PENWOMEN'S CLUB.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 103, 2 May 1936, Page 14

PENWOMEN'S CLUB.

Mr. W. H. Hemingwaj* addressed the members of the Penwomen's Club yesterday afternoon on "Butterflies and Moths." Mr. Hemingway has lately returned from a visit to New Guinea, the Solomons and other islands, and Australia, during which he collected 3100 specimens. He brought several cases of specimens of groat beauty and interest which wore examined by the members.

Mr. Hemingway mentioned that the greatest pe»t they had in New Guinea was a beetle that was ruining the coconut plantations. Contrary to the popular idea, Mr. Hemingway said the naturalist did not chase butterflies with a net. They watch the trees and shrubs on which the eggs were laid, collected them and looked after them until they became butterflies. Mr. Hemingway brought with him also a specimen ot the duck-billed platypus. This extraordinary animal lias a skin like kid leather and yet it is rubbery. Its eyes are similar to the eyes of a snake; the feet are webbed almost exactly like a duck; it lays eggs like a reptile. Another specimen was of a climbing fish.

Mr. Hemingway considered there was great educational value in nature study and that it should receive more encouragement in the schools.

Mrs. Carr Rollett presided. Miss Blake sang two soflgs which were greatly enjoyed.