NEW ZEALANDERS IN LONDON.

Otago Witness, Issue 2579, 19 August 1903, Page 10

NEW ZEALANDERS IN LONDON.

Among Aie increasing number of trippers who either regularly or occasionally visit the HomCiLand, it is pleasing to note that some of them at least do not omit what is almost a duty — viz., bring on special occasions the attractions of our colony in their various aspects prominently into the public notice. Not many weeks ago Mr John Mill, of Port Chalmers, attending a meeting held in London to tako steps to send p relieving thip to the assistance of the Antarctic explorers, known to be frozen up in the vicinity of the South Pole, offered to contiibute gratuitously the requisite supply of coal foi the relieving ship, a very liberal and generous gift, which was thankfully accepted by the meeting. This incident may not be considered as having any direct connection with our horticultural notes, but it has nevertheless a close bearing, inasmuch a 9 one of the immediate objects of the exploration is botanical research, and some interesting Information may be expected to result. It U>, however, to another instance with which we are much more closely afsociated that particular attention is directed. THE' LINN^EAN SOCIETY is one of the most important of the botanic institutions existing, and its operations have, a widespread and commanding influence, not confined to our country, but being universal. Early in 1700 the idea of carrying out all undertakings by eocietie3 took deep root, and flourished in England. The first established wps the Royal (not the R.H.S.) whose aim was to take every branch under its charge. Scon tho burden . became too onerous, and relief was sought for by means of asstistamt institutes. The first pet on foot was the .Linnaean, in 1786, under the guidance of Mr D. A. Smith, and to it were assigned tho two important sections of o inmate natnre, geology and botany. So successful wa.<> its woik that in 1802 a charter wa.« obtained placing the society cm an independent footing. Its history has been a brilliant one, it having done <an immense amount of good. Securing the herbarium and collections of the great Linnaeus, vait additions have been made thereto, and the iepository, occupy ing tpaeiou* apartments in Burlington House, ii very complete. The principal cities of the Continent soon followed suit, -and now vie with if not excel the London metropolitan. A similar society uas established in Dublin, but did not succeed,' from various causes — not that Hie Iri=h people are behind, as some of our most illustrious botanists and practical gaideners hail from the Emerald L-Ic. Edinburgh was out in the cold, no appanages °f royalty being located there. Information was received by the last 'Fruco mail legarding a meeting of the society held in Londcm in theii rooms on June 6, at which Dr Hocben, F.L.S., of Duncdm, reminded the society that the next biennial meeting of the Australasian Association for tho Advancement of Science woulc} be held in Dimodin in January, 1904, and 1 that the members would welcome any Fellows of the Linnaean,*Sooiety who might bo ?bie to pay a vi§i* to New Zealand on that occasion. Every facility for travelling at .special rates to visit the colony would be affoidod by the New Zealand Government, | and he IDr Hocken) would be happy to cue detailed information to prospective

visitors. The worthy doctor's zeal in furthering the interests of the colony has not abated one whit, {is he takes every opportunity of bringing the attractions of his adopted country into the 'greatest prominence. He is one. of our oldest medical .practitioners, dating from the early sixties, Dr Roboit Burns, who arrived in 1858, boiug perhaps 'his only senior. His nnweariei labour in_ rescuing from oblivion old records ."ci the Home Land and adding thereto by extended travelling and research, in the colony, collcoting and publishing them in his valuable book of our neicienfc lore, will be an enduring memorial, besides placing tho colonists under deep obligations to him, and we heartily wish him a .safe and cpeedy return to resume his patriotio work, bringing with, him additional matter to unfold from his treasury. The scientific gathering in January next at Dunedin has every prospect of being a decided success. The committee in whose hands the preliminaries are placed for arrangement are diligently engaged in their uoilc, and the secretary, Mr G. M. Thomson, is devoting his usual zeal to the or.erous duties devolving on him. sparing neither time nor trouble. The citizens should do their duty also, making arrangements ior the reception of the. numerous visitors who are sure to attend, and everyone taking an interest in scientific pursuits of any k'nd — botanic or otherwise — should lend a willing hand in making preparation* for th© coming event. Even our Government, not very prone usually to giving a helping hamd to Dunedin, haa in this connection placed on their Estimates the sum of £500 to help, the oommitieo to detrav expenses. Th ; s is by no means a niggardly contribution for once, and to this must also be added the- special railway fares, as mentioned by Dr Hocken.