NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 1243, 25 September 1875, Page 7

NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB.

The annual meeting of this body took place in the University on the 17th inst. There was a fair attendance of members, and the chair was occupied by the President, Captain Hutton. The Secretary read the

RETORT FOR 1874-75.

The Committee have much pleasure in laving- the following short report of the Club's affairs before the members.

During the past year thirteen excursions have taken place, being two more than last year, all of which have been fairly attended, though It is still to be wished that the members turned out in greater numbers, and showed a little more interest in the Club's doings. The membership has kept well up, and the Committee wish to congratulate the Club on the fact tbat there are now several lady members, some of whom have shown considerable enthusiasm in attending the excursions, even when the weather was not at all favourable for out-door work.

From the balance sheet it will be seen that the expenses have considerably increased, due to the additional cost of printing tUe Report for last year. There is a considerable amount of arrears, and it is suggested thatxome means be adopted in order to obviate this, either by scoring off all in arrears for more than one subscription, or by imposing an entry-money on all new members, or otherwise as may seem good to the meeting. The experiment of holding an indoor meeting during the winter months was carried out. One such meeting was held, and with fair success. Two papers were read, and a very interesting discussion took place. Abstracts of the papeis appear in tbe Appendix to (he Report.

In the hope of stimulating the industry of the members, the Secretary offers four prizes of as each for the best collection of insects, mosses, ferns, and flowering plants, to be made during the ensuing season, named, and localised.

Some discussion took place on the clause regarding the arrears of subscription, and it was agreed that the matter be held over tiU the end of the ensuing season, then to be dealt with by the Committee. The balance sheet showed a considerable amount of arrears. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. Several new members were elected. The following office-bearers were chosen :— Dr M. Coughtrey, President ; Mr P. Thomson, Secretary and Treasurer; Messrs Bathgate, Cauvavel, Wicks, A. S. Paterson, Purdie, G. M. Thomson, and Captain Hutton, Committee. A short paper was read by the Secretary, which elicited gome discussion.

The first excursion for the season was fixed for October 2nd, to Kichol's Creek. A large collection of plants was shown by Mr A. C. Purdie, a Moa bone and quartz crystal by Mr Hewitt. After the usual vote of thanks to the Chairman, the meeting separated.