ANNEAL GENERAL MEETING AND MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL

Forest and Bird, Issue 149, 1 August 1963, Page 15

ANNEAL GENERAL MEETING AND MEETINGS OF THE COUNCIL

The Annual General Meeting of the Society took place over the Queen’s Birthday weekend in the Library Hall, Wellington, there being a fairly representative attendance from the various sections and branches. Copies of the annual report and balance sheet have been sent out to all members. The President was in the chair and he reported on activities since the year under review closed, his report covering the position in connection with the Manapouri project, wapiti in Fiordland National Park, and the need for vigilance on the part of the authorities to ensure that pesticides are not used indiscriminately to become a danger to human beings or birds. He reported that a new Section of the Society had been formed at Taupo, with Dr. J. T. Armstrong as chairman and Miss Hazel Ross honorary secretary. There being no further nominations, the retiring councillors were declared re-elected. Tn expressing thanks for services rendered to the Society during the year under review, the President made special reference to the cheerful and enthusiastic services given by the Head Office staff; he said the Society was fortunate in having such loyal services. He thanked the Wellington Branch also for the considerable assistance given to Head Office in packing journals for despatch to members. The Council of the Society met on the Friday evening and again all Saturday afternoon, debates on many aspects of the Society’s work being vigorous and constructive. ' The outgoing Executive was re-elected en block. Retiring councillors were re-elected. There is to be a new class of membership, covering whole families; details will be announced later. Among the many subjects dealt with were measures for arresting erosion on steep hill country, noxious animals, proposed new bush reserve at Motueka, pukekos, Mangere Island, finance, new poster now available, several of the Society bush properties now declared private scenic reserves, and Ruapehu Lodge. With these and a number of other matters to deal with the Council had a busy weekend. he Wellington Branch attended to refreshments during the meetings and on Sunday those available made a trip to the Brookfield Scout Camp at Wainuiomata.

Sanderson Memorial Address On Saturday night Mr. L. W. McCaskill delivered the Sanderson Memorial Address to a considerable audience. The subject was “Captain Sanderson, the Man and his Work”, and Mr. McCaskill dealt with it in a manner which kept his audience attentive throughout. He covered the knowledge and enthusiasm of the man, his efforts and disappointments, his perseverance and achievements, work accomplished, and work still to be done. It was a most outstanding address and it is likely it will he printed and made available to members.