SCIENCE CONGRESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22629, 18 January 1937, Page 11

SCIENCE CONGRESS

WEEK-END EXCURSIONS

WIDELY-VARI ED INTERESTS MANY PLACES VISITED PROGRAMME FOR TO-DAY Apparently it takes much more than rain to dampen the ardour of a scientist, for, in spite of the heavy downpour on Saturday morning, delegates to the Science Congress assembled in large numbers for the various excursions that had been arranged. A great variety of clothes, from ordinary street attire to slacks, riding breeches or shorts, was worn, but however clad, all were determined to make the most of the opportunity of following their own branch of research in Auckland.

Jn view of the unpromising weather one excursion was postponed, but so many delegates arrived and expressed the wish to go, even when wari>ed that they would inevitably get very wet, that the organisers decided to continue with the original arrangements. Fortunately the weather improved later in tho day, but the ground remained very wet underfoot for bush excursions. Excursions on Harbour After a week of intense concentration the association's official excursion round the Waitemata Harbour provided welcome relaxation for several hundred delegates, the ferry steamer Xgoiro being comfortably filled. The vessel proceeded up the harbour to Chelsea and thence to Motuihi Island, where an hour's stay was made. Lunch was served on the boat on the run to Pangitoto, where two hours wer« alloyed for sightseeing. The great majority made the journey to the summit to admire the panorama of city and harbour. Another harbour excursion was held by the geology, zoology and geography sections to Pangitoto. A launch was lent by the Harbour Board and three others by private citizens. About 70 made the trip. Another party of zoologists travelled by car to Piha, a stop being made at Nikotupu to inspect the bird and insect life in the bush. Attractions of Waitakeres

The botany and agriculture and forestry sections also went to the Waitakeres by car. The Waitakere filter station was inspected and the party then walked through the bust and lunched in the kauri forest. The beauty of the bush, the variety of plant life and the fine scenery were much admired by the Australian visitors.

A trip to IJuke-kiwi-riki Pa, Papakura, was made by the anthropology section and the method of construction, choice of site and history of the particular pa were outlined. The mathematics,. physics and astronomy group visited H.M.S. Achilles, IYA radio station and transmitter and the cable

and automatic telephone offices, while the chemistry groups made trips to a meat canning works and one of the city water filtration plants. Tour of the North A tour further afield was made by the engineering and architecture section accompanied by other delegates. A party of 40, accompanied by Mr. T. H. McCombs, M.P. for Lytteiton, travelled to Portland on Saturday and was entertained to luncheon at the home of Mr. T. H. Wilson, works manager of Wilsons (X.Z.) Portland Cement, Limited. The party was shqwn round the works and the Mayor of "\\ hangarei, Mr. W. Jones, and deputyMayor. Mr. G. H. Morrish. later accompanied the visitors to the Maunu Reservoir, source of the borough's water supply. On Saturday evening several cars were placed at the disposal of the party by the Borough Council. The visitors left yesterday morning for Opononi and- thence travelled through the Waipoua Kauri forest, returning to Auckland last night. About 60 went on a trip to Muriwai, organised by the geology section, yesterday, while over 100 scientists went on harbour excursions arranged by the zoology and botany sections. "Five launches, including one owned by the Marine Department and three private vessels, were required to accommodate the excursionists. Rangitoto and other islands were visited and the parties had ample opportunities to pursue investigations in their own spheres. Ngaruawahia Pa Visited At the invitation of Princess Te Puea, the history and anthropology sections visited Ngaruawahia Pa yesterday. The party was given a ceremonial welcome and speeches in reply were made by Mr. K. R. Cramp, of Sydney, president of the history section, and Professor J. Rutherford, of the Auckland University College. A banquet was provided and the visitors were entertained with a display of dancing. They wore later shown round the pa. All considered the visit had been a great privilege. Delegates were invited to attend St. Mary's Cathedral yesterday morning, the preacher being the Rev. Dr. J. E. Hollowav, lecturer in botany at Otago University. They were also invited to the evening service at St. Mark's, while similar invitations were extended by churches of other denominations. To-day's Meotings

The reading of papers will be resumed to-day. Problems of migration will be further discussed at joint meetings of the economics, statistics and social sciences, history and geography sections, while the anthropology " group will resume consideration of culture clashes and Maori questions. The agriculture and forestry, zoology and botany sections will hold a joint meeting on the subject of weed control in Australia and New Zealand. In some cases excursions hare been arranged for the afternoon. A public lecture will be given in the Town Hall concert chamber this evening by Professor H. C. Richards, of the T'niversity of Queensland. on "Geophysical Methods of Prospecting for Ores and Oil."

Members of the congress, together with delegates to the annual scientific meeting of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, will be entertained bv the Mayor and Mayoress. Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Davis, to-morrow afternoon at a garden party in the grounds of Government House, which, with a portion of the residence, have been made available by the Governor-General, Viscount Galwar.