2. “Remarks upon Mr. Travers' Paper on Sandfixing,” by J. C. Crawford, F.G.S.

Abstract.

Mr. Crawford took exception to Mr. Travers' proposal for planting the Pinus maritima for this purpose, chiefly on account of the risk of fire, the cost of labour, and the fact that it would not stand the sea breezes. He recommended, as more suitable, Cupressus macrocarpa and other hardy pines, and the olive also might thrive.

Dr. Hector thought the Australian wattle would be a suitable tree for such a purpose, and the Government, he stated, had purchased large quantities of the seed for distribution. It was found to be profitable in Victoria, on account of its bark, for tanning purposes, and no doubt it would be so here.

Dr. Hutchinson stated that the Algarobia tree had proved useful for the purpose stated in Honolulu.

3. “Is New Zealand a healthy Country?” by Alfred K. Newman, M.B., M.R.C.P.; with Statistics, by F. W. Frankland. (Transactions, p. 493.)

Mr. Holland regretted the evils arising from the introduction of manufactures and hoped that some of them might be provided against.

Dr. Hutchinson drew attention to the waste of human life in the colony due to preventible diseases, arising from the culpable neglect of all sanitary precautions. The waste of life from such preventible ills as scarlet and typhoid fevers was scandalous. He thought diseases among women arising from overwork in domestic life was very large.

Dr. Cole maintained that malaria did exist in the colony and that a true ague was not uncommon.

Dr. Hector strongly urged that, in place of dull wearisome figures, authors should exhibit statistical results by means of diagrams. Graphic representations more deeply impressed and were more explanatory. He said that in the gold mining towns of New Zealand, where the population had once been dense and careless of sanitary precautions, the soil had become so polluted that now, years afterwards, the remnants of the population are attacked by epidemics, which are severe and frequent, owing to the accumulation of old filth.