![Thumbnail: [Volume 24, 1891 page 698]](/journals/rsnz/images/rsnz_24/thumbnails/rsnz_24_00_0826_0698_ac_02.gif)
Seventh Meeting: 21st October, 1891.
Sir James Hector in the chair.
Papers.—1. “Further Coccid Notes: with Descriptions of New Species, and Remarks on Coccids from New Zealand, Australia, and elsewhere,” by W. M. Maskell, F.R.M.S. (Transactions, p. 1.)
Mr. Maskell read extracts only from the paper, and drew attention to a collection of insects on the table which had been described by him. He pointed out the great interest there was in the study of these scale-insects, especially from an economic point of view. He was sorry that so little interest was taken, especially by those who were more immediately affected by these pests. They were ready enough to ask for information, but rarely acted on the advice given. It was disheartening to those who devoted so much time to the economic side of the question, and almost enough to make those engaged in it give up such work. He would still do all he could to induce the Government to establish an Agricultural Department. The proposal had generally been received well in the Houses of Parliament, but he was afraid that until more pressure was brought to bear the Government would not move in the matter. He probably would ask the Council of this Society to still further assist him in bringing about the object desired.
Sir W. Buller said he had listened with pleasure to Mr. Maskell's interesting and practical remarks. He thought, notwithstanding what Mr. Maskell had said, that work of this nature would in time be appreciated, and he thought that an Agricultural Department would be established, thanks greatly to the exertions of Mr. Maskell.
Mr. Travers said farmers and fruit-growers would thoroughly appreciate the establishment of an Agricultural Department. Many of them were benefiting by the advice given by those who worked on the scale and
![Thumbnail: [Volume 24, 1891 page 699]](/journals/rsnz/images/rsnz_24/thumbnails/rsnz_24_00_0827_0699_ac_02.gif)
other insects. The making-known the life-history of these pests was of the greatest value.
Mr. Harding thought that the Agricultural Department would become an accomplished fact.
Sir J. Hector said that Mr. Maskell deserved the thanks of the Society for having contributed such a valuable paper. He thought, with regard to the establishment of an Agricultural Department, it was necessary that some more definite scheme should be decided on, and more information provided, before a department of this kind could be formed. It was not quite such a simple matter as might be supposed. It required to be carefully thought out. In the meantime the Government were doing all they could in the matter. He hoped Mr. Maskell would still continue his valuable work on these insects, especially that part bearing on the economic branch of the study.
Mr. Maskell did not wish what he had said to refer specially to what he had himself done in this particular branch of scientific research. He referred generally to the small amount of interest taken in this important work.
2. “Further Notes and Observations on Certain Species of New Zealand Birds,” by Sir Walter Buller, K.C.M.G., F.R.S. (Transactions, p. 75.)
The author exhibited several handsome specimens.
Mr. Travers agreed with Sir Walter Buller that many of our rare birds were fast disappearing. He said that the introduced ferrets, &c., were in a great measure the cause; they were destroying the domestic fowls, and had to be killed as vermin.
Mr. Phillips said that if the ferrets were vermin, and there were no rabbits, they should certainly be destroyed; but that they had been most useful in getting rid of the rabbits was most certain.
Sir Walter Buller said we had far better never have introduced such animals; the rabbits would have died out, or could have been otherwise destroyed, but we should find it difficult to get rid of the ferrets.