Abstract of Annual Report.

Six ordinary meetings were held and were fairly attended. The number of papers read was twenty-one. The museum has received numerous donations and many valuable deposits, especially in the department of Maori archæological articles. By request of the authorities of the New Zealand Exhibition Mr. Hamilton, the Curator, went to Dunedin to superintend the arrangement of the Maori and early-history court; and a large number of the principal exhibits (about 250) in this court are from the museum of this Society, and are noted by southern papers as of the highest value and interest. Mr. Hamilton was also able to obtain while in Otago some very good bones of the moa, which will assist in completing the important series of bones from Te Aute. He has also arranged for a further accession after the close of the Exhibition. The President, Dr. Spencer, has, in accordance with a suggestion made by him in his presidential address, formed a microscopical section, and fortnightly meetings have been held. A course of lectures on the use of the microscope was also delivered by him at these meetings.

The balance-sheet presented last year showed a debit balance of £41 3s., while on the 31st of January, 1890, there was a small credit balance.

During the year 2 members have died, 7 have resigned, 7 have left the district, and 1 new member has been elected, leaving the membership at 100. Three Council meetings were held during the year.