OTAGO INSTITUTE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15937, 3 December 1913, Page 2

OTAGO INSTITUTE.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The Otajro Institute is an extremely interesting body, both to those who claim its membership and to all who attend the lectures delivered under its auspices. In addition to tne institute proper, there are also connected with this body technological and astronomical branches, und, by means of addresses delivered by university professors und other qualified persons, many winter evenings are tilled in both pleasantly and beneficially. The annual meeting of the institute was held last evening, and marked the conclusion of tho past winter session. Dr Malcolm (president) occupied the chair, and there was a rather spall attendance of the members of the various branches.

The eighth report of tho institute stated that eight meetings had been held during the session, at which 16 papers in all had been read embodying tho results of original research. Early in the year an attempt was made to secure for the dominion the remaining volumes of Mrs Featon's "Art Album of New Zealand Flora," but the endeavpur failed. The council of the institute was also instrumental in securing improved protection for tho native birds in Stewart Island. The report also referred with regret to the death during the' year of Mr A. Hamilton, of the Dominion Museum. During tho year 12 new members had been elected, while 37 had resigned, chiefly owing to removals. .The membership roll now stood at 226.

The annual report of the Astronomical Branch stated that for tho first time since tho inception of that branch a syllabus of seven lectures had been arranged. During the year tho committee had erected a small observatory on Tanna Hill in which were fitted up the Skey telescopo (lOin) and the Beverly telescope (3in). The total cost of the building was £125, and the committee expressed the opinion that the telescopes should be used much more freely by members. A start had been made with the formation of an astronomical library, and it was hoped to add to this.

The Technological Branch reported that six new membors were introduced, and the resignation of four was formally accepted. A course of eight lectures was delivered during the year. Tho average attendance at the meetings worked put at slightly over 22. The benefit' of tho informal discussions that had taken place was referred to, and it was stated that these had extended the usefulness of the branch.

The adoption of the various reports was moved by the president, seconded by Professor Park, and carried without discussion.

Tho balance sheet, which was presented by Mr R. N. Vanes (treasurer), showed that the total receipts during the year had amounted to £214 2s 6d, and the expenditure to £133 2s Bd.. Tho amount standing to the credit of the funds was £137 17s 2d, to which had to be added the sum of £449 16s - 9d on deposit at call. The election of office-bearers for the ensuing year resulted a 6 follows:—President,Mr F. W Payne; vice-presidents, Dr Malcolm and Mr K. Gilkison; hon. secretary, Mr E. J. Parr (re-elected); hon, treasurer, Mr K. N. Vanes (re-elected); council—Dr Cameron, Dr Benham, Dr Fulton, Dr Marshall; Professor Park, and Messrs H. Braech and G. M. Thomson. Dr Marshall and Mr CI. M. Thomson were also elected as tho representatives of Otago on the Now Zealand Institute.

During tho evening two papers were laid on the table by Dr Marshall entitled " Localities For Fossils Near Oamaru " and " Geology of the Cape Runaway. District," and accepted. A paper was also laid on the table by Professor Park called "The Relationship of Tertiary and Cretaceous Strata." In connection with the latter, Dr Marshall moved that Professor Park's paper be not accepted for publication in the New Zealand Institute until the paper of which it was critical had appeared. Ho had written tho first paper on the subject, and if Professor Park's paper wore published ho woidd not have the opportunity to reply. He would welcome criticism when his paper had appeared, but not before,. Mr E. E. Stark seconded the motion pro forma. Professor Park, in reply, said they were all labouring in the cause of truth, and he did not see any reason for Dr Marshall's motion. After a considerable amount of discussion had taken place on the question, it was moved as an amendment by Mr Stark and seconded by Mr G. E. Thompson, that the papers of both members should be held over till next ycar.-On being put to the meeting the amendment was carried.