Abstract of Annual Report.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 33, 1900, Page 577

Abstract of Annual Report. Eight meetings of Council and seven of members have been held. Six new members have been elected. It is a matter for regret that the meetings have gradually become almost limited to biology, which appeals to a very few members. The remedy lies in the hands of members themselves, for if they would contribute original articles on other branches of knowledge a wider interest might be awakened in the meetings; and this would be still more the case if subjects affording opportunity for discussion were brought forward. The Council express a hope that a greater general interest will be taken in the meetings next session. With regard to the fish-hatchery, the Council regret that the scheme still hangs fire. In the early part of the year there seemed a probability that the matter would be settled during the parliamentary session just ended. Meetings of your representatives and of those of the Acclimatisation Society with the Inspector of Fisheries were held for the purpose of explaining our views and the position of affairs financial. The site originally fixed upon—at Purakanui—has been abandoned, and a spot has been selected at the end of a small peninsula, Quarry Point, just below Portobello, which, in the opinion of those who have investigated it, is in all respects suitable. At the beginning of the year the Government despatched a small steam-vessel—the “Doto”—to conduct a series of trawling experiments round the coast in connection with the Fisheries Department. Permission was granted for a member of this Institute to accompany the Inspector of Fisheries and to collect zoological material. The material collected, containing many interesting animals, forms the subject of a preliminary report by Messrs. Thomson, Hamilton, and Benham, just published by the Government as part of the report of the Inspector of Fisheries. The delay in issuing the fifth part of “Maori Art” is regretted; but the printing is now proceeding, and it is expected that it will be issued shortly. This part will complete a work of very great value to students and others interested in the arts of the Maori race; and the author (Mr. Hamilton) deserves every praise for his industry and gratuitous labour in making the work as thorough as possible. It was with pleasure that the Council heard that Mr. Cheeseman had undertaken the preparation of a complete “Flora of New Zealand” for the Government. The balance-sheet shows the receipts for the year to be £125 18s. 9d., including the balance from last year. The expenditure during the session amounts to £109 18s. 3d., leaving a balance at the bank of £16 0s. 6d.