Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute/Volume 8

TRANSACTIONS

AND

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE,

1875.

VOL. VIII.

EDITED AND PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE INSTITUTE,

Issued May, 1876.

WELLINGTON:
LYON AND BLAIR, PRINTERS, LAMBTON QUAY

TRUBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON.

CONTENTS.

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TRANSACTIONS.

			PAGES
I.—Miscellaneous.
Art.	I.	On the probable origin of the Maori Races. By W. S. W. Vaux, M.A., Baliol College, Oxford, F.R.S. Communicated by Dr. Hector, C.M.G., F.R.S.	3–58
	II.	Notes on the Extinction of the Moa, with a Review of the Discussions on the subject, published in the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute. By W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S.	58–83
	III.	Notes on the Discovery of Moa and Moa Hunters' Remains at Pataua River, near Whangarei. By G. Thorne, junior	83–94
	IV.	Notes on Moa Remains in the vicinity of Cape Campbell. By C. H. Robson	95–97
	V.	Notes on Moa Caves, etc., in the Wakatipu District. By Taylor White	97–102
	VI.	Extract from a Letter from F. E. Maning, relative to the Extinction of the Moa	102–103
	VII.	Notes on the Maori Cooking Places at the Mouth of the Shag River. by Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G.S.	103–108
	VIII.	The Mythology and Traditions of the Maori in New Zealand. By the Rev. J. F. H. Wohlers, of Ruapuke, Southland	108–123
	IX.	The Building Materials of Otago. By W. N. Blair, C.E.	123–166
	X.	On the best Line for a Submarine Telegraph between Australia and New Zealand. By the Rev. A. G. Purchas, M.R.C.S., Eng.	166–168
	XI.	Improvements in Ship's Life Boats. By R. McNaughton, C.E.	168–171
	XII.	On a Direct Vision Solar Eye-Piece for Large Telescopes. By H. Skey	172
	XIII.	An Account of the Maori House attached to the Christchurch Museum. By Rev. J. W. Stack	172–176
	XIV.	Notes on Quartz Crushing at the Thames Gold Fields. By J. Goodall, C.E.	176–179
	⁠	New Zealand Surveys, by J. S. ConnellAppendix	xxvii–xliii
⁠
II.—Zoology.
	XV.	Notes on the Existence of a large Bat. By Ven. Archdeacon Stock	180
	XVI.	Description of the "Cow Fish," or "Bottle-nosed Dolphin" (Tursio metis.) By Captain Hutton, C.M.Z.S.	180–181
	XVII.	Notes on the Ornithology of New Zealand. By W. L. Buller, C.M.G., D.Sc., President	190
	XVIII.	Notes on Gerygone flaviventris. By W. L. Buller, C.M.G., D.Sc., President	190–192
	XIX.	Notes on the Nesting Habits of the Huia. By W. L. Buller, C.M.G., D.Sc., President	192–193
	XX.	On the Occurrence of Apteryx oweni at high altitudes in the North Island. By W. L. Buller, C.M.G., D.Sc., President	193–194
	XXI.	Remarks on Dr. Finsch's paper on New Zealand Ornithology. By W. L. Buller, C.M.G., D.Sc., President	194–196
	XXII.	Remarks on various Species of New Zealand Birds. By W. L. Buller, C.M.G., D.Sc., President	196–199
	XXIII.	Notes on Birds observed during a voyage to England. By Dr. Hector, C.M.G., F.R.S.	199–200
	XXIV.	Further Remarks on some New Zealand Birds. By Otto Finsch, Ph.D. of Bremen, Hon. Mem. N.Z.I., Hon. Mem. Brit. Ornith. Union	200–204
	XXV.	An Account of the Maori manner of Preserving the Skin of the Huia. By J. D. Enys	204–205
	XXVI.	Notes on the Introduction and Acclimatization of Salmon. By James Stewart, C.E.	205–209
	XXVII.	Contributions to the Ichthyology of New Zealand. By Captain Hutton, C.M.Z.S.	209–218
	XXVIII.	Notes on the Habits of the Frost-fish (Lepidopus caudatus). By C. H. Robson	218–219
	XXIX.	Notes on the Sword-fish (Ziphias gladius). By T. F. Cheeseman, F.L.S.	219–220
	XXX.	Is Access to the Sea a necessity to Eels. By James Duigan	221–222
	XXXI.	On the Habits of the Trap-door Spider. By R. Gillies	222–262
	XXXII.	Notes on the Coleoptera of Auckland, N.Z. By Captain Broun	262–271
	XXXIII.	Remarks on the Pselaphidæ (Coleoptera) of New Zealand. By Captain Broun	271–282
	XXXIV.	Description of a New Genera and Species of Heteromera, New Zealand. By F. Bates, F.L.S. Reprinted from Annals and Magazine of Natural History	282–298
	XXXV.	Critical Notes on New Zealand Hydroida. By William Coughtrey, M.B., B.M., Edin. Univ., Cor. Mem. Roy. Phys. Soc, Edin., Hon. Fell. Historic Soc, L. and C, etc.	298–302
	XXXVI.	Description of a Species of Butterfly belonging to the family Satyridæ, Westwood. By R. W. Fereday, C.M.E.S.L.	302–304
	XXXVII.	On the Mollusca of Auckland Harbour. By T. F. Cheeseman	304–311
⁠
III.—Botany.
	XXXVIII.	Description of a New Species of Fabronia. By Charles Knight, F.R.C.S., F.L.S.	312
	XXXIX.	On the Lichen Flora of New Zealand. By Charles Knight, F.R.C.S., F.L.S.	313–328
