Otago Institute.
Fourth Meeting: 2nd August, 1910.

The President, Professor Waters, in the chair.

There were forty members present.

New Members.—Messrs. E. E. Stark, James Nicoll, and R. A. Farquharson.

Papers.—1. Professor Waters laid on the table an important contribution by Mr. R. A. Farquharson, M.A., entitled “The Occurrence of Platinum in New Zealand,” and he proceeded to show by means of maps and diagrams the various localities where the metal is obtained, and how by different methods the pure metal is finally extracted. He spoke in highly flattering terms of the work that was being done by Mr. Farquharson.

2. Mr. J. Crosby Smith sent in a paper on the plants of Lake Hauroko, and this was read by the Secretary.

Exhibits.—Mr. George Howes exhibited some fine specimens of Lepidoptera, and Dr. Benham spoke of the valuable work that was being done in the field by Mr. Howes.

Address.—Dr. Fulton gave a short address entitled “An Hour with a Water Diviner,” and argued that in the man interviewed there was no more than a shrewd knowledge of localities, a good idea of the run of all the streams in the district worked upon, and an almost imperceptible voluntary contraction of the muscles of the fingers, which caused the twig to descend wherever it was deemed expedient.

Dr. Benham and Mr. McLeod also spoke on the subject.