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632 Dr. Hector took the opportunity of bearing testimony to the value of the Venerable Archdeacon Stock's services in this matter. Although himself responsible, as the official head of the Observatory, the practical work had chiefly been done by the Archdeacon. He further stated his agreement with the Archdeacon's conclusion that the longitude of the charts should be adhered to in giving time, although the result of the cable signals was to show it to be slightly in error—only four seconds. He did not agree with Mr. Thomson's doubt of the results on account of the personal equation not having been ascertained, as such error would have very minute effect on transit observations. But the question was the practical one of giving time to seamen, and that scarcely required such refinements.

Mr. Thomson said he admitted that for all practical purposes the observations might be sufficient, but that in such matters he looked for the strictest scientific accuracy. For purely scientific purposes, the ascertainment of personal error was undoubtedly necessary.

4. "Notes on New Zealand Cetacea," by Dr. Hector, C.M.G., C.M.Z.S. (Transactions, p. 477.)

5. "Notes on New Zealand Ichthyology," by Dr. Hector, C.M.G., F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 465.)

6. "Notes on some ancient aboriginal Câches near Wanganui," by H. C. Field. (Transactions, p. 220.)