	XL.	On a Remarkable Instance of Double Parasitism in Loranthaceæ. By Thomas Kirk, F.L.S.	329–330
	XLI.	Description of a New Species of Hymenophyllum. By T. F. Cheeseman, F.L.S.	330–331
⁠
IV.—Chemistry.
	XLII.	On the Oxidation of Silver and Platinum by Oxygen in presence of Water. By William Skey	332–334
	XLIII.	On the Electro-motive Order of certain Metals in Cyanide of Potassium with reference to the use of this Salt in Milling Gold. By William Skey	334–337
	XLIV.	On the Absorption of Antimony and Arsenic from a Solution of their Oxides in Hydrochloric Acid by Charcoal. By William Skey	337–338
	XLV.	On the Solubility of Alkalies in Ether. By William Skey	338–339
	XLVI.	On the Oxidation of Gold and Supposed Oxidation of Mercury by Oxygen in Presence of Water. By William Skey	339–342
	XLVII.	Notes on the Alleged Replacement of Electro-positive by Electro-negative Metals in a Voltaic Cell. By William Skey	343–345
	XLVIII.	Notes on the Electric and Chemical Deportment of Argentic Sulphide. By William Skey	346–347
	XLIX.	On certain Chemical Effects of Oxygenised Graphite and Platinum. By William Skey	347–348
	L.	Analyses of a few Fire Clays of the Province of Auckland. By J. A. Pond	348–351
⁠
V.—Geology.
	LI.	Volcanic Action Regarded as due to the Retardation of the Earth's Rotation. By J. Carruthers, M. Inst. C.E.	351–369
	LII.	On the Old Lake System of New Zealand, with some Observations as to the Formation of the Canterbury Plains. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.	369–375
	LIII.	On the Igneous Rocks of the Province of Wellington. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.	375–379
	LIV.	On the Probability of Finding Extensive Coal Deposits within the Province of Wellington. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.	379
	LV.	On the Cause of the Former Great Extension of the Glaciers in New Zealand. By Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G.S.	383–387
	LVI.	The Coals and Coal Fields in the Province of Auckland. By J. M. Tunny	387–389
⁠
⁠
NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE.
Seventh Annual Report by the Board of Governors			393
Free List for the Issue of the Transactions			395
Museum Report			397
Accounts of the New Zealand Institute			399
⁠
PROCEEDINGS OF INCORPORATED SOCIETIES.
WELLINGTON PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.
President's Address			403–408
Dr. Finsch's Paper on Ornithology discussed relative to the specific value of Apteryx mantelli			408
Volcanic Action Regarded as due to the Retardation of the Earth's Rotation			409–411
Plants Injured by Frost at the Hutt			411
Deciduous Trees; as to the desirability of their being planted in the Botanical Gardens			412
Reports of Council			416
Geological, Zoological, Botanical, Chemical, and Miscellaneous Papers Read during the Year			416–419
Election of Officers for 1876			419
Conversazioné; Suggestions as to holding a			419
⁠
AUCKLAND INSTITUTE.
President's Anniversary Address			420–425
Entomology; Discussion upon			425–426
Museum; Action taken with regard to obtaining a new			426
Books Bequeathed to the Library			427
Moa Remains at Ellerslie			427
Coal and Coal Fields of Auckland			428
Slaking Lime with Salt Water			429
Changes in the Elevation of the Waikato			430
Election of Officers for 1876			430
⁠
PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTE OF CANTERBURY.
Dr. Von Haast v. The Board of Governors			432
Climate of Canterbury			432
Abstract of Reports of the Council			432
Election of Officers for 1876			433
Presentation to Mr. Wakefield			433
⁠
OTAGO INSTITUTE.
President's Address			434
The Sun's Temperature			434–441
Transit of Venus			441
Longitude of Wellington			441–442
New Museum; Resolution as to a			443
⁠
NELSON ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY.
Election of Officers for 1876			444
Distribution of Seeds			444
⁠
WESTLAND INSTITUTE.
Report			446
Haast Wreck and Ocean Currents			446
⁠
HAWKE BAY PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTE.
Resolution as to Revenue			450
Notes of a Meeting in February, 1876			450
⁠
⁠
APPENDIX
Climate of New Zealand			xxi
Temperature of the Air			xxi
Barometrical Observations			xxii
Earthquakes reported during 1875			xxiii
Comparative Abstract for 1875			xxiv
Notes on the Weather during 1875			xxv
New Zealand Surveys. By J. S. Connell			xxvii
Honorary Members of the New Zealand Institute			xliv
Ordinary Members of the New Zealand Institute			xliv–liii
Errata			iii
Contents			v
List of Plates			ix
Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute			xi
Abstracts of Rules and Statutes of the New Zealand Institute			xi
List of Incorporated Societies			xiv
Officers of Incorporated Societies and Extracts from the Rules			xiv–xix

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

		TO FACE PAGE
I.	Thorne.—Map of Moa and Moa-hunter Encampments	84
II.	{{{1}}}„ Sections of Moa-hunter Encampments	90
III.	{{{1}}}„ Flint, Obsidian, and Bone Instruments	86
IV.	Robson.—Map of Cape Campbell, shewing where the Moa Remains were found	96
V.	McNaughton.—Improvements in Ships' Life-boats	170
VI.	Gillies.—Trap-door Spider and Nest	224
VII.	{{{1}}}„ Nests of Trap-door Spider	226
VIII.	{{{1}}}„ Sections of Nests of the Trap-door Spider	228
IX.	Stack.—New Butterfly, Oreina othello	302
X.	Knight.—New Species of Fabronia	312
XI.	{{{1}}}„ Lichens	314

ERRATA.

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PAGE
13,	line 19 from the top, for and and read and.
22,	{{{1}}}„14 from the bottom, for similiarity read similarity.
23,	{{{1}}}„ 5 from the top, for Marqesans read Marquesan.
25,	{{{1}}}„ 1, for Marqunesan read Marquesan.
34,	for reference to note against canoes, see page 33 at the foot.
38,	line  8 from the bottom, for sefula read safulu.
56,	{{{1}}}„17 from the top, for having read has.
70,	{{{1}}}„ 5 from the top, for their read the.
106,	{{{1}}}„ 2 from the bottom, for as high as low water read as low as high water.
107,	{{{1}}}„15 from the bottom, dele . and insert ,
117,	{{{1}}}„10 from the bottom, for hand read hands.
118,	{{{1}}}„ 2 from the bottom, for pnt read put
123,	{{{1}}}„14, for hair read hairs.
140,	{{{1}}}„11 from the top, for Kauroo read Kauru.
176,	{{{1}}}„ 7 from the top, for me ta read met a.
184,	{{{1}}}„ 9 from the bottom, for Eperia read Epeira.
186,	{{{1}}}„ 9 from the top, for peats read bents.
189,	{{{1}}}„23 from the top, for other read outer.
193,	{{{1}}}„20 from the bottom, for these read there.
195,	{{{1}}}„11 from the bottom, for reference read preference.
196,	{{{1}}}„ 2 from the top, for oblosignata read albosignata.
198,	{{{1}}}„ 3 and 10 from the bottom, and 199, line 2 from the top, for albosiquata read albosignata.
204,	art. 25, for auctirostris read acutirostris.
209,	for D 11/12 read D 12/11.
213,	line  6 from the bottom, for larger read longer.
227,	{{{1}}}„14 from the bottom, for as read us.
235,	{{{1}}}„23 from the bottom, for referencet o read reference to.
254,	{{{1}}}„18 from the bottom, for natualists read naturalists.
262,	et seq. Art. XXXII, for Captain Brown read Captain Broun.
269,	{{{1}}}„12 from the bottom, for Prionoplus reticulatis read Prionoplus reticularis.
271,	No. 28, for Tetroreo read Tetrorea.
332,	line 21 from the bottom, for fortunately read forthwith.
333,	{{{1}}}„17 from the top, after retarded insert . dele , after chloride.
336,	{{{1}}}„18 from the bottom, for which read while.
340,	{{{1}}}„12 from the bottom, for both read water.
342,	{{{1}}}„21 from the top, dele not.
346,	{{{1}}}„19 from the bottom, for nitro-prussic read nitro-prusside.
350,	{{{1}}}„11 from the bottom, for Mahutangi read Mahurangi.
386,	{{{1}}}„17 from the top, for know read known.
439,	{{{1}}}„ 7 from the bottom, for radiatian read radiation.