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much new matter, and the explanations of native myths and religion are of real value and interest, illustrating as they do the mentality and ideality of the Maori folk. It is this class of matter that is of the deepest interest to European anthropologists, and is claiming so much attention from ethnographers at the present time. A considerable amount of new matter pertaining to Maori agriculture has been collected and incorporated with manuscript matter of Bulletin, No. 9. These notes were obtained from Native sources. In this.connection it is with much regret that I received news of tho death of two esteemed correspondents, the Rev. Mietara Te Ao-marere, of Otaki, and llari Wahanui, of Otorohanga. Short, papers prepared during the past year were as follows : — For Wellington Philosophical Society, Historical Section-— Bush Settlers of the Wellington District. Old Blockhouses, Stockades, &<■,, of Wellington. District. Native 'Tradition of tho Marion Massacre, Maori Myth and Religion. For Poverty Bay Institute— 'The Maori as an Explorer and Colonizer. Maori Customs pertaining to Death, Burial, &c, [n May I accompanied Messrs. J. McDonald and J, 0. Andersen to Gisborne for the purpose of attending the big Native meeting held there in order to welcome the returning Maori troops. Our object was to obtain illustrations and. dictaphone records of songs, games, &c, to serve as illustrations for Museum bulletins, and also for preservation. The records of Maori, songs, games, &c, obtained at the meeting greatly exceeded my expectations. Long experience has taught me that social meetings of Natives do not, as a rule, afford a collector good opportunities for collecting ethnographical data. The attractions and distractions are so numerous that it is usually difficult to obtain matter the procuring of which demands the close attention of Natives. Moreover, Europeans going among Natives to whom they are, quite unknown are heavily handicapped in any attempts to collect such data. It is therefore with much pleasure that I acknowledge our indebtedness to Mr. Balneavis, private secretary to the Minister of Native Affairs, who, at the request of Hon. Mr. Ngata, placed himself at our disposal, and was indefatigable in Ids efforts to induce Natives to fall in with our wishes. Being a Native of the district, he is acquainted with all the local Maoris, and was most successful in his endeavours. His own interest in the work resulted in that enthusiasm that ensured success. The interesting collection of Native songs, games, &c, may truly be said to be. almost entirely due to his efforts. This unexpected assistance removed, all disabilities undor which we were labouring, and far surpasses anything I could have accomplished. I found that my best course was to stand aside, and hence my share of the work is best represented by profound silence. The photographs and moving pictures of various old Native games that were procured are not only of much interest as permanent records, but will also provide illustrations for Museum. Bulletin No. 8, on Maori games. Those of certain domestic occupations and scenes are also much, wanted, and. inquiries on this subject have lately been received from English sources. The moving pictures of various posture dances, and the ceremonial reception of the Native troops on their return from France, are also interesting, and will form an. excellent record. A long-cherished, desire for phonographic records of Maori songs has at last been fulfilled. The collection of dictaphone records is exceedingly good, and comprises Native songs of many kinds, from old-time laments, watch songs, and ritual chants of past centuries to the simple songs composed as a welcome to the returning Native troops. From my own point of view the most interesting feature of the collection of these dictaphone records is the fact that it provides material for a proper study of Native songs and singing by an expert. This is a highly interesting subject, but unfortunately 1 am not capable of dealing with it. I have long hoped that some one would take up this line of study, and am exceedingly pleased, to hear that Mr. J. C. Andersen has resolved to do so. The field is a new one and will, provide material for very interesting papers. It should be our aim to add to the material at every opportunity. Mr. Johannes C. Andersen, Librarian, Turnbull Library, who accompanied the Museum party to Gisborne, presented the following report on tho musical records :-—■ Among the songs, &c„, are many good, and several excellent, examples of music I am able to speak only from the. standpoint of European music, but Mr. Elsdon Best recognizes many of the songs and chants as true Maori, and. typical of the old Maori style. Most may be written down in the ordinary notation, and this I will, do from the records as soon as possible. In some a modification of the ordinary notation will, have to be used so that the quarter-tones may be shown this especially refers to tangis, some of which are difficult and intricate within a, small range of tones. There is much fine recitative, and oven a style approaching operatic music of the florid Italian school. It is especially noteworthy that in addition to the rhythms that follow the ordinary modern accentual rhythms there are others that show to perfection the old Greek and Latin quantitative rhythm, preserved, chiefly in the chants and incantations- -the most conservative, and ancient of songs. There is a good deal, of work now to be done in. copying out tho songs and analysing the various styles, but the result will be a revelation ; there is music of a kind I have, never heard before ; there are two distinct rhythms, ancient and modern, living side by side, and there is besides fine music, whose, art would shame no composer of the present day. Report ol? Mrss A. Castle. Miss A. Castle reports on the entomological collection as follows :- Lepidoptera. The New Zealand reference collection lias been added to by collect-ions made by the Director when in Marlborough. Mr. IT. W. Simmdnds also sent many specimens from Auckland Province. Owing to the wetness and coldness of the summer, however, the material received in all orders was much less than usual. The usual routine work has been necessary to keep this collection in good preservation.