# Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute/Volume 15/Southland Institute

SOUTHLAND INSTITUTE.
First Meeting. 9th May, 1882.
J. T. Thomson, F.R.G.S., President, in the chair.
New Members.—H. Feldwick, M.H.R., T. B. Bennett, H. Wild, Rev. J. Hobbs, C. Gilbertson.
1. The President delivered an address on the work done by the New Zealand Institute.
2. "On the Formation of the Quartz Pebbles of the Southland Plains," by W. S. Hamilton. (Transactions, p. 414.)
Second Meeting. 13th June, 1882.
J. T. Thomson, F.R.G.S., President, in the chair.
New Members.—D. W. McArthur, J. Hain.
1. "On the Importance of Forestry," by D. McArthur. (Transactions, p. 461.)
2. "A Chapter on Folk Lore," by J. G. S. Smith.
Third Meeting. 11th July, 1882.
T. Denniston in the chair.
1. "On Self-registering Windmills," by J. T. Thomson. (Plate XL.)
ABSTRACT.
The author gives an account of the various contrivances that have been adopted for obtaining a self-regulating Windmill, and describes in minute detail the experimental steps by which he was led to the invention of the particular form of windmill which he recommends; the leading features of which can be most easily understood from the accompanying illustration.
Fourth Meeting. 8th August, 1882.
H. Carswell in the chair.
1. "The Use of the Training Walls in deepening Invercargill Harbour," by J. T. Thomson.
Fifth Meeting. 12th September, 1882.
J. T. Thomson, F.R.G.S., President, in the chair.
New Members.—John Gammell, Chas. McLean.
1. "The Surface Features of the Earth and Local Variations in the Force of Gravity," by T. B. Wakelin. (Transactions, p. 463.)
Sixth Meeting. 10th October, 1882.
J. T. Thomson, F.R.G.S., President, in the chair.
1. "On the Constitution of Comets," by the Rev. P. W. Fairclough. (Transactions, p. 477.)
Annual Meeting. 30th January, 1883.
ABSTRACT OF ANNUAL REPORT.
During the year six general meetings were held, at which eight papers were read.
Nine new members joined the Institute during the year, the total now being sixty-two. Application was made to the Government for the granting of a site for the erection of a building suitable for the Institute, and providing room for a Museum, etc., but a definite reply was deferred pending the settlement of the question as to requirements for the railway station and extensions.
A number of valuable works have been added to the library, and a case containing a large number of mineralogical and geological specimens purchased in England has also been received. The books of the Institute are now available for reference by arrangement with the Council of the Law Society.
The receipts for the year, not including a balance from last year of £52 9s. 11d., amount to £50 8s., and the expenditure to £58 9s. 8d., including £37 7s. 9d. spent on books and periodicals, and £10 on specimens, leaving a balance in hand of £44 8s. 3d., out of which will have to come the annual outlay on books, etc.
Two vacancies which occurred during the year in the Council, by the resignation of Mr. Goyen and Dr. Galbraith, were filled by the election of the Rev. P. W. Fairclough and Mr. Carswell, and the duties of the Secretary were undertaken by the Treasurer.
It is with regret that we have to record the loss to the Society of two active members, Mr. Goyen and the late Mr. Cuthbertson, both among its originators.
In addition to the papers read at the ordinary meetings, Mr. J. T. Thomson read a paper on "Capital and Labour" under the auspices of the Institute.
Election of Officers for 1883:—President—J. T. Thomson, C.E., F.R.G.S. Vice-President—Rev. P. W. Fairclough; Secretary and Treasurer—J. C. Thomson; Council—Dr. Galbraith, Messrs. Carswell, Denniston, Hamilton, Robertson, Scandrett.