ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

' AUCKLAND MOVEMENT LAUNCHED. FIRST OFFICE-BEARERS. STUDY OF NATIVE FAUNA. The formation of a sobiety, to be known as the Auckland Zoological Society, was approved yesterday afternoon at a meeting of citizens convened by the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon. Officebearers were appointed and a draft constitution was adopted. •

Forty citizens "pledged their support for the movement. Addressing the meeting, Mr. Baildon said it was desirable,' in the interests of the zoo, as well as for other purposes, that such a society should be in existence. Six years had passed since the zoo was established, and the standard attained had giv.en rise to highly complimentary references from visitors from overseas. The future development of the park would be better assured by the cooperation of a zoological society with the City Council. The objects of -the new society are to encourage the study of zoology in ' the Dominion in general, and, in particular, in the Auckland Province; to promote the knowledge of the native fauna of the,.."Dominion and to encourage its protection; and to provide for the steady acquisition for the Auckland Zoological' Park of a representative collection of fauna of the world. ' >. Officers were elected as follow.: —Vicepatron, tho' Mayor of Auckland (exoffieio); . president, Professor 'J.-, Cj Sper-rin-Johnson;. vice-presidents, Sir? Edwin Mitchelson, Messrs. John Cpurt, Alfred Bankart, F. C. Mappin, N.,, Alfred Nathan, 11. E. Vailc, Sir George Fowlds, Professor A. P. W. Thomas; honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr. T. W. M. Ashby; hon. editor of the society's publications, Mr. L. T.'-Grifiin; hon. photographer, Mr. J. D. Richardson; members of the board of managers, Dr.. W. Gilmour, Messrs. F. E. McKenzie, W. R. McGregor, A. T. Pycroft; honorary auditor, Mr. B, H. Bagnall. Tljree representatives are to be elected to the board by tho City Council, which will also have as ex-officio members .the president, the Mayor, the chairman of the parks committee, and the town clerk. In appreciation of his valuable gifts to the Auckland Zoo, Mr. John Cou>was appointed the first honorary life member of the society.