THE HAWKE'S BAY PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTE.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3079, 10 May 1881, Page 3

THE HAWKE'S BAY PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTE.

This society held its first ordinary meeting of this winter's session last evening; the attendance of members was small, while that of visitors was large—among them was a good number of ladies: Dr. Spencer was voted to the Chair. The Honorary Secretary read an interesting paper containing some of the peculiar and little-known actions of the ancient Maoris of this E. Coast some 25—28 generations back I (in all probability before the time—-in English History—of William the Conqueror and the >v-battle of Hastings.) The paper conXtained many strange weird-like doings, spells, incantations, &c. A special vote of thanks to the Hon. Secretary for his paper,—proposed by Mr Holder, and ably seconded by Mr M. R. Miller,—was unanimously awarded. Tbe concluding portion of the paper,—said "to be still more strauge if not wholly unique in N.Z. ancient history,"—is reserved for a _- future occasion. Several interesting specimens of insects and of scarce plants, very recently obtained from the 70 Mile Bush by the Hon. Secretary, were also exhibited, causing no small amount of interest and gratification. Some of the plants, particularly of the smaller and curious cryptogamic ones, were strikingly beautiful, being so elegant and regular in their forms, and are believed to be wholly new to science,—but have to be closely examined. A very large flat bone, artificially shaped,into something like the form (and size) of the blade of a garden spade, was also exhibited; this, probably, was made from the bone of a whale. It was found, last year, in the bush near to the public work on the Railway line, lying under several feet (10-12) of earth. None of tbe old Maoris of the present day who who had seen it knew anything of it, or of its probable use. It is a rare memento of the long past! Two gentlemens' names were announced for election as members at the -, next meeting of the Council. The usual vote to the Chairman terminated the proceedings. We think that a special vote of thanks was due to the many young lady visitors, whom we were glad to see present