Eighth Meeting. August 24, 1870.
His Honor Mr. Justice Chapman, President, in the chair.

The following new members were elected:—Revs. E. G. Edwards and E. H. Granger; W. N. Blair, Richard Wilding, Thomas Ulph, J. B. Park, and John Stables.

1. “On the Political and Economical Aspect of Railways,” by Mr. Justice Chapman. (See Transactions.)

Mr. Bathgate expressed the pleasure he had experienced in listening to the interesting and able address of the President, and was glad to corroborate the statements made therein. He had considerable experience on this subject, and had had the honour to be examined before Parliament with regard to more than one railway. The cost of railways in England was 600 millions, the national debt 800 millions. The introduction of railways into any country was a double gain; it increased production, and decreased the cost of production. He referred to the necessity of constructing a cheap line of railway, which would be sufficient for all their requirements, one not to cost over £5000 per mile, and pointed out the advisability of their urging forward the formation of railways in Otago.