Page:Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute - Volume 1 (2nd ed.).djvu/497

Rh may be but little, but let that little be done. We may be wanting in the qualifications necessary to complete such a work, but it only requires tbat which is in our power—energetic and judicious efforts—to complete tbe small portion of the task that falls to the share of the present generation. The rest must be left to time and posterity.

1. "On the Botany of the Northern Part of the North Island," by T. Kirk. (Transactions, p. 84.)

Dr. Hector spoke in commendation of the paper. He hoped that such excursions as that of the cutter "Glance," during which the observations were made, would more frequently be undertaken than hitherto. He himself had had a six months' excursion in the same quarter. Novelties could now hardly be looked for in New Zealand, for the plants were pretty equally distributed, and a number of excellent observers had devoted themselves to exploration in it. Passing from botany. Dr. Hector made some remarks upon the geology of the district to the north of Auckland. Although the geology of New Zealand was very complex, still the great features were now fairly ascertained. Dr. Hochstetter's researches had surpassed the others in published results, but he must have derived a great deal of information from Major Heaphy and other local geologists. Dr. Hector then gave a most interesting account, first, of the geology of the New Zealand Islands as a whole; and next, more particularly of the geology of the northern part of Auckland, pointing out especially the areas occupied by palæozoic rocks that might prove auriferous, and also the area and extent of the great northern coal field. The lecture was illustrated by a geological map of the Northern District, which was published by Dr. Hector in 1866, and also by unpublished maps and sections of the coal fields.

Captain Hutton followed with some remarks on the same subject, saying that he believed Dr. Hector's account was the first that had been given of the general geology of New Zealand, and more especially of that part which had been more minutely described.

The Rev. Dr. Purchas expressed his gratification at the remarks that had been made by Dr. Hector and Captain Hutton. He said he had visited the Thames Gold Pields, and had been surprised at the quantity of gold lost there owing to the presence of sulphurets and the fine nature of the gold. That loss, he thought, might be obviated. He moved that the thanks of the meeting be given to Dr. Hector for his interesting statement.

Dr. Fischer seconded the motion, which was agreed to.

Thanks were also given to Mr. Kirk.

2. The Secretary then read a paper "On the Crater of White Island," by Dr. Rolston and Lieut. Edwin, of H.M.S. "Falcon."