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Nelson Philosophical Society.
First Meeting: 4th March, 1890.
The Bishop of Nelson, President, in the chair.
Exhibits.—The Curator exhibited specimens of larva of Eristalis, beetle (Othophagus granulatus), and humble-bee (Bombus terrestris); also twelve Poonah figures, and a number of Indian curios, presented by Colonel Farrington; sand-plover, desert-chat, male and female wheatears, a little grebe, all from Palestine; an ibis, from New Guinea; a Rhamphocelus jacopa and a Dendrochelidon mysticalis, from Borneo, presented by the President; a duck-billed platypus (Ornithorhynchus), from Tasmania, presented by Mr. A. S. Atkinson; fossils from Awatere, presented by the Curator.
Papers.—1. “On a Specimen of the Great Ribbon-fish (Re-galecus argenteus) taken in Nelson Harbour,” by R. I. Kingsley. (Transactions, vol. xxii., p. 333.)
2. “Notes on Blights,” by James Hudson, M.B. (Transactions, p. 111.)
The author exhibited two specimens of blight—Dactylopius calceolariæ and Lecanium hispidum.
Second Meeting: 7th July, 1890.
The Bishop of Nelson, President, in the chair.
Exhibits.—Specimen of Burmese carving, presented by Mr. Snodgrass; eight volumes, some scientific instruments (prism, air-pumps, &c.), and two frames of Egyptian photographs, presented by the late Hon. Secretary, Dr. Coleman; a catfish, by Mr. McArtney; specimen of John Dory (Zeus faber), presented by the Curator. The Curator also exhibited a Fijian carved battle-axe; and the “Report of Observations of Eclipse of the Sun,” from the Lick Observatory, by Professor Holden.
New Member.—W. E. Fleming.
Paper.—“Mount Cook and its Glaciers,” by W. S. Curtis.
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Third Meeting: 1st September, 1890.
The Bishop of Nelson, President, in the chair.
New Members.—Revs. W. Evans and F. W. Isitt.
Exhibits.—Specimens of Gorgonidæ, or marine tree, from Big Bay, South Island, exhibited by Messrs. Lukins and Marris; hæmatite-iron pot from Parapara, presented by Mr. Washbourne; a number of fossil leaves in sandstone from the Port Hills, by Mr. T. B. Huffam; and stuffed specimens of Hæmatopus longirostris, or pied oyster-catcher, by Master Kempthorne.
The Hon. Curator reported that a new fern had been discovered by Mr. J. Campbell, of Nelson, and a full description of it, by Mr. Kirk, would be available in a short time.
Papers.—1. “Notes on Sceloglaux albifacies, the Laughing Owl of New Zealand,” by R. I. Kingsley. (Transactions, p. 190.)
A specimen of this bird, stuffed, which was captured at the Tadmor, was exhibited, and presented to the Museum.
2. “Alaska,” by T. B. Huffam.
The paper elicited considerable discussion. Numerous photographs of the scenery, natives, and objects of scientific interest of this wonderful and almost unexplored region were exhibited.
Annual Meeting: 11th November, 1890.
The Bishop of Nelson, President, in the chair.
New Members.—Messrs. Greenwood and L. R. Turnbull.
Abstract of Annual Report.
The Hon. Secretary's report showed that there was a growing interest in the work of the Society. The papers read were original, and the meetings well attended. During the session five new members joined the Society; and Dr. Coleman, who for five years past had filled the position of Hon. Secretary, resigned, owing to his departure for England.
The Hon. Curator's report showed that the Museum was in good condition, and the list of donations compared most favourably with those of previous years.
The Hon. Treasurer's report showed a satisfactory credit balance.
Election of Officers for 1891.—President—The Bishop of Nelson; Vice-presidents—A. S. Atkinson and Dr. Boor; Hon. Secretary—Sidney Black; Hon. Curator—R. I. Kingsley; Hon. Treasurer—Dr. Hudson; Council—J. Holloway, Dr. Mackie, Dr. Cressy, Rev. W. Evans, and Rev. F. W. Isitt.
Exhibits.—A large piece of greenstone, by the President; a boulder from Jackson's Bay, by the Hon. Curator: both exhibits were cut and polished at Aberdeen. Dr. Tatton
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presented a large fossil from Mid-Buller, West Coast. Specimen of mica, by Mr. Bayfeild. Mr. W. Martin exhibited a beautiful yellow parroquet (Platycercus auriceps), shot near the Reservoir, Brook Street, Nelson.
Papers.—1. “On a Remarkable Variety of Asplenium umbrosum, J. Sm.,” by T. Kirk, F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 424.)
2. “On the Occurrence of Danais plexippus and Sphinx convolvuli (?) in Nelson,” by R. I. Kingsley. (Transactions, p. 192.)
Specimens of these insects were exhibited by the Hon. Curator.
3. “Description of a Remarkable Variation in the Colour of Platycercus auriceps,” by R. I. Kingsley. (Transactions, p. 192.)