Page:Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute - Volume 1 (2nd ed.).djvu/508

472 1. "On Sinking Funds," by Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G-S., illustrated by a series of calculations applicable to the different methods adopted to pay off debts.

2. Mr. Gillies read a paper consisting of a letter to Captain Hutton from Mr. Mair, Resident Magistrate at Opotiki, descriptive of the tidal phenomenon at that place.

Dr. Purchas said that he might mention a very curious circumstance with reference to the rise that had occurred in the land about Auckland. He thought it afforded positive proof that the land about Auckland was rising sufficiently to be quite measurable. Messrs. Thornton and Co. got a supply of water from the harbour. They had a pipe fixed at some distance down the wharf, with a rose at the bottom. They have had to alter that rose three times, at intervals of three years. Mr. Firth had told him of the circumstance, and he believed that special pains had been taken with the fixing of the pipe the last time in order to test the matter. He had been assured by a settler that the harbour of Mahurangi was two feet less in depth than it was two years ago. If the bottom of the harbour was rising, it was a matter of vital importance to people in the neighbourhood of the city. He had no doubt about the accuracy of the information, as was shown by the fact that the rose had had to be altered three times in order to get a supply of water at low tide. He could not think that the wharf had risen, and would suppose the traffic would rather tend to put it down.

A discussion ensued, in which Mr. Weymouth, Captain Hutton, Mr. Wark, Mr. Buckland, and Mr. Stewart took part. Most of the speakers seemed to be of opinion that there was not sufficient proof to show that the land was absolutely rising.

Captain Hutton said he should be happy to investigate the subject, and report upon it to next meeting.

Mr. Gillies said it seemed to him that two things had been brought before them—first, the silting up, and second, the average high water or low water. The water would maintain its level whatever silting up occurred. The level was not affected in the slightest degree by the silting up of the harbour. He was sure they were much obliged to Dr. Purchas for having mentioned the matter, and to Captain Hutton for having volunteered to investigate it. In such a case the facts must be carefully noted to be of any use at all.

3. "On the Preparation of Native Flax," by the Rev. A. G. Purchas, M.R.C.S.