Centennial Dinner Of Royal Society

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29901, 15 August 1962, Page 17

Centennial Dinner Of Royal Society

“Canterbury has always had a galaxy of outstanding scientists to support the former Philosophical Institute of Canterbury and the succeeding Canterbury branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand.” said the president of the Royal Society of New Zealand <Dr. C. A. Fleming) when he proposed the toast of the branch at a centennial dinner held in the refectory at Lincoln College last evening. There were more than 300 guests, including members of very long standing and distinguished visitors for the Science Congress. Of all the societies which preceded the ’Royal Society of New Zealand, the Canterbury branch alone had been in existence continuously, Dr. Fleming said. Its membership had always been open to all interests and that probably accounted considerably for Canterbury’s contribution of great names in science and letters. As the Canterbury institute’s founder (Sir Julius von Haast) said at another anniversary: “We have passed through trying times . . . and such times may come again. However, I am sure that the devotion of those members, who have the advancement of science and the triumph of truth at heart, will steer our barque with a steadyhand over the troubled waters and gain and retain for our institution such a position that those who stood at its cradle have all cause to be proud of its achievements.”

Professor George Jobberns. a Canterbury branch secretary and president 40 years ago. said he was one of those who fought a last-ditch battle to prevent the change in name from Philosophical Institute of Canterbury to Canterbury branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. He did this because he liked the lusty individualism of the early members. They were "natural naturalists” and the institute was a clear-

ing house for the ideas of all manner of people with a natural curiosity. This gave vitality. He regretted the eclipse of the humanities and the change in character which came with the proliferation of science. Value Of Individual

Dr. G. E. Archey, a former Dominion president, said he, too. regretted the apparent conflict between the sciences and the humanities. "When scientists learn to understand the humanists and humanists learn to understand the scientists, they will come to know that it is the value of the individual that counts.” he said. Professor G. A. Knox, Canterbury president, also recalled the breadth the branch had tried to maintain. There was an inaugural dinner 100 years ago, he said, and since then members had canvassed ail the fields of learning in research, publications, and expeditions. Guests included some distinguished members. Professor Arnold Wall, a member since 1897, was there. He was a councillor in the 1920’5. contributed many papers on botany, and was the editor of some of the branch's best-known publications. The oldest former president (Mr L. P. Symes) wtho joined in 1910 and who was secretary in 1916-18 and president in 1920. was also present with Dr. D. B. MacLeod, who had similar length of membership ano was secretary in 1930 and president in 1932. Almost all the former presidents still in New Zealand attended. Another guest was Mr Willaasn Martin, secretary in 1919-20 and secretary of the first NewZealand Science Congress in Christchurch 43 years ago.

Property Said.— An eightroomed house on 20 perches at 466 Hagley avenue was sold for £4OOO at auction yesterday. Bidding started at £3OOO and rose in £lOO bids.