By Sir J. Hector

Sir James Hector gave a description of the new earthquake-recorder, which he had set up temporarily in the hall.

He also gave a general description of earthquakes and their supposed origin.

Mr. Hogben added some very interesting information regarding this instrument, which had been brought to such perfection by Mr. John Milne. He thought we were to be congratulated on having such an instrument in the colony. We should not, however, forget that it was Dr. E. von Rebeur-Paschwitz who first invented the horizontal pendulum for the recording of earth-shocks.

The President said we had to thank Sir James Hector and Mr. Hogben for the interesting and instructive explanation they had given of the working of the seismometer.

Sir James Hector exhibited specimens of fish, ducks, and sponges.