Specimens Exhibited:—(1) Ancient Maori kite, made of raupo, and exhibited by Sir George Grey. (2) Five specimens of Helix hochstetteri, presented by Hon. Captain Baillie, whose property near Picton is almost the only place where that shell is now obtained. (3) Specimen of auriferous Pinolite, a magnesian rock combined with dolomite, presented by G. S. H. Cox, F.G.S. New South Wales. (4) A bonita, a very rare fish in New Zealand, which had been purchased at a fishmonger's shop in Wellington. Dr. Hector took occasion to refer to the reported finding of a turtle in Foveaux Straits, and reminded the meeting that a few years ago a turtle came ashore at Island Bay, together with a number of strange fish belonging to the coast of New South Wales, and a mass of kelp. (5) An interesting book, entitled “Cooke's Voyages in the years 1708–11,” presented by Mr. Justice Gillies, of Auckland. The book contains numerous plates of birds, beasts, and fishes found in these seas; and New Zealand is marked on the chart as a nebulous patch. (6) Facsimiles of ancient classics, an Epinal Glossary of Latin and Old English. (7) Geological specimens from the collection of Mr. McKay, made during his recent survey of the Kaikoura mountains. Dr. Hector spoke for some time on the geology of that district, and testified to the valuable nature of the work being done by Mr. McKay. (8) Portrait in oil of Manihera, recently presented to the Government by the relatives of the deceased, and which had been forwarded to the Museum.

Mr. T. W. Lewis, Under-Secretary for Native Affairs, was present, and gave a short account of Manihera's career, stating that he had been a friend to the settlers from the very early days, and a loyal servant to the Crown.

Manihera's brother (Hoane Rangitakaiwaho), his son (Robert Hector Manihera), and his nephew (John Alfred Jury) were present at the meeting, and the latter, who spoke English with an excellent accent, related some episodes from Manihera's life. He stated that Manihera and Wi Kingi opened the land in the Wairarapa to the settlers; and when Te Hapuku tried to oppose Sir Donald McLean in Hawke's Bay, by refusing to permit the land to be sold, Manihera went up and got Te Hapuku to agree to it. When the Hauhau fanaticism and the King movement spread to the Wairarapa, Manihera used his influence to pacify the Natives with success.

The Hon. Mr. W. B. D. Mantell, M.L.C., said he had held Manihera in very high esteem, but suggested that the portrait would find a more fitting place in the corridor of the House of Assembly.

Dr. Hector differed from this opinion, remarking that, in its present place, the general public would have the benefit of being able to see it.