The Royal Society of New Zealand

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 64, 1935, Page 367

The Royal Society of New Zealand

Honorary Treasurer's Report. The balance sheet for the twelve months ending 31st March, 1934, shows a balance of assets over liabilities of £1028 12s 7d as compared with £1067 11s 11d on 31st March, 1933. The main feature of the financial position is that the Society has lived within its means. Owing to the use of the pruning knife, the cost of printing the Transactions has been kept down to a level corresponding to the amount available. The total cost of Volume 63 was £586 15s 3d, and the Finance Committee has authorised the expenditure of £262 on Parts 1 and 2 of Volume 64. The Trust Accounts are in a satisfactory condition. The Carter Bequest Capital Account stands at £9509 15s 1d, an increase of £563 for the year, and as a result of the legal opinion obtained, this Fund will now remain intact until it has grown sufficiently to produce an income adequate to meet the wishes of the testator. Once more I have pleasure in stating that the books and accounts have been kept up to the usual high standard by the Secretary. M. A. Eliott, Honorary Treasurer.

The Royal Society of New Zealand. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Year ending 31st March, 1934. Receipts. £ s. d. Balance as at 31st March, 1933 1,464 3 2 Annual Grant 500 0 0 Publications Vote from Research Fund 62 18 10 Levy, Volume 63 133 4 6 Travelling Expenses; share from member bodies 19 17 2 Sales of Publications 23 0 10 Favourable Exchange 2 15 7 Research Grant Refund 0 0 8 Interest Post Office Savings Bank 41 9 4 Carter Bequest Interest 376 14 7 Hector Memorial Fund Interest 51 16 5 Hutton Memorial Fund Interest 56 5 7 Carter Library Legacy Interest 8 6 9 Hamilton Memorial Fund Interest 2 9 6 Endowment Fund Interest 32 3 5 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund Interest 19 13 10 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund—Donation 200 0 0 Trust Funds transferred to Bank of New Zealand 648 11 9 £3,643 11 11 Expenditure. £ s. d. Otago Daily Times (Vol. 63—Parts 2, 3, and 4) 476 18 7 Stationery 13 0 10 Salary 240 0 0 Travelling Expenses 48 18 3 Subscription Int. Council Scientific Union 5 9 0 Petty Cash 10 12 11 Charges (Insurance, Bank Audit, etc.) 9 9 1 Library Binding 4 16 0 Research Grants Instalments 11 5 7 Research Grants to Publications Fund 62 18 10 Trust Funds—Audit Charges 2 0 0 Hutton Grants Instalments 40 0 0 Hector Prizes and Engraving Medals 80 17 3 Interest credited direct to Trust Accounts 515 6 8 Trust Funds Invested 599 2 6 Balance as under 1,522 16 5 £3,643 11 11 £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. Bank of New Zealand 76 17 2 Less Unpresented Cheques, £1 3s 10d and £1 17s 6d 3 1 4 73 15 10 Post Office Savings Bank 1,440 10 0 1,514 5 10 Petty Cash in Hand .8 10 7 £1,522 16 5 M. A. Eliott, Hon. Treasurer. The Audit Office, having examined the balance sheet and accompanying accounts required by law to be audited, hereby certifies them to be correct. J. H. Fowler, Deputy Controller and Auditor-General.

The Royal Society of New Zealand. Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31st March, 1934. Liabilities. £ s. d. Carter Bequest Capital Account 9,509 15 1 Hector Memorial Fund Capital Account 1,184 18 1 Hutton Memorial Fund Capital Account 1,314 8 6 Hamilton Memorial Fund Capital Account 61 8 9 Carter Library Legacy Capital Account 100 0 0 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund Capital Account 510 18 9 Endowment Fund Capital Account 984 4 6 Carter Bequest Revenue Account 91 12 0 Hector Memorial Fund Revenue Account 86 8 9 Hutton Memorial Fund Revenue Account 277 14 0 Hamilton Memorial Fund Revenue Account 6 19 7 Carter Library Legacy Revenue Account 75 5 5 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund Revenue Account 282 10 6 Endowment Fund Revenue Account 135 9 11 Library Fund 151 9 10 Research Grants Fund 142 6 2 Balance of Assets over Liabilities 1,028 12 7 £15,944 2 5 Assets. £ s. d. Inscribed Stock 13,557 8 8 Bank of New Zealand 73 15 10 Post Office Savings Bank 1,440 10 0 Reserve Bank Shares 36 0 0 Petty Cash in Hand 8 10 7 Carter Bequest—P.O.S.B. Account 148 9 6 Hector Memorial Fund—P.O.S.B. Account 88 11 0 Hutton Memorial Fund—P.O.S.B. Account 278 19 0 Hamilton Memorial Fund—P.O.S.B. Account 68 13 4 Carter Library Legacy—P.O.S.B. Account 75 12 11 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund 94 11 5 Outstanding Accounts 73 0 2 £15,944 2 5 The Royal Society of New Zealand. Revenue Account for the Year ending 31st March. 1934. Expenditure. £ s. d. Printing and Stationery 489 19 5 Salary 240 0 0 Travelling Expenses—Society's Share 29 1 1 Charges 12 2 6 Petty Cash 10 12 11 Sales credited to Endowment Fund 23 0 10 Balance 1,028 12 7 £1,833 9 4 Income. £ s. d. Balance at 31st March, 1933 1,067 11 11 Annual Grant 500 0 0 Transferred from Unused Research Grants to Publications Fund 62 18 10 Administration Fees Trust Accounts 5 17 2 Sales of Publications 15 6 11 Levy Vol. 63, Trans. N.Z. Inst. 181 14 6 £1,833 9 4 By Balance £1,028 12 7

The Royal Society of New Zealand. Trust Accounts for the Year ending 31st March, 1934. Carter Bequest. Dr. £ s. d. To Interest Invested 563 2 6 Administration Expenses 1 15 0 Balance 91 12 0 £656 9 6 Cr. £ s. d. By Balance, 31/3/33 279 14 11 Interest 375 14 7 Premium Refunded 1 0 0 £656 9 6 By Balance £91 12 0 Hector Memorial Fund. Dr. £ s. d. To Administration Expenses 1 5 0 Prizes (Drs Benson and Marwick) 80 0 0 Engraving Medals 0 17 3 Balance 86 8 9 £168 11 0 Cr. £ s. d. By Balance, 31/3/33 116 14 7 Interest 51 16 5 £168 11 0 By Balance £86 8 9 Hutton Memorial Fund. Dr. £ s. d. To Grants 40 0 0 Administration Expenses 1 5 0 Balance 277 14 0 £318 19 0 Cr. £ s. d. By Balance, 31/3/33 262 13 5 Interest 56 5 7 £318 19 0 By Balance £277 14 0 Hamilton Memorial Fund. Dr. £ s. d. To Half Interest to Capital 1 4 9 Administration Expenses 0 5 0 Balance 6 19 7 £8 9 4 Cr. £ s. d. By Balance, 31/3/33 5 19 10 Interest 2 9 6 £8 9 4 By Balance £6 19 7 Carter Library Legacy. Dr. £ s. d. To Administration Expenses 0 7 6 Balance 75 5 5 £75 12 11 Cr. £ s. d. By Balance, 31/3/33 67 6 2 Interest 7 15 2 Premium Refunded 0 11 7 £75 12 11 By Balance £75 5 5 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund. Dr. £ s. d. To One-tenth Income to Capital 1 19 5 Administration Expenses 1 4 8 Balance 282 10 6 £285 14 7 Cr. £ s. d. By Balance, 31/3/33 66 0 9 Interest 19 13 10 Donation from Lady Sidey 200 0 0 £285 14 7 By Balance £282 10 6

Endowment Fund. Dr. £ s. d. To Reserve Bank Shares 36 0 0 Administration Expenses 1 15 0 Balance 135 9 11 £173 4 11 Cr. £ s. d. By Balance, 31/3/33 76 11 4 Interest 32 3 5 Interest from General Account 41 9 4 Sales of Publications 23 0 10 £173 4 11 By Balance £135 9 11 Hon. Treasurer's Report and Statements.—The Hon. Treasurer, Mr M. A. Eliott, moved the adoption of his report and the balance sheet and statements which had been audited and certified to; seconded by Professor Segar, and carried. Auckland Islands.—Mr Pycroft mentioned that a company had applied for a lease of part of the Auckland Islands for the purpose of silver fox farming, but the Government had declared the islands a reserve. Carter Bequest.—The Vice-president, Mr Aston, read an opinion from Mr C. H. Treadwell on the possibility of utilising the Carter Bequest or part of it. Following on the reading of the opinion, Mr Eliott moved: “That the letter of opinion from Mr C. H. Treadwell, Solicitor, re Carter Bequest be accepted and adopted as the policy of the Society regarding the administration of the Fund. That this resolution and a copy of the Solicitor's opinion be forwarded to the Trustees of the Fund and to the Wellington City Council.” After some discussion, the President put Mr Eliott's motion, which was carried, Dr Marsden, Dr Kidson, and Professor Kirk dissenting. The opinion is as follows:— The New Zealand Institute, Wellington, C.l. Re Astronomical Observatory. Mr Charles Rooking Carter, formerly of Wellington, made his Will on the sixth day of June, 1896, and I am asked to give an opinion on a section of that Will. The Will was duly proved, and I understand that two members of the Institute are trustees of this particular part of Mr Carter's Will, and accumulations of the Fund are vested in their names. The part of the Will to which I refer, and on which I am asked to give an opinion, is this:— “And as to all the residue and remainder (if any) of the said net proceeds of the sale, conversion, and getting-in of my estate as aforesaid, my trustee shall transfer the same to the Governors for the time being of the New Zealand Institute at Wellington, to form the nucleus of a fund for the erection in or near Wellington aforesaid, and the endowment of a professor and staff, of an astronomic observatory fitted with telescope and other suitable instruments for the public use and benefit of the Colony, and in the hope that such fund may be augmented by gifts from private donors, and that the observatory may be subsidised by the Colonial Government; and without imposing any duty or obligation in regard thereto, I would indicate my wish that the telescope may be obtained from the factory of Sir H. Grubb, in Dublin, Ireland.” The question is what those gentlemen in whom as Governors of the New Zealand Institute the fund is vested ought to do to carry out the trusts of the provision in question. It will be observed that the testator's intention was

that the fund should be transferred to the Governors of the Institute “to form the nucleus of a fund for the erection in or near Wellington aforesaid, and the endowment of a professor and staff, of an astronomic observatory fitted with telescope and other suitable instruments for the public use and benefit of the Colony.” These are the words of the bequest on which the whole question turns. The principle upon which the whole question turns is as to the duty of those trustees with reference to the application of the fund. Originally the amount was approximately £2200, and the accumulations of interest up to the present time have brought the fund up to about £9000. The real question is as to the method in which the intention of the testator should be carried out. This is a charitable trust, and, accordingly, there is no objection under the rules as to perpetuity to the fund being accumulated for an indefinite period. It is suggested on the part of some of the Governors of the Institute that, inasmuch as the fund has now accumulated to about £9000, that £9000 should be expended towards the object indicated by the testator, notwithstanding the fact that it is manifestly impossible that the expenditure of the £9000 would be sufficient to carry out the testator's object. The other members of the Board of Governors consider that the fund should be further accumulated and allowed to increase so that it will be sufficient to really carry out the testator's intention. In my opinion, it is beyond dispute that it is the duty of the Governors in whom the fund is vested to continue to accumulate it until it has reached such a sum as will be sufficient for the purpose of carrying out the testator's intention. It is plain, in accordance with the information before me, that it is impossible to do that with the fund in its present state of accumulation. Accordingly, it is plainly the duty of the trustees to continue to hold the fund subject to the trusts of the testator's Will until the amount has arrived either by the accumulation of interest, or by that method and the addition of other donations to the fund from other sources, at such a sum as will make the testator's intention capable of being carried out. To expend the existing accumulations in partly doing what the testator intended is plainly not right, and, indeed, would, in my opinion, be a breach of trust for which the trustees in whom the fund is vested would be responsible. It is difficult to see how it can be suggested that a partial expenditure of the accumulated fund in the method suggested could be in any way a carrying out of the testator's intention. As I have said before, the testator's intention is what governs, and the trustees would not be justified in proceeding with the erection of an observatory which is probably all that the existing fund would provide for, without also providing for the other part of the testator's intention. It was not the testator's intention to build a trumpery observatory of little or no practical use in some corner of the Dominion, when, as a matter of fact, the fund is intended to be the nucleus or commencement of an accumulated fund sufficiently large to carry out the whole of the testator's intention. On this question I have no doubt whatever, and I am quite unable to advise the expenditure of this fund in anything else than the erection of a complete observatory endowed with a professorship and staff and the necessary instruments in the way provided for by the testator's Will. I may add that the testator intended the augmentation of his bequest by gifts from private donors. Accordingly, he intended that the fund should remain unexpended until either by the accumulations of interest or by gifts of this character there should be sufficient money available to carry out his object. I understand it is suggested that “in or near Wellington” is not a suitable locality for the erection of an observatory. It is plain that the trustees of this fund would have no authority to expend this fund for the purpose designated by the testator unless it were within the locality indicated. If it is found eventually that no suitable spot can be designated in or near Wellington where such an observatory can be erected, then it would be necessary, in my opinion, to obtain the sanction of the Court, or legislation, to the erection of an observatory in that other locality. The trustees, in my view, have no authority to select such a locality of their own motion. (Signed) C. H. Treadwell Wellington,,14th September, 1933.

Roll Call.—On resuming after the lunch adjournment, the roll was called, the attendance being the same as in the morning. Earthquake Building Construction.—Members having had an opportunity to peruse the statement, it was resolved on the motion of Dr Kidson that the statement drawn up be adopted and signed by the President, and that copies be circulated. On the motion of Dr Farr, it was resolved that an advance copy be forwarded to the Prime Minister. It was suggested that the statement be circulated to municipalities. Hutton Grants.—On the recommendation of the Standing Committee, the following applications for grants from the Hutton Fund were approved:— Mr L. C. King, £25 for geological research in the Marlborough District. Messrs R. A. Falla and A. W. B. Powell, £40 for research on the molluscan and bird fauna of the Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand. Mr W. R. B. Oliver, £50 for assistance in publishing a monograph on the genus Coprosma. It was recommended that the Standing Committee next year recommend an application from Dr Marshall for £25 for apparatus for measuring microscopic crystals. An application from Mr K. M. Rudall for permission to transfer the balance of his grant for work on the Little Barrier Island to work on the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges was referred to the Standing Committee with power to act. Levy Vol. 64.—On the motion of Mr Eliott, it was resolved that the levy on Volume 64 be 5s. Report of Honorary Editor. At the time when I was appointed Honorary Editor of the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute, arrangements had already been made for the publication of the final part of Volume 63, and the proofs had been revised. There were several papers on hand, and a few of these were ready for publication. Most of the proofs for Volume 64, Part 1, are now in the page form, and that Part will shortly be published. The papers for Part 2 of the same volume have been sent to the printer. Some of the papers that are submitted for publication are of great length. It is impossible to accept some of them for that reason. Authors must, at the present time, reduce their papers as much as possible without omission of important matter. One paper is being published in four parts because of its great length. It is questionable whether this practice should be continued. P. Marshall, Honorary Editor. Dr Marshall read his report and emphasised the necessity for reducing the length of papers submitted for the Transactions. He referred to the great help given him by the Associate-Editor, Dr Turner. He moved the adoption of the report, seconded by Dr Turner, and carried. On the motion of Dr Marsden, seconded by Mr Oliver, it was resolved: “That the Editor be supported in the stringent editing of papers for the Transactions with a view to greater economy and efficiency. Unless under very exceptional circumstances, no paper shall exceed 20 pages.”

On the motion of Dr Marsden, seconded by Dr Farr, it was resolved that the President's address, or the major portion of it, be printed in the Transactions. Reports of Research Grantees. Mr B. C. Aston, who in 1928 took over a balance of £9 16s 7d from Dr Malcolm for research on pukateine, reported on the 19th April, 1934, that the research on pukateine has been continued by Professor Barger ánd his assistants, the third alkaloid in the bark, lauropukine, being the immediate subject of investigation, but no reports have been received during the year. On the physiological side of the investigation a small quantity of the pukateine hydrochloride has been supplied to Dr Fogg, demonstrator of Physiology at the Otago Medical School, at his request. No further report has been received from him. There is an unexpended balance of £7 12s 11d. Mr G. Brittin, who in 1919 was granted £20 for investigation of fruit tree diseases, reported on the 21st April, 1934, that the work of the past year consisted in observing the effects of weather conditions on the prevalence of brown rot. Some interesting comparative results were obtained. This season all the trees showed a heavy setting of buds, with promise of a heavy crop to follow. However, just before the flowers were fully opened, small birds completely stripped the trees. Such an occurrence has never taken place before; several other orchards were similarly affected. No money was expended. Mr A. E. Brookes, who in 1928 was granted £40 for a research on the coleoptera of the islands off the Auckland coast, reported on the 30th March that most of the time during the year was occupied in examining specimens considered to be new or doubtful species, and some of the new species have been described. Still more work of this nature remains to be done. There is an unexpended balance of £1 16s. Mr J. W. Calder, who in 1930 was granted £30 for research in the vegetation of Arthur's Pass, reported on the 19th April that there is little further to report. An account summarising the main changes in the vegetation was published by Dr Cockayne and himself in the Journal of Ecology. He is continuing a more detailed investigation of particular areas, establishing, plotting, and locating vegetation quadrats. These are being marked out with iron pegs, and directions for finding these pegs from permanent landmarks are prepared. The grant is exhausted, so no expenditure has been incurred. Miss L. Cranwell, who in 1930 was granted £20 for an ecological survey of the marine algae of the West Coast near Auckland, reported on the 30th April that field work has been continued on the lines indicated in her previous report. Unfortunately, extensive sanding-up has occurred in the Anawhata bays specially chosen for the study of summer ephemerals, so this branch of the work has received a setback. Miss Cranwell hopes to complete a general paper before the spring. Comparative notes were made on Taranga and Poor Knights Islands in November. Expenses during the year amounted to £3 0s 7d, leaving an unexpended balance of £2 19s 4d. Dr H. G. Cunningham, who in 1929 was granted £25 for a mycological survey of the Tongariro National Park, reported on the 26th April that during Easter, 1934, five days were spent collecting fungi on North Tongariro, 17 collections being secured. No expenses were incurred, and the unexpended balance remains at £18. Dr C. C. Farr, who in 1927 was granted for research on helium an additional amount of £150, and who still has a balance of £44 9s 4d remaining to his credit, reported on the 19th April that although no work was done on this research during the year, the apparatus is all set up and ready for an investigation whenever helium is obtained, and he should like the balance to remain at present. Miss E. M. Heine, who in 1930 was granted £15 for the study of the pollination of New Zealand plants, reported on the 23rd April that she is still waiting for the completion of identification of the insects effecting pollination which the Dominion Museum entomologist has been naming for her. These will be completed in a short time, and then a full account of the results will be published. The whole of the grant has been expended.

Dr J. K. H. Inglis, who between 1923 and 1930 was granted £125 for research on the essential oils of native plants, reported on the 25th April that no further work had been done during the year, but he hopes to resume next year, when the unexpended balance of £3 13s will be used. Mr R. M. Laing, who in 1929 was granted £25 for research on marine algae, reported on the 24th April that a third of his papers on Gigartina is progressing and much other work is in hand. The grant is exhausted. Mr A. W. B. Powell, who in 1925 was granted £50 for an investigation of molluscan fauna of the Manakau Harbour, and also for working up the results of a number of shallow water dredgings from off the New Zealand coast, reported on the 19th April that during last season little field work was done, but the material dredged during the previous season was completely sorted, and samples of the bottom were mechanically graded, and the results tabulated and prepared for publication. With the aid of the microscope purchased by means of the grant, six papers have been prepared for publication. There is an unexpended balance of 10s 5d. Mr G. H. Uttley, who in 1928 was granted £35 for research on New Zealand Bryozoa, reported on the 27th April that the work is still proceeding, and comparison with Australian forms is now being made by exchange of specimens. No further expense has been incurred. The Waitemata Harbour Survey, which in 1925 was granted £65 and in 1932 an additional sum of £25 as a Hutton grant, reported on the 19th April that a large series of dredge stations has been made during the year, and several new areas of the harbour have been investigated. Seventy dredging stations have been selected for mechanical grading, which means the tabulation of 560 samples, all of which have been dried, weighed, and the results made the basis of numerous graphs. A paper prepared for the Committee by Mr W. K. Hounsell has been submitted for publication in the Transactions. There is an unexpended balance of £14 17s 9d. Hutton Grantees. Mr L. C. King in 1932 was granted £20 to enable him to conduct a field study of the tertiary rocks in the Awatere Valley. He reported that with an assistant ten and a-half weeks were spent during the summer 1932–33. In this period 250 square miles of country were mapped geologically. An account of the work is almost ready for publication. It shows that the district consists of a number of separate fault-bounded earth blocks which have been subjected to compression and some of which have been strongly rotated. The tertiary rocks have been divided into three series: Medway Series of Awamoan age. Upton Series of Taranakian age, and Starborough Series of Waitotaran age. During the year Mr King proposes to return to the district and prepare a paper on the physiography of the area accompanied by a comprehensive block diagram. This will complete the work. Mr K. M. Rudall, who in 1933 was granted £5 for zoological research on Little Barrier Island, reported on the 29th March that two weeks were spent on the Island in January, 1933. Collections were made of the land mollusca, earthworms, and flatworms. The two last groups have been stored for reference, while an intensive study of the first group only is intended at present. Fresh water mollusca were also collected. Mr Rudall supplies a long list of species found. With the completion of the list of species from Little Barrier some interesting conclusions should be forthcoming concerning the probable relationships with the mainland. Total expense amounted to £1 15s 6d. On the motion of Professor Speight, seconded by Mr Hudson, this report was adopted. Tongariro National Park Board, 1933–34 Report of Representative. I have pleasure in reporting that in the annual report of the Park Board for the year ending 31st March, 1933, there has been inserted three brief reports on the wild life of the Park, the insects being dealt with by Mr G. V. Hudson, the birds by Mr W. R. B. Oliver, and the fishes by Mr W. J. Phillips. The printed report is before this Council for inspection.

An important feature of the report, which should be highly satisfactory to the Institute, is the statement of the Chairman of the Board. Mr W. Robertson, as follows:— “Evidence is accumulating to show that some effective steps will have to be taken to counter the detrimental effects of housing animals within the parks. Some thousands of goats have been destroyed in the Egmont Park; but the total extermination of these animals cannot be effected without further funds with which to carry on the work. At Arthur Pass deer and chamois are damaging the mountain flora, and deer are becoming established in the forest on the western portion of Tongariro Park. Red deer are fairly numerous in portions of the Sounds National Park, while there is need for investigation into the effects of moose and wapiti in that region. The Department is convinced that deer and other plant-eating animals must be recognised and dealt with purely as a menace to our national parks and reserves, and not as a means of providing sport for a few persons or as an attraction for tourists. The welfare of the native flora must be the first consideration at all times.” It is regrettable that in spite of this announcement regarding the importance of conserving the native flora, the necessity of considering the native fauna has apparently been disregarded, and the introduction of trout fry into the stream in the Park has been permitted by a majority vote of the full Board. A full meeting of the Park Board, which was attended by your representative, was held in the Chateau on 26th January, which gave members of the Board an opportunity to inspect the considerable improvements effected at the Chateau under the management of the Tourist Department. The golf links have been considerably improved, and are a great feature of attraction. It is satisfactory to record that during the past year the Board has taken up a strong position in dealing with unauthorised cutting of timber in the Park and the eradication of certain exotic plants, lupins, which are spreading into the Park, and that the Board is taking steps to allow reliable persons to shoot deer within the boundaries of the Park in order to keep these animals in check as far as possible. A new decision of the Board is that instructions and directions for dealing with tussock, scrub, and bush fires on lines suggested by Mr E. Phillips-Turner shall be posted up along the road frontages of the Park. B. C. Aston, Representative on Park Board. Mr Aston read and moved the adoption of his report as representative on the Park Board. He stated that he had protested against the introduction of trout into the Park streams, but his protest had been overruled. The heather was increasing so slowly that it was negligible. It was not competing with the native flora to any great extent. In reply to a question by Mr Pycroft as to whether a firebelt could be cut, Mr Aston replied that the area was too large for such an undertaking. Professor Kirk seconded the adoption of the report; he considered that the Society should support its representative in his protest regarding the introduction of trout fry into the streams. The report was adopted. Arthur Pass National Park, 1933–34. Report of Representative. The operations of the Board controlling this Park have been hampered a good deal during the year owing to want of funds. The revenue accruing from rents, etc., has been too small to meet ordinary expenditure, and there has been a serious drain on the capital sum set aside for the development of the Park when it was established. Plans have been completed for the formation of an Alpine Garden at Arthur Pass, but these have been held up owing to shortage of funds. It is to be hoped, however, that the project will be advanced during the coming year.

Tracks have been constructed to give access to various points of interest, and to enable the Park to be thoroughly controlled by rangers. As much protection as possible has been given to the native fauna and flora, and the latter will benefit materially as a result of the destruction of deer and chamois which has been carried out by the Department of Internal Affairs at the instigation and with the financial help of the Waimakariri Trust. I should like to give my personal testimony to the thoroughness with which this work has been done by the officers of the Department. R. Speight, Representative on Board. Professor Speight moved the adoption of his report as representative on the Arthur's Pass National Park Board. He commented on the deer menace in the Park, stating that this was being controlled. Chamois and thar could be seen in herds of about twenty; these had not the commercial value when killed which deer had. In regard to the Alpine Garden commenced in the Park, completion of this had been delayed owing to lack of funds and a slight disagreement with the Unemployment Board. Dr Marsden seconded the adoption of the report, which was carried. Ward Island Domain Board. Report of Representative. The annual meeting of the Ward Island Domain Board was held on May 25th, 1933. The report for 1932 was presented, and it was decided to make arrangements for further visits to the Island for the purpose of making a path to the top and planting trees. Through the courtesy of Mr A. Holmes, who made his launch available, members of the Board visited the island on August 8th, 1933. About 75 trees were planted, including 50 provided by the Wellington City Council. Two