Page:Transactions NZ Institute Volume 9 Supplement.djvu/31

Rh much information could be obtained from reading a non-original address as from an original one; and seeing that on two occasions he had followed the usual practice he had now taken upon himself to break through the rule simply for the purpose of inducing members not to be deterred from taking the position of President from the fear of having to prepare an opening address. He would, therefore, read to them some portions of an address by Prof. J. P. Cooke, delivered at Harvard College, on 7th January, 1875.

1. "On the Fertilisation of Selliera," by T. F. Cheeseman, F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 542.)

2. "On Insects injurious to the Kauri Pine," by Captain T. Broun. (Transactions, p. 366.)

New Members.—H. P. Barber, T. Cranwell, Dr. Hooper, W. F. Lodge, James Runciman.

1. The Secretary read a letter from Sir G. Grey, K.C.B., referring to the Maori Rat, as follows:—

"In the year 1848 or 1849, Mr. Torlesse caught on the Canterbury Plains a Native Rat, of which he gave the skin to me. I showed it to several Natives, who all stated that it was the Native Rat. Ultimately I sent it to the British Museum, and Dr. J. E. Gray wrote to me upon the subject. These facts, and his letter, have been alluded to in the