Abstract of Annual Report.

This Society was founded in September, 1874, and within a few weeks sixty members were enrolled. Of these, one—Mr. Catchpool—had died, and three had resigned, and there were thirteen new applicants for membership.

Owing to adverse circumstances no annual general meeting could be held before this, but the Council had met frequently, and ordered some of the best modern works on various branches of science, which were expected soon to arrive.

Several members had collected specimens of various kinds which they purposed presenting to the Institute, whenever a proper place was prepared in which to deposit them.

Regret was expressed at the inability of the Right Rev. Dr. Williams, Vice-president, to attend, through infirmity.

The Secretary had several papers in preparation to read to the Society, and his report concluded by pointing out the many advantages of belonging to such an Institution.

The total receipts since the foundation of the Society were £265 2s. Od., including a grant of £100 from the late Provincial Council. The expenditure was £53 19s. 2d., leaving a balance to credit of £211 2s. 10d.

The thanks of the Society were directed to be recorded to the Honorary Secretary for his report.

A letter was read from the Rev. Dr. Williams, late Bishop of Waiapu, resigning his office of Vice-president, owing to infirmities.