Abstract of Annual Report.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 25, 1892, Page 542

Abstract of Annual Report. During the past year nine general meetings were held, at which thirty papers were read and discussed, and, besides these, several interesting objects were exhibited at the meetings by Sir James Hector, Sir Walter Buller, Mr. Maskell, Mr. Hudson, and other members, and brief descriptions given. The attendance at the meetings was rather larger than usual. Six new members have been added to the roll, and the total number is now 145. With regard to the scheme of medal awards for meritorious papers, the Council is of opinion that it is desirable to modify the rule requiring that papers intended for competition be so marked by the authors, and that in future all papers read before the Society should be eligible. The balance-sheet shows that the receipts for the year were £168 1s. 8d., and the expenditure £106 9s. 2d., leaving a balance in hand of £61 12s. 6d. There is also a sum of £21 18s. lodged in the bank at interest, which increases the credit balance to £83 11s. 4d. Resolutions, confirming recommendations made by the Council, were passed as follows:— 1. That, in regard to the scheme of medal awards, it is desirable to modify the rule requiring that papers intended for competition be so marked, and that in future all papers read before the Society be eligible. In awarding the medals for the papers the judges are empowered to take

into consideration the work previously done by the authors. 2. That, in connection with the intended purchase of books, members be invited to send in to the Secretary lists of books they think should be ordered, the Council to make use of such lists in their selection. Sir James Hector, in moving a vote of thanks to the retiring President (Sir Walter Buller), said that the best thanks of the Society were due to Sir Walter for the assiduity, zeal, and punctuality with which he had attended to the affairs of the Society during the past year. At all times ready to assist with his special knowledge and experience, he had shown the keenest interest in the welfare of the Society. Of late he had attended and presided over the meetings at much personal inconvenience, because he was busy with his arrangements for a visit to England, where, he felt sure, Sir Walter Buller's strong character and energy would be of great value to the colony, because he was now going Home to take part in a work of vast importance to all the colonies of the Empire—to assist in founding and elaborating the Imperial Institute. In responding to the hearty vote of thanks which was accorded by the meeting, Sir Walter Buller said that, although he was removing himself for a time to the other side of the world, he hoped to keep himself in close touch with the colony, and in correspondence with the more active members of the Society over which he had enjoyed the privilege of presiding.