WELLINGTON PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5734, 15 August 1879, Page 6

WELLINGTON PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.

A meeting of this Society was held at the Museum on Saturday, July 26 th. Mr. Martin Chapman, vice-president, in the chair. The minutes having been confirmed, the Secretary announced the election of the following gentlemen as members :—Mr. H. W. Saxton, of New Plymouth, and Mr. W. H. Holmes, of Wellington. The first paper read was “ On the Forest Question in New Zealand,’’ by Mr. A. Lecoy, LL.D., M.A. The author gave a most interesting account of the conservation of forests in other countries, and more particularly in France, with an elaborate description of the manner in which State Forests Departments are managed, showing the expense of working and the profits derived therefrom. Valuable statistics were given comparing the New Zealand timbers with those used in England and on the Continent, which, according to the author’s views, proved the New Zealand timber in many respects superior and more suitable for general use. He contended that if the forests of this country were conserved in the manner indicated by him, a large and profitable timber trade could be carried on. The expense of working such State Forest Departments was fully entered into, and information respecting many important points relating to the subject given. The Hon. Mr. Waterhouse thought the author too sanguine as to the success of such an undertaking in New Zealand at present, at the same time believing it to be highly important that conservation of New Zealand forests should be commenced, as no doubt in the future some such scheme as the author advanced might be carried out. He could hardly agree with the author's estimate, especially as regards the value of our timber as compared with others, or as, to the small expense of management when the present price of labor is considered.

Dr. Newman agreed with Mr. Waterhouse. He did not think we could compete with other countries, especially on a large scale. The author was mistaken as to the great value of our timber ; stiil, it was most important that New Zealand forests should be protected. Mr. BLUNDELL, while considering the paper valuable, thought the calculations and estimates scarcely reliable. He agreed that conservation should be carried out with the view of future operations. Mr. O’Neill was of opinion that great weight should be attached to the views of the author, as coming from one who had devoted so much of his time to the question of forestry, and who could speak on the subject with so much experience. He himself agreed that some of our timbers were superior in many ways to those used elsewhere. The author deserved the thanks of the society for having brought forward such an important subject. The Eev. Mr. Oitway agreed with the author, and considered that probably the estirxate as regards our timber was even underestimated, but that the real value of the timbers could not be ascertained until a market had been created for them. He mentioned his own experience in districts in tbe North Island, where surviving trees, from those cut down by the early settlers as worthless firewood, were now valued at as much as 255. each, and were exported for the manufacture of gun carriages. He also pointed out that the peculiar value of the New Zealand timber was the large size of the hard wood logs that could be obtained. Dr. Hectob thought it of the highest importance that this subject should be thoroughly inquired into, and the author deserved great praise for the trouble he had taken in preparing the paper. Anyone who helped to bring about the conservation of our forests conferred a public benefit. Mr. Kirk had listened with pleasure to the paper. He thought the extent to which conservation should be carried out ought to be considered, also the question as to its effect on climate. There was nothing in New Zealand to compare with the oak or spruce. The kauri was our best timber, but unfortunately it was fast disappearing. Mr. Lecot replied at some length, and refuted many doubts cast by previous speakers on the value of bis statistics. He thought that when his paper had been read carefully, it would be found that his views were supported by experience. On the motion of Mr. O’Neill, the further discussion of this paper was adjourned until next meeting, to afford members an opportunity of perusing it, as it deserved. Mr. Dominick Bkowne then read a paper on the question as to “ What should be the highest aim of the Wellington Philosophical Society,” in which he pointed out that there were many other subjects other than questions purely scientific that might be encouraged among the members which would benefit not only themselves but the community at large. Owing to the lateness of the hour the discussion on this subject had to be postponed.

.There was a fair attendance at the meeting of this society on Saturday evening. Dr. Newman, president, occupied the chair. Mr. J. S. Brenderville was announced as a member. '

The Hon. R. Hart, M.E.C., read a paper entitled “Suggestions towards a theory accounting for the movements of the magnetic needle,” which was listened to with great attention. An interesting discussion followed, in which Messrs. Marten, Chapman, J. T. Thomson, Robert Pharazyn, and the president, took part, some of the speakers differing with the views set forth by the author. The discussion on Mr. Lecoy’s paper was then resumed, and occupied the remainder of the evening. The following members spoke on the subject :—Messrs. Campbell, Marten, Chapman, J. T. Thomson, H. Blundell, R. Pharazyn, T. Kirk, and Dr. Newman, and by all the author was complimented on the able manner in which he had dealt with this most important subject. While not being quite so sanguine as the author regarding the success at the present time of the establishment and working of a State forest department in New Zealand, yet it was generally admitted that ultimately such conservation of our forests, if carried out by Government under proper supervision, would prove successful and profitable, but scarcely to the extent indicated by Mr. Lecoy. In the course of the discussion, Mr. J. T. Thomson gave some valuable information supported by statistics bearing on the subject

him. He rejoiced at the patience of his disciples, and assured them that they would eventually be rewarded, as hia destiny was spiritual supremacy over all. He grieved at the stubbornness of the Maoris and Europeans who would not believe in him. The Europeans said his intention was to commence hostilities. This was not so ; his mission was peaceful. His teachings were declared ravings. Some men derided the prophets of old, but eventually believed in them, and so would his teachings be finally accepted. The next thing that would come to pass would be the “ Maungarongo Mountain of peace,” after that, the resurrection.

The wives and relatives of the prisoners who went to Parihaka in tears have returned rejoicing that their husbands and friends have been accounted worthy to suffer martyrdom for To Whiti's sake—so great is the influence of the “ prophet " over his followers. The fifteen Oakura ploughing men were put on board the Hinemoa, to be taken to Wellington at noon this day. Their demeanor was quiet.

Pate a, July 19

Nothing of any importance transpired at the Parihaka monthly meeting, there merely being a repetition of Te Whiti’s unintelligible rubbish. He signifies that ploughing will be deferred till after tire trial of the prisoners now in Wellington, who, he says, will return in triumph, like the return of the Israelites from Babylon, with a Government agent, to interview him (Te Whiti) on the confiscated land question. He says he will allow no fighting. He adds that Whakawiria has been well taught by Tohu how to act with the Government at Wellington, and he likens him to a racehorse arriving at the winning post. Haweka, July 19. A report is current here that the Constabulary at Opunake baked the bread for the Parihaka meeting, the flour and wood being supplied by the Maoris.

It is said that the natives will finish the paddock at Opunake, and then the ploughing will cease. Others say that there will be no more ploughing at all, but that Te Whiti will wait to see what is done by Parliament. New Plymouth, July 22.

A Waitara correspondent states that the natives have recommenced ploughing at Tikorangi. This morning at daylight five ploughs were at work.

The ploughing party at Tikorangi are under the command of Ongiongi, and are ploughing Jury’s laud. Troops are marching from Oakura camp to Tikorangi. The party will be apprehended to-morrow if they continue ploughing.

Pate a, July 22,

There is nothing new with regard to native matters. The Maoris say that the Governor will visit Parihaka, and talk the matter over with Te Whiti. If his talk is stronger than Te Whiti’s, Te Whiti will give in ; and vice versa. People here hope that the Governor will not be deluded by the Native Minister, and go to Parihaka, but that forces will be sent there instead, and root out the eviL There is a very strong feeling here that the Governor should not plunge the country at this critical moment into a general election, as indicated by Sir George Grey’s speech There is good reason to believe that if such is done the settlers of both counties will march on to Parihaka without the sanction of the Government.