealand.
Dr. Hector considered this a question of great importance, and the information was most valuable. We had ample material in accessible positions, and he had no doubt that in time we could ourselves manufacture all the cement and concrete we required in the colony and of the very best kind. He instanced the blocks now largely used here, and known as O'Neill's patent flagging, as showing the excellent quality of this production, which was so highly thought of at the Sydney and Melbourne Exhibitions.
The President endorsed these views, and remarked that he hoped in time also to see the splendid granites we had largely used in constructive works.
Dr. Newman mentioned the newly-erected cement works in Nelson, which would prove of great importance, and entirely supersede the imported article.
3. "On Suitable Hedge Plants for New Zealand," by J. C. Crawford.
4. "On Harvesting Crops independent of Weather," by J. C. Crawford.
5. "On Ensilage," by J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.
6. Archdeacon Stock submitted to the Society a circular sent to him by Mr. Tebbutt, of Windsor Observatory, New South Wales, inviting assistance from New Zealand observers in systematic "comet-seeking."
Dr. Hector explained that Mr. Tebbutt was a most zealous worker in this branch of astronomy, and had been foremost in discovering the southern comets. He had been requested by the Astronomical Society at Boston, who had established a corps of comet-seekers, to endeavour to get information from southern latitudes, and hence this appeal to New Zealand. He (Dr. Hector) knew that there were many amateur observers in possession of good instruments who might do valuable service in this direction. It was a pity that we had not in New Zealand a properly-equipped astronomical observatory placed in a suitable position; and he believed, if the societies combined in an appeal to Government, something might be done in this matter. He would suggest that a copy of this circular be sent to the other societies inviting co-operation in this special matter of comet-seeking, and in an endeavour to bring about the establishment of a permanent observatory.
The President concurred, and said he thought such an appeal would be successful.
7. "On Weather, Health, and Forests in Mauritius," by Dr. Meldrum.
The President pointed out that this bore immediately on the question of forest conservation in New Zealand. He gave a short description of the damage done by the destruction of our forests, which brought about floods of a most disastrous kind.
Dr. Hutchinson, who had recently arrived from the Sandwich Islands, stated that there, in consequence of the wholesale destruction of the forests, floods had occurred doing great injury. The water rushed down the bare hills and through the valleys, and then followed a long drought and the ground became baked, as there was no vegetation left to hold the moisture of the previous rain. He was glad to say that the settlers had at last seen the necessity of forest conservation and great improvement was taking place.
8. Mr. Chapman described a brilliant triple meteor seen by him on Wednesday last. It was travelling from the south.
9. Several recent additions to the Museum were laid on the table for inspection, among them being a case of gold and silver medals awarded to New Zealand at the Wool Exhibition at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham.
