Abstract of Annual Report.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 34, 1901, Page 580

Abstract of Annual Report. Since the last annual meeting seven ordinary meetings have been held, at which twelve papers have been read. These papers may be classified as follows: Zoology, 7; botany, 3; geology, 1; anthropology, 1. At several of the meetings addresses of more popular interest were delivered—viz., “Some Conditions of Progress,” by Professor Arthur Dendy; “The Chatham Islands,” by Mr. L. Cockayne; “The Sense of Sight,” by Professor Dendy; “Evolution in Literary Types,” by Professor Arnold Wall; “Learned Societies of Europe,” by Dr. Charles Chilton. The attendance at the ordinary meetings has averaged 26. The Council of the Institute has met eight times since the last annual meeting. During the year the Council drew up a petition urging upon the Governors of the New Zealand Institute the desirability of

publishing an “Index Faunæ Novæ-Zealandiæ,” containing a list of all species of animals recorded from New Zealand, with at least one reference for each species, and suggesting that the index should be edited by Captain F. W. Hutton, who has already published numerous catalogues of the different zoological groups, and has a large amount of manuscripts, suitable for the index, already prepared. Copies of the petition were sent to the other Affiliated Societies, and were returned, numerously signed, by the Otago Institute and the Hawke's Bay Philosophical Institute. These, together with the petition from this Institute, were forwarded to the Governors of the New Zealand Institute. In due time a reply was received stating that the Governors had given the matter careful consideration, but, whilst appreciating the value and practical importance of such a work when complete, they “considered that its production at the present time would be premature, more particularly as the classification and nomenclature of the indigenous faunæ of New Zealand is at present undergoing active critical discussion by experts in Europe and America.” During the year many books and periodicals have been bound. Besides the books added by purchase and by exchanges, a valuable donation, consisting of a set of the Journal of the Royal Microscopical Society, nearly complete, was received from the widow of the late Mr. H. R. Webb. A rearrangement has been made by which the various periodicals are now received direct from Messrs. Dulan and Co., of London. Before the arrival of the Antarctic Exploration Expedition the Council urged upon the local authorities the desirability of welcoming and entertaining the members of the expedition. On their arrival in Lyttelton the members of the expedition were met and welcomed by the President and members of the Council, and during their stay they were entertained at a public dinner given conjointly by the Institute and the citizens of Christchurch. The Hon. C. C. Bowen continues to represent the Institute on the Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute, and the Council wishes to express the indebtedness of the Institute to him for his services. Thanks are also due to Mr. George Way, F.I.A.N.Z., for his valuable services as honorary auditor. The total number of members of the Institute is now sixty-nine. The balance-sheet shows that the subscriptions received amount to £66 13s.; £21 3s. 4d. has been spent on books and £16 18s. 3d. on printing and binding, and a new book-case has been added to the library at a cost of £10 5s. The balance in the bank to the credit of the Institute on the 31st December, 1901, was £29 15s. 8d., and the invested funds arising from life-members' subscriptions now amount to £79 10s. 6d.