Otago Institute.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 46, 1913, Page 382

Otago Institute. First Meeting: 6th May, 1913. The President, Professor J. Malcolm, in the chair. New Member.—Mr. E. F. Green. Address.—The President delivered his presidential address, entitled “A Review of the Position of Scientific Research in New Zealand. Second Meeting: 10th June, 1913. The President, Dr. J. Malcolm, in the chair. New Members.—Dr. E. J. O'Neill, and Messrs. H. I. M. Ross and G. Turner. Exhibit.—Dr. Benham, in exhibiting a fine specimen of a red kaka which had recently been shot on Stewart Island, and which had ultimately come into his possession by permission of the Minister of Internal Affairs, commented upon the fact that not only the general public, but apparently the police authorities also, were ignorant of the protection accorded to kakas and other native birds, especially upon Stewart Island. Papers.—1. “Modern Alchemy and Radio-active Change,” by Dr. J. K. H. Inglis. A summary and explanation of the most recent work of Ramsay and Soddy, and Collie and Paterason. 2. “Evolution of Maori Art,” by Mr. H. D. Skinner. Third Meeting: 1st July, 1913. Dr. W. B. Benham, F.R.S., Vice-President, in the chair. New Members.—Mr. H. E. Hart and Professor D. J. Richards. Address.—“Stewart Island,” by Mr. D. L. Poppelwell. An extremely interesting popular lecture, illustrated by some eighty lantern-shdes. The speaker dealt briefly with the history of the island, its association with the old whaling industry, and its configuration and geographical features, but more particularly with its fauna and flora and its many scemc attractions. Fourth Meeting: 5th August, 1913. The President, Dr. J. Malcolm, in the chair New Member.—Mr. E. H. Drew. Address.—“Light,” by Mr. E. E. Stark. The address was illustrated by a large number of demonstrations with special apparatus.

Fifth Meeting: 2nd September, 1913. The President, Dr. J. Malcolm, in the chair. Protection of Fur Seal.—On the motion of Dr. Benham, a resolution was adopted deploring the removal of the protection hitherto accorded to the fur seal in the waters of the Dominion, and asking the Minister to restore the protection at an early date, before the number of the seals is diminished beyond reco very. Paper.—“The Common Infectious Diseases,” by Dr. S. T. Champtaloup. The latter portion of the paper dealt with chicken-pox and smallpox, the nature of the epidemic raging at the time in Auckland, and the efficiency of vaccination as a preventive. Sixth Meeting: 7th October, 1913. The President, Dr. J. Malcolm, in the chair. New Member.—Mr. J. W. Williamson. Exhibits.—Dr. Benham exhibited—(1) cast of the jaw of a marsupial from the Jurassic deposits of Oxfordshire; (2) cast of a very large footprint of moa from Manawatu district; (3) very large specimens of vegetable caterpillars from Tokonui Gorge. Dr. Inglis exhibited an improved form of mercury vacuum pump. Papers.—1. “Some Observations on Tutin and Tutu Poisoning,” by Dr. Malcolm. 2. “Notes on the Distribution of Diptera,” by Mr. D. Miller. 3. “The Revised Nomenclature of New Zealand Birds,” by Dr. Benham, F.R.S. 4. “Notes on New Zealand Birds,” by Mr. A. Philpott; communicated by Dr. Benham. 5. “Descriptions of New Species of Lepidoptera,” by Mr. A. Philpott; communicated by Dr. Benham. 6. “List of Phanerogamic Plants indigenous to the Southland District,” by Mr. J. C. Smith, F.L.S. 7. “Classified List of New Zealand Rotatoria,” by Mr. C. B. Morris, F.R.M.S. 8. “Notes on the Botany of Routeburn Valley and Lake Harris Saddle,” by Mr. D. L. Poppelwell. 9. “On the Pigment of the New Zealand Oyster” by Mr. G. H. Robert son; communicated by Dr. Malcolm. Seventh Meeting: 4th November, 1913. The President, Dr. J. Malcolm, in the chair. New Member.—Mr. H. Mandeno. Papers.—1. “New Lepidoptera,” by Mr. L. B. Prout, F.E.S.; communicated by Mr. W. G. Howes. 2. “New Lepidoptera,' by Mr. W. G. Howes, F.E.S., F.L.S. 3. “Notes on Entomology of Stewart Island,” by Mr. W. G. Howes. 4. “Notes on Life-history of some New Zealand Moths,” by Mr. W. G. Howes.

5. “The Geology of Komiti Bluff, Kaipara Harbour, and of Orewa,” by Dr. P. Marshall, F.G.S. 6. “Notes on the Geology of the Islands Moorea and Rurutu,” by Dr. P. Marshall, F.G.S. Address.—“Old Clocks and Watches,” by Mr. F. W. Payne. An interesting history of clock and watch making, with many exhibits of fine specimens of the watchmaker's art dating back as far as the early part of the eighteenth century. Eighth Meeting: 2nd December, 1913. The President, Dr. J. Malcolm, in the chair. New Members.—Messrs. James Edgar and J. T. Johnson. Papers.—1. “Localities for Fossils near Oamaru,” by Professor P. Marshall, D.Sc., F.G.S., and Mr. G. H. Uttley, M.Sc., F.G.S. 2. “Geology of the Cape Runaway District,” by Professor P. Marshall, D.Sc., F.G.S. 3. “On the Relationship of the Tertiary and Cretaceous Strata of North Auckland,” by Professor James Park, F.G.S. Annual Report.—The annual report and the balance-sheet for 1913 were read and adopted. Abstract of Annual Report. Work of the Council.—During the year the Council has met eight times for the transaction of the business of the Institute. On the introduction of the Science and Art Bill, 1913, into the Lower House, strong exception was taken by your Council to certain of its provisions, and resolutions were forwarded to the Minister in charge of the Bill, and to the New Zealand Institute, protesting against the small representation of the New Zealand Institute on the proposed Board of Science and Art, and objecting to the proposal that the Board of Science should decide upon the suitability of papers for publication in the Transactions after they had been passed by the Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute. It is satisfactory to note that the clauses that called forth these protests were removed from the Bill before it was finally passed. Acting upon reliable information that indiscriminate slaughter of native birds was taking place on Stewart Island, in spite of the fact that the greater part of it has been proclaimed a sanctuary for bird-life, the Council approached the Government with a view to obtaining a more effective enforcement of protection for the native birds on the island, either by appointing rangers or otherwise. It is gratifying to note that the Southland Acclimatization Society, to whom the Minister also referred the matter, has undertaken to co-operate by appointing rangers, and by placing warning notices in various localities on the island. Meetings.—Eight meetings of the Institute have been held during the session, at which there have been read or received eighteen papers embodying the results of original work. These may be classified as follows: Entomology, 7; ornithology, 2; botany, 2; chemistry, 1; geology, 5; physiology, 1. Of more general interest to members were the following addresses. “A Review of the Position of Scientific Research in New Zealand” (presidential address), by Professor Malcolm; “Modern Alchemy and Radio-active Change,” by Professor J. K. H. Inglis, D.Sc.; “The Evolution of Maori Art,” by Mr. H. D. Skinner, B.A.; “Stewart Island” (lantern lecture), by Mr. D. L. Poppelwell; “Light,” by Mr. E. E. Stark; “The Common Infectious Diseases,” by Dr. S. T. Champtaloup. Fur Seals.—At its September meeting the Institute passed a resolution, addressed to the Minister of Marine, deploring the removal of the protection hitherto accorded to the fur seal in New Zealand waters, and praying that that animal should, in the interests of science, be saved from extinction by the restoration of the protection at an early date. The Minister replied that inquiry would be made as to the effect of the present open season before a decision was arrived at next year.

The late Mr. A. Hamilton.—During the year there has passed away, in the person of Mr. A. Hamilton, Director of the Dominion Museum, Wellington, one of the most active workers in scientific research in this country. Mr. Hamilton at different times acted as President, Secretary, and member of the Council of this Institute, and at the time of his death he was a life member. The Institute has placed on record its keen sense of regret at Mr. Hamilton's loss, and its appreciation of his valuable work in connection with the fauna and the ethnology of the Dominion. Technological Branch.—The work of this branch for the past year may be considered to have been quite satisfactory. Six new members were introduced, and the resignations of four were accepted. The following lectures were delivered during the session: Mr. L. O. Beal—“Coalmining Operations” Captain S. G. Sandle—“The Evolution of Artillery”; Mr. G. W. Davies—” Modern Methods of Heating Buildings”; Mr. J. H. Scott—“Mechanical Refrigeration”; Mr. F. W. Payne—“Notes on Centrifugal Pumps”; Professor Waters—“The Cyanide Process”; Mr. R. N. Vanes—“Design, from a Technical Standpoint”; Mr. J. Blair Mason—“Improvement Works in Otago Harbour.” The average attendance at meetings works out slightly over twenty-two. Astronomical Branch.—Your Committee begs to report that for the first time since the inception of this branch a syllabus of lectures was arranged for the year, and has been carried out, all meetings having been well attended. The following papers were read: “The History of Astronomical Research,” Mr. Gilkison; “Reflecting Telescopes,” Mr. Payne; “Objects of Interest in the Evening Sky in the Month of June, 1913,” Rev. D. Dutton, F.R.A.S.; “New Instruments and Methods in Solar Research,” Rev. P. W. Fairclough, F.R.A.S.; “On finding Latitude and Longitude,” Dr. Cameron; “Methods of observing to eliminate the Periodic Errors affecting the Readings of the Graduated Circles in Astronomical and Surveying Instruments,” Mr. W. T. Neill. Besides these lectures, the branch was fortunate in securing an address from the Rev. T. Roseby, LL.D., F.R.A.S., of Sydney. A lecture by Miss Mary Proctor was given in aid of a solar physics observatory on the 31st March, 1913, under the auspices of this branch, on “The Southern Cross and other Wonders of the Skies.” The net profit was £9 4s., from which £4 4s. was handed over to Miss Proctor as per agreement, and £5 was paid to the Observatory Fund with the Public Trustee. As the whole of the necessary funds for the observatory have since been provided by Mr. Cawthron, of Nelson, no doubt some application in the matter will be made henceforth to this society by the Public Trustee. Your Committee has erected during the year the small observatory on Tanna Hill, in which are fitted up the Skey telescope (10 in.) and the Beverley telescope (3 in.). The total cost of the building, including foundations, fences, &c., was £125 1s. Id., which has used up all the accumulated funds of the branch. By arrangement, the Institute allows this branch £20 per annum for ordinary expenses. A commencement has been made with forming an astronomical library. One work, Webb's “Celestial Objects for Common Telescopes,” was presented by Mr. T. J. Walker, and a number of works were ordered by the Institute Council. These will form part of the Institute's fine library, now kept at the Museum. The branch is much indebted to Mr. F. W. Payne for the plans of the observatory and supervising the erection of the same, as well as his constant attention to the instruments. It also owes a vote of thanks to its energetic Secretary, Mr. Megget, for his unflagging efforts on its behalf. Membership.—During the year twelve new members have been elected, six of whom belonged to the Technological and two to the Astronomical Branch. On the other hand, thirty-seven members have resigned or have been struck off, owing chiefly to removals from the Dominion, and three members—Messrs. Michael Elliot, Augustus Hamilton, and J. M. Ritchie—have been removed by death. The membership roll, therefore, has suffered a net decrease of twenty-eight, and now stands at 226. Librarian's Report.—At the request of the Astronomical Branch, seven books on astronomy have been purchased, and a journal subscribed to. Some of these are popular in style; others are of a technical nature, more suitable for students of the subject. All the astronomical works have been placed on a shelf, specially labelled, near the door. The Institute has to acknowledge the gift by the Hocken Library trustees of a copy of the “Catalogue of the Hocken Library,” compiled by Mr. W. H. Trimble. Two new periodicals have been subscribed for—namely, “Bedrock,” a journal dealing in a rather popular fashion with current scientific problems of all kinds, and the “Journal of the British Astronomical Association.”

Balance-sheet.—The balance-sheet, presented by the Treasurer (Mr. R. N. Vanes), showed a credit of £137 17s. 2d. The receipts totalled £721, including subscriptions amounting to £200, deposits at call amounting to £460. Election of Officers for 1914.—President—Mr. F. W. Payne; Vice-Presidents—Dr. J. Malcolm and Mr. R. Gilkison; Hon. Secretary—Mr. E. J. Parr; Hon. Treasurer—Mr. R. N. Vanes; Hon. Auditor—Mr. D. Brent; Hon. Librarian—Dr. W. B. Benham; Council—Dr. W. B. Benham, Dr. P. D. Cameron, Dr. R. V. Fulton, Dr. P. Marshall, Professor J. Park, Messrs. H. Brasch and G. M. Thomson, M.P. Mr. G. M. Thomson and Dr. P. Marshall were re-elected representatives of the Institute on the Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute. Technological Branch. First Meeting: 20th May, 1913. Mr. F. W. Payne, Vice-Chairman, in the chair. Address.—“Coal-mining Operations,” by Mr. L. O. Beal. Second Meeting: 17th June, 1913. Mr. E. E. Stark in the chair. Address.—“The Evolution of Artillery,” by Captain S. G. Sandle. Third Meeting: 15th July, 1913. Mr. G. Simpson, Vice-Chairman, in the chair. Address.—“Modern Methods of Heating Buildings,” by Mr. G. W. Davies. An interesting lecture covering the origin and development of the various systems of heating buildings, and illustrated by a large number of slides. The lecturer emphasized the inefficiency and wastefulness of the ordinary open-fire system. Fourth Meeting: 19th August, 1913. Mr. E. E. Stark in the chair. Address.—“Mechanical Refrigeration,” by Mr. J. H. Scott. Fifth Meeting: 16th September, 1913. Mr. E. E. Shark in the chair. Papers.—1. “Centrifugal Pumps,” by Mr. F. W. Payne. 2. “The Cyanide Process,” by Professor D. B. Waters, A.O.S.M.

Sixth Meeting: 21st October, 1913. Mr. E. E. Stark in the chair. Address.—“Design, from a Technical Standpoint,” by Mr. R. N. Vanes, A.R.I.B.A. Seventh Meeting 18th November, 1913. Mr. E. E. Stark in the chair. Address.— “Impiovement Works in Otago Harbour,” by Mr. J. B. Mason. An interesting historical lecture by the Engineer of the Harbour Board, tracing the improvements made in the harbour since the nrst accurate survey by Captain Stokes, R.N., of H.M.S. “Acheron,” in 1849. About fifty lantern-slides were shown, illustiating traming-walls, groins, and other skilfully conceived devices for improving the harbour and ita approaches. Eighth Meeting: 16th December, 1913. Mr. E. E. Stark in the chair. The annual report was read and adopted, and the following office-bearers for 1914 were elected: Chairman—Mr. E. E. Stark; Vice-Chairmen—Professor Park and Mr. F. W. Payne; Hon. Secretary—Mr. H. Brasch; Committee—Professor Waters, Messrs. B. B. Hooper, J. B. Mason, W. D. R. McCurdie, C. F. McDonald, R. McLintock, and G. Simpson. Astronomical Branch. First Meeting: 27th May, 1913. Mr. R. Gilkison in the chair. Papers.—1. “The History of Astronomical Research,” by Mr. R. Gilkison. 2. “The Reflecting Telescope,” by Mr. F. W. Payne. Second Meeting: 24th June, 1913. Mr. R. Gilkison in the chair. Address.—“Objects of Interest in the Evening Sky in the Month of June, 1913,” by the Rev. D. Dutton, F.R.A.S. Third Meeting: 22nd July, 1913. Mr. R. Gilkison in the chair. Address.—“New Instruments and Methods in Solar Research,” by the Rev. P. W. Fairclough, F.R.A.S.

Fourth Meeting: 26th August, 1913. Mr. R. Gilkison in the chair. Paper.—“On finding Latitude and Longitude,” by Dr. P. D. Cameron. Fifth Meeting: 23rd September, 1913. Mr. R. Gilkison in the chair. Papers.—1. “On Methods of observing to eliminate the Periodic Errors affecting the Readings of the Graduated Circles in Astronomical and Surveying Instruments,” by Mr. W. T. Neill. 2. “Is Mars habitable?” by the Rev. D. Dutton, F.R.A.S. The annual report was read and adopted and the following office-bearers for 1914 were elected: Chairman—Mr. R. Gilkison; Vice-Chairmen—Professors J. Park and D. J. Richards and Mr. F. W. Payne; Hon. Secretary—Mr. A. Megget; Committee—Rev. D. Dutton, F.R.A.S., Rev. P. W. Fairdough, F.R.A.S., Dr. P. D. Cameron, Messrs. H. Brasch, J. Bremner, W. T. Neill, and W. S. Wilson.