# Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute/Volume 9

TRANSACTIONS
AND
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE,
1876.
VOL. IX.
EDITED AND PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE INSTITUTE,
By
JAMES HECTOR, C.M.G., M.D., F.R.S.
Manager.
Issued May, 1877.
WELLINGTON: LYON AND BLAIR, PRINTERS, LAMBTON QUAY
TRUBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON.
PREFACE.
The present Volume contains only the Transactions of the Institute for the year, comprising a selection from the original papers read before the various affiliated Societies. As they alone occupy more space than any previous issue, the Proceedings, Minutes, and Presidential Addresses and Lectures, heretofore included in the Volume, have been deferred for future publication. For the same reason the publication of the following papers has had to be postponed:—
* Observations on the Evidences of Recent Change in the Elevation of the Waikato. By James Stewart, C.E.
* Remarks upon the supposed Pleistocene Glaciation of New Zealand, and Post Glacial Moas. By J. Cockburn Hood, F.G.S.
* Notice of a Senecio. By J. Buchanan, F.L.S.
* Observations on Captain Hutton's paper on the Maori Cooking-Places at the Mouth of Shag River (Vol. VIII., "Trans. N. Z. Inst.," pp. 103–8). By Julius von Haast, Ph.D., F.R.S.
* On a New Fire Grate for Economizing the Combustion of Coals and Lignite, and increasing the Radiation of Heat. By H. Skey.
* On the Approximate Composition of Winslow's Soothing Syrup. By W. Skey.
* On the proposed Introduction of the Polecat into New Zealand. By Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., D.Sc.
* On a Marine Spider found at Cape Campbell. By C. H. Robson.
* On the supposed Influence of Climate over the Geographical Distribution of the Marine Mollusca. By C. W. Purnell.
* Notice of a Meteorite. By James Leece.
* Scientific Instruction in New Zealand. By Professor Bickerton, F.C.S.
The late period at which many of the papers were received has caused some delay in the issue of the Volume, and imposed much extra labour on the Assistant Editor, Mr. Leonard Stowe, to whom the acknowledgments of the Board are due for the efficient manner in which the corrections for the press have been performed.
The Editor has also to recognise the assistance of Mr. R. B. Gore in preparing the Meteorological Statistics appended to the Volume, and of Mr. John Buchanan, F.L.S., by whom most of the Illustrations have been drawn on stone, the printing having been done at the Government Lithographic Establishment by permission of the Hon. the Colonial Secretary.
ERRATA.
| PAGE |
| 145, | line 19, for spar-wheels read spur-wheels. |
| 229, | for Art. XIX read XIXa. |
| 326, | for Walter A. Buller read Walter L. Buller. |
| 590, | for Art. XCII. read Art. XCI. |
CONTENTS.
TRANSACTIONS.
I.—Miscellaneous. :
| | | | PAGES |
| Art. | I. | On the Lake Districts of the Province of Auckland. By W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S. | 1–15 |
| | II. | On the Traditions, Manners, and Customs of the Mori-oris. By W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S. | 15–27 |
| | III. | On the Influence of Atmospheric Changes on the Hot Springs and Geysers in the Rotorua District. By Captain Gilbert Mair | 27–29 |
| | IV. | On the Draining of Towns. By W. D. Campbell, Assoc. Inst. C.E., F.G.S. | 29–37 |
| | V. | Speculations on the Physiological Changes obtaining in the English Race when Transplanted to New Zealand. By Dr. Newman, M.B. | 37–44 |
| | VI. | Polynesia. By J. Adams, B.A. | 44–59 |
| | VII. | Civilization of the Pacific. By Coleman Phillips. (With Map.) | 59–95 |
| | VIII. | Colonial Standard Survey. By J. T. Thomson, F.R.G.S. | 96–108 |
| | IX. | On the Building Materials of Otago. By W. N. Blair, C.E. | 108–133 |
| | X. | The Building Materials of Otago. By W. N. Blair, C.E. | 134–181 |
| | XI. | On the Durability of Matai Timber. By John Buchanan, F.L.S. | 182 |
| | XII. | On Charring Timber as a Protection from the Teredo. By John Buchanan, F.L.S. | 183–187 |
| | XIII. | State Forestry: its aim and object. By Captain Campbell Walker, F.R.G.S. | 187–203 |
| | | The Climatic and Financial Aspect of Forest Conservancy as applicable to New Zealand. By Captain Campbell Walker, F.R.G.S. | App. xxvii |
| | XIV. | On Hedges and Hedge Plants. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S. | 203–206 |
| | XV. | Lime as Manure: its beneficial Effects when applied to the Cultivation of the Soil. By D. Hay | 206–209 |
| | XVI. | On Quartz Crushing at the Thames. By J. Goodall, C.E. | 209–211 |
| | XVII. | Comparative Atmospheric Pressure of New Zealand and Great Britain. By C. Rous Marten, F.R.G.S., F.M.S., M.Sc.M.S. | 212–217 |
| | XVIII. | On the Longitude of Wellington Observatory. By Ven. Archdeacon Stock, B.A. | 217–220 |
| | XIX. | Notes on some Ancient Aboriginal Caches near Wanganui. By H. C. Field. | 220–229 |
| | XIXa. | Stray Thoughts on Mahori or Maori Migrations. By R. C. Barstow | 229–243 |
| | XX. | The Remains of a Dog found by Captain Rowan near White Cliffs, Taranaki. By Dr. Hector, C.M.G., F.G.S. | 243–249 |
| | XXI. | Savage and Barbaric Survivals in Marriage. By the Rev. J. Wallis, D.D. | 249–260 |
| | XXII. | Draining of Towns: Results of having Outfall Drains within Sydney Harbour. By W. R. E. Brown | 260–264 ​ |
| | XXIII. | On Skew Arches. By W. Arthur, C.E. | 265–272 |
| | XXIV. | On the Simplest Continuous Manifoldness of Two Dimensions. By F. W. Frankland | 272–279 |
| | XXV. | Further Notes on Moa Remains. By C. H. Robson | 279–280 |
| | XXVI. | On Mr. J. T. Thomson's System of Survey, from a Legal Point of View. By W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S., M.H.R. | 280–293 |
| | XXVII. | On Anemometry. By C. Rous Marten, F.R.G.S., F.M.S., M.Sc.M.S. | 293–304 |
| | XXVIII. | Elements of Mathematics. By J. Adams, B.A. | 304–310 |
| | XXIX. | On some points connected with the Construction of the Bridge over the Grey River, at the Brunner Gorge. By C. H. H. Cook, M.A., Fell. St. John’s Coll., Cam., Prof. Math. Cant. Coll. | 310–316 |
| II.—Zoology. ||||
| | XXX. | Notes on the Tuatara Lizard (Sphenodon punctatum), with a description of a supposed New Species. By Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., President | 317–325 |
| | XXXI. | Description of a New Lizard (Naultinus pulcherrimus). By Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., President | 326–327 |
| | XXXII. | On the Ornithology of New Zealand. By Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., President | 327–337 |
| | XXXIII. | On the occurrence of the Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia). By Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., President | 337–338 |
| | XXXIV. | Observations on a Species of Shag inhabiting Queen Charlotte Sound. By Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., President | 338–340 |
| | XXXV. | On a Tendency to Deformity in the Bill of Nestor meridionalis. By Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., President | 340 |
| | XXXVI. | On the alleged Intercrossing of Ocydromus earli, and the Domestic Fowl. By Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., President | 341–342 |
| | XXXVII. | Insect Architecture, or Notes on the Habits of the Black Spider-wasp of New Zealand. By Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., President | 343–348 |
| | XXXVIII. | Notes on the Maori Rat. By Captain F. W. Hutton, C.M.Z.S. | 348 |
| | XXXIX. | Notes on the New Zealand Delphinide. By Captain F. W. Hutton, Director of the Otago Museum | 349–350 |
| | XL. | On the New Zealand Earth-worms. By Captain F. W. Hutton, C.M.Z.S. | 350–353 |
| | XLI. | Contributions to the Ichthyology of New Zealand. By Captain F. W. Hutton, Director of the Otago Museum | 533–354 |
| | XLII. | Contributions to the Entomology of New Zealand. By Captain F. W. Hutton, Director of the Otago Museum | 355–358 |
| | XLIII. | Corrections and Additions to the List of Polyzoa in the Catalogue of the Marine Mollusca of New Zealand (1873). By Captain F. W. Hutton, Director of the Otago Museum | 358–361 |
| | XLIV. | Corrections and Additions to the Catalogue of the New Zealand Echinodermata (1872). By Captain F. W. Hutton, Director of the Otago Museum | 362 |
| | XLV. | Remarks on Dr. von Haast's Classification of the Moas. By Captain F. W. Hutton, Director of the Otago Museum | 363–365 |
| | XLVI. | On a Second Discovery of Moa-Bones at Hamilton. By B. S. Booth | 365–366 |
| | XLVII. | On Insects injurious to the Kauri Pine (Dammara australis). By Captain Broun | 366–371 |
| | XLVIII. | Descriptions of New Species of Coleoptera. By Captain Broun | 371–374 |
| | XLIX. | Description of a New Species of the Genus Cicindela. By Captain Broun | 374–375 |
| | L. | On the Anthribidæ of New Zealand. By D. Sharp | 375–390 ​ |
| | LI. | On the Colydiidæ of New Zealand. By D. Sharp | 390–401 |
| | LII. | Description of New Genera and Species of New Zealand Coleoptera. By Francis P. Pascoe, F.L.S. | 402–427 |
| | LIII. | Notes on the occurrence of a Curlew (Numenius cyanopus, Vieillot ), in New Zealand. By Julius von Haast, Ph.D., F.R.S. | 427–429 |
| | LIV. | Notes on the Skeleton of Epiodon novæ-zealandiæ. By Julius von Haast, Ph.D., F.R.S., Director of the Canterbury Museum | 430–442 |
| | LV. | Notes on the Mesoplodon floweri. By Julius von Haast, Ph.D., F.R.S., Director of the Canterbury Museum | 442–450 |
| | LVI. | On Oulodon: a New Genus of Ziphioid Whales. By Julius von Haast, Ph.D., F.R.S. | 450–457 |
| | LVII. | Description of a Species of Catocala, new to Science. By R. W. Fereday, C.M.E.S.L. | 457–459 |
| | LVIII. | On the occurrence in New Zealand of a Species of Lepidoptera belonging to the Cossidæ family. By R. W. Fereday, C.M.E.S.L. | 459–460 |
| | LIX. | Brief Observations on the Genus Chrysophanus as represented in New Zealand. By R. W. Fereday, C.M.E.S.L. | 460–463 |
| | LX. | On the occurrence in New Zealand of Diadema bolina, Linn. By R. W. Fereday, C.M.E.S.L. | 463 |
| | LXI. | Notes on the Antarctic Petrel (Priocella antarctica). By James Hector, C.M.G., M.D., F.R.S. | 464 |
| | LXII. | Notes on New Zealand Ichthyology. By James Hector, F.L.S. | 465–469 |
| | LXIII. | Remarks on New Zealand Fishes. By Dr. Albert Gunther, F.R.S. | 469–472 |
| | LXIV. | Notes on New Zealand Crustacea. By James Hector, M.D., F.L.S. | 472–475 |
| | LXV. | Notes on the Genera Astacoides and Paranephrops. By Edward J. Miers | 475–477 |
| | LXVI. | Notes on the New Zealand Cetacea. By James Hector, M.D., C.M.Z.S. | 477–484 |
| | LXVII. | Fish and their Seasons. By P. Thomson | 484–490 |
| III.—Botany. ||||
| | LXVIII. | Notes on a Lomaria collected in the Malvern District. By T. H. Potts, F.L.S. | 491 |
| | LXIX. | Notes on Panax Lineare. By T. Kirk, F.L.S. | 492–493 |
| | LXX. | Description of a New Species of Rumex. By T. Kirk, F.L.S. | 493–494 |
| | LXXI. | Notes on the Economic Properties of certain Native Grasses. By T. Kirk, F.L.S. | 494–502 |
| | LXXII. | Descriptions of Two New Species of Veronica. By T. Kirk, F.L.S. | 502–503 |
| | LXXIII. | On the Botany of Kawau Island. By John Buchanan, F.L.S. Also, Critical Notes on certain Species doubtfully indigenous to Kawau. By T. Kirk, F.L.S. | 503–527 |
| | LXXIV. | On the Root-stock of Marratia fraxinea. By John Buchanan, F.L.S. | 527–529 |
| | LXXV. | On Gnaphalium (Helichrysum) fasciculatum, sp. nov. By John Buchanan, F.L.S. | 529 |
| | LXXVI. | Revised Description of Two Species of New Zealand Panax. By John Buchanan, F.L.S. | 529–531 |
| | LXXVII. | On a few of the Grasses and other Herbage Plants that might be advantageously introduced into Cultivation in New Zealand. By Dr. S. M. Curl | 531–538 |
| | LXXVIII. | Notes on some Otago Plants. By G. M. Thomson | 538–542 |
| | LXXIX. | On the Fertilization of Selliera. By T. F. Cheeseman, F.L.S. | 542–545 |
| | LXXX. | On New Zealand Coffee. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S. | 545–546 |
| | LXXXI. | Description of a New Species of Pilularia. By T. Kirk, F.L.S. | 547 |
| | LXXXII. | Description of New Plants. By T. Kirk, F.L.S. | 547–552 ​ |
| IV.—Chemistry. ||||
| | LXXXIII. | On a Modification of the Mercuro-iodide test for the Detection of Alkeloidal or Albumenous Matters. By W. Skey | 553–556 |
| | LXXXIV. | On the Composition of the Silver Ore of Richmond Hill. By W. Skey | 556–557 |
| | LXXXV. | On a Useful Modification of Common Writing Ink. By W. Skey | 557–559 |
| V.—Geology. ||||
| | LXXXVI. | An attempt at an Explanation of the Origin of Mineral Veins, particularly those of Gold and Silver. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S. | 560–561 |
| | LXXXVII. | On Probable Reasons why few Fossils are found in the Upper Palæozoic, and possible Triassic Rocks of New Zealand. By J. C. Crawford, F.G.S. | 561–564 |
| | LXXXVIII. | Sketch of the Geology of the Northern Portion of Hawke Bay. By S. Percy Smith | 565–576 |
| | LXXXIX. | Notes on the Valley System on the Western Flanks of Mount Cook. By S. Herbert Cox, F.G.S. | 577–581 |
| | XC. | On the Reptilian Beds of New Zealand. By A. McKay | 581–590 |
| | XCI. | On the Relation between the Pareroa and Ahuriri Formations. By Captain F. W. Hutton, Director of the Otago Museum | 590–593 |
| | XCII. | Description of some Tertiary Mollusca, from Canterbury. By Capt. F. W. Hutton, Director of the Otago Museum | 593–598 |
| | XCIII. | On a New Fossil Bird, Anas finschi, from Earnscleugh Caves. By P. J. Van Beneden | 599–602 |
| | XCIV. | On a New Tribolite (Homalonotus expansus). By James Hector, C.M.G., M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. | 602 |
| NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE. ||||
| Eighth Annual Report of the Board of Governors | Eighth Annual Report of the Board of Governors | Eighth Annual Report of the Board of Governors | 605 |
| Museum | Museum | Museum | 607 |
| Laboratory | Laboratory | Laboratory | 609 |
| Accounts of the New Zealand Institute | Accounts of the New Zealand Institute | Accounts of the New Zealand Institute | 610 |
| APPENDIX. ||||
| Climate of New Zealand | Climate of New Zealand | Climate of New Zealand | xxi |
| Temperature of Air | Temperature of Air | Temperature of Air | xxi |
| Rainfall | Rainfall | Rainfall | xxii |
| Wind | Wind | Wind | xxii |
| Earthquakes during 1876 | Earthquakes during 1876 | Earthquakes during 1876 | xxiii |
| Comparative Abstract for 1876, and previous years | Comparative Abstract for 1876, and previous years | Comparative Abstract for 1876, and previous years | xxiv |
| Notes on the Weather | Notes on the Weather | Notes on the Weather | xxv |
| The Climatic and Financial Aspect of Forest Conservancy as applicable to New Zealand. By Captain Campbell Walker, F.R.G.S. | The Climatic and Financial Aspect of Forest Conservancy as applicable to New Zealand. By Captain Campbell Walker, F.R.G.S. | The Climatic and Financial Aspect of Forest Conservancy as applicable to New Zealand. By Captain Campbell Walker, F.R.G.S. | xxvii |
| Honorary Members of the New Zealand Institute | Honorary Members of the New Zealand Institute | Honorary Members of the New Zealand Institute | l |
| Ordinary Members of the New Zealand Institute | Ordinary Members of the New Zealand Institute | Ordinary Members of the New Zealand Institute | l–lx |
| List of Free Copies | List of Free Copies | List of Free Copies | lxi–lxii |
| Preface | Preface | Preface | iii |
| Errata | Errata | Errata | iv |
| Contents | Contents | Contents | v–viii |
| List of Plates | List of Plates | List of Plates | ix |
| Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute | Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute | Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute | xi |
| Abstracts of Rules and Statutes of the New Zealand Institute | Abstracts of Rules and Statutes of the New Zealand Institute | Abstracts of Rules and Statutes of the New Zealand Institute | xi |
| List of Incorporated Societies | List of Incorporated Societies | List of Incorporated Societies | xiii |
| Officers of Incorporated Societies and Extracts from the Rules | Officers of Incorporated Societies and Extracts from the Rules | Officers of Incorporated Societies and Extracts from the Rules | xiv–xix |
PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE,
1876.
VOL. IX., PART 2.
EDITED AND PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE INSTITUTE,
BY
JAMES HECTOR, C.M.G., M.D., F.R.S.
Issued July, 1877.
WELLINGTON: LYON AND BLAIR, PRINTERS, LAMBTON QUAY
TRUBNER & CO., 60, PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON.
WELLINGTON PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY
Account of Dr. Hector's Travels Notice of Senecio perdicoides By J. Buchanan Destructive brown beetle By W. T. L. Travers Description of Medicago marginata By T. Kirk Remarks upon the supposed Pleistocene Glaciation of New Zealand and Postglacial Moas By T. Cockburn-Hood On the Proposed Introduction of the Polecat into New Zealand By W. L. Buller Abstract Report of Council Election of Officers for 1877 Analysis of the Geyser Waters of New Zealand By W. Skey On the Approximate Composition of Winslow's Soothing Syrup By W. Skey
AUCKLAND INSTITUTE
President's Address By T. B. Gillies Remarks on the Maori Rat By G. Grey Notes on the approaching eclipse, to take place on 18th September, 1876 By T. Heale Abstract of Annual Report Election of Officers for 1877
PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTE OF CANTERBURY
Election of Officers for 1877 Abstract of Annual Report
OTAGO INSTITUTE
Abstract of Annual Report for 1876 Election of Officers for 1876 President's Address by J. S. Webb New Method of Irrigating an Object on a Microscope Slide By Professor Coughtrey Abstract of Annual Report for 1877 Election of Officers for 1877 President's Address by R. Gillies
APPENDIX.
On the supposed Influence of Climate over the Geographical Distribution of the Marine Mollusca By C. W. Purnell Scientific Instruction in New Zealand By Professor Bickerton Observations on Captain Hutton's paper "On the Maori Cooking-places at the Mouth of the Shag River" (Trans. N.Z. Inst., VIII., p. 103) By Julius von Haast On a new Fire-grate for economising the Combustion of Coals and Lignites, and increasing the Radiation of Heat By H. Skey
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
| | | TO FACE PAGE | TO FACE PAGE |
| I. | Travers.—Mori-ori Carvings | | 22 |
| II. | Phillips.—Map of Pacific Islands | | 60 |
| III. | Buller.—Skull of Maori Rat | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 182 |
| | {{{1}}}„ New Zealand Mason Wasp | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 182 |
| | Buchanan.—Old Matai Tree | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 182 |
| IV. | Arthur.—Skew Bridges | | 266 |
| V. | {{{1}}}„{{{1}}}„ | | 268 |
| VI. | Rosson.—Maori Implements | | 280 |
| VII. | Hutton.—Earth-worms | | 352 |
| VIII. | Hector.—Fishes | | 468 |
| IX. | {{{1}}}„{{{1}}}„ | | 466 |
| X. | {{{1}}}„{{{1}}}„ | | 468 |
| XI. | {{{1}}}„ Skulls of Porpoises | | 480 |
| XII. | {{{1}}}„ Tursio metis Bones | | 482 |
| XIII. | {{{1}}}„ Globiocephalus (Outline) | | 482 |
| XIIIa. | {{{1}}}„{{{1}}}„Bones | | 484 |
| XIV. | Buller.—Deformities in the Bill of Nestor meridionalis | | 340 |
| XV. | {{{1}}}„ Phalacrocorax and Eudyptula | | 338 |
| XVI. | Hutton.—Tertiary Shells | | 594 |
| XVII. | Buller.—Naultinus pulcherrimus | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 326 |
| | Fereday.—Catocala | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 326 |
| XVII. | Buchanan.—Root of Marattia fraxinea | | 528 |
| XIX. | Buchanan.—Gnaphalium fasciculatum | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 528 |
| | Kirk.—Veronica canescens | $\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,$ | 528 |
| XX. | Buchanan.—Panax crassifolium | | 530 |
| XXI. | {{{1}}}„ Panax longissimum | | 530 |
| XXII. | Smith.—Geological Map, Hawke Bay | | 566 |
| XXIII. | {{{1}}}„ Sections of the above Map | | 568 |
| XXIV. | Haast.—Epiodon Teeth and Ear-bones | | 440 |
| XXV. | {{{1}}}„ Mesoplodon and Epiodon Skeletons | | 442 |
| XXXVI. | {{{1}}}„ Whales' Skulls | | 444 |
| XXVII. | Hector.—Crab and Trilobite | | 474 |
| XXVIII. | Van Beneden.—Anas Finschi | | 600 |
| XXIX. | Kirk.—Pilularia | | 548 |
| XXX. | {{{1}}}„ Celmisia | | 548 |