Page:Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute - Volume 1 (2nd ed.).djvu/463

Rh Abstract Report on the Progress of the Geologlcal Survey of New Zealand during 1866–67, by Dr. Hector.

On a new Form of Mudfish from New Zealand, by Dr. Albert Günther, F.R.S. Extracted from the Annals and Magazine of Natural History, for November, 1867.

Notes on the Moa Remains in the New Zealand Exhibition, 1865, by Dr. Hector. Extract from the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London.

Presented by W. Buller, Esq.:—

Notes on New Zealand Insects, by W. Buller, F.L.S. Extract from the Zoologist, August, 1867.

1. "On Building Materials for New Zealand," by J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.

The author commenced by pointing out the causes which have led to the general use of wood for building purposes in the towns of New Zealand, and the disadvantages of this material. In the City of Wellington, corrugated iron is now used extensively for stores; but although as a partial safeguard against fire this material has an advantage over timber, in other respects it is subject to similar and other disadvantages, among which the effects of temperature are greatest. In considering what is the best permanent material for building in Wellington and other towns similarly situated, the following points must be kept in mind:—1st, The risk from earthquakes; 2nd, the prevalence of high winds. To guard against the first danger the building ought to be, if possible, monolithic. To lessen the wear and tear caused by the action of high winds, the building and its roof should be as low as is consistent with the required accommodation. A wooden building may be considered an approach to a monolith, except that its chimneys are detached, and consequently dangerous; but the narrow walls and high pitched roofs in vogue give great power of leverage to high winds. It will be found impossible to make a monolithic building of stone or brick, and the best material to meet our requirements seems to be concrete. This material has lately come into extensive use in Europe, and more particularly in France, where it is stated to have been found much stronger than stone, and much cheaper than either stone or brick. It was first applied to the construction of bridges and sewage drains, then to church architecture, and finally to dwelling-houses. There are many reasons for the adoption of concrete as the chief building material in Wellington. (1.) There is a deficiency in the supply of the ordinary materials, with the exception of timber. (2.) The power of making a building monolithic would be an immense protection from the risk of damage by earthquakes, and its additional weight and