Election of Officers for 1896

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 28, 1895, Page 745

Election of Officers for 1896.—President—W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S.; Vice-presidents—R. C. Harding, Sir J. Hector, K.C.M.G., M.D., F.R.S.; Council—E. Tregear, F.R.G.S., Major-General Schaw, C.B., R.E., Sir W. Buller, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., H. Farquhar, W. M. Maskell, G. V. Hudson, F.E.S., Thomas Kirk, F.L.S.; Secretary and Treasurer—R. B. Gore; Auditor—T. King. Sir James Hector moved a vote of thanks to the retiring President, Mr. Kirk, and pointed out how ably he had carried out the duties of the office during a most successful year. He drew attention to the valuable work he, Mr. Kirk, was at present engaged on—viz., a work on the botany of New Zealand, which was so much needed by students and others working on this branch of science. Mr. Travers seconded, and the vote was carried. Papers—1. “On the Products of a Ballast-heap,” by T. Kirk, F.L.S. (Transactions, p. 501.) Mr. Travers said that he had often pointed out before that these weeds, came from wardian cases sent out here, and precautions should be taken to prevent their introduction. Mr. Hustwick said that a paper of this kind would be of great service in warning persons from spreading noxious weeds in this country. Mr. Richardson said that the large growth of fennel to be found all over the Town of Wellington ought to be cleared away, as it was anything but pleasant. Mr. Maskell said this plant was in abundance near Grant Road. 2. “Further Notes on Coccids (No. 2),” by W. M. Maskell. (Transactions, p. 380.) 3. “On the Aleurodidœ,” by W. M. Maskell. (Transactions, p. 411.)

Mr. Hudson considered this paper on the Aleurodidœ a most valuable contribution. He was glad that Mr. Maskell had turned his attention to this interesting family. There were two species of moths in England only distinguished, like the Aleurodidœ, in the immature stage. Sir J. Hector said this was an important paper. Numbers of trees were being destroyed by these minute insects, and the curious thing was that they could only be recognised in the immature state; it was the reverse of what was usual. Mr. Travers said that Captain Hutton had pointed out that the Planarians are only distinguished by their colours. They also differ in the immature stage where they do not in the perfect insect. Mr. Maskell, in reply, said that possibly there may be differences in the full-grown form, but, if so, it was exceedingly difficult to distinguish them. He said that in hot weather these insects were most numerous, and there was only one generation in the year. 4. “On New Zealand Cicadidœ,” by W. F. Kirby, F.L.S.; communicated by G. V. Hudson. (Transactions, p. 454.) 5. “Notes on J. S. Maclaurin's Paper on the Action of Potassium-cyanide Solution,” by W. Skey; communicated by Sir J. Hector. (Transactions, p. 708.) 6. “On New Zealand Hydroida,” by H. Farquhar. (Transactions, p. 459.)