Third Meeting. July 6, 1868.
Frederick Whitaker, Esq., President, in the chair.

The following contributions were laid upon the table, viz:

Golden pheasant, from the Auckland Acclimatisation Society. Fossil Pecten, from Te Pahi, Kaipara—Mr. Kirk. Work on the anatomy of Halleria punctata, by Albert Günther—from the author. Auriferous quartz, from the “Bobbie Burns” claim—Mr. W. Aitkin. Copy of the Auckland Times, September 12, 1842, found at an old native burial-place at the Thames—Mr. H. M. Jervis. One rare Murex, one rare Venus—Mr. Traill. Specimen of King Penguin, captured at the Bay of Islands—Captain Hutton. One skin of Huia, one of Apteryx Owenii, from Mr. Buller, Wanganui, in exchange for skins from museum collection; and one skull of fish (unknown), collected at Hokitika, by Mr. Murdoch.

Moved and carried, that the thanks of the meeting be given to the donors.

Papers read:

(1.) “On Hydraulic Mortar.” (See Transactions.)

A discussion ensued, in which several members took part; during which astonishment was expressed that stones of different sorts, and especially fire-bricks, should still be imported into the colony at a heavy cost, when they could be obtained much cheaper in the province itself.

(2.) “The Birds of the Great Barrier Island,” and (3,) “The Birds of the Little Barrier Island,” by Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G.S. (See Transactions.)

Several specimens were produced as the result of Captain Hutton's explorations on these islands. Mr. Kirk, who accompanied Captain Hutton in his visit to the Little Barrier, added a few interesting remarks to the papers read.

In answer to a question put by the Rev. Mr. Purchas, Captain Hutton replied, that the crater at the Little Barrier, appeared to be about the same age as that at the North Head of the Manukau; and was, with slight exceptions, similar to that of Tongariro.

(4.) “On the Hot-spring of Te Tarata, Rotomahana,” by Captain F. W. Hutton, F.G.S. (See Transactions.)

A vote of thanks to Captain Hutton and Mr. Stewart closed the proceedings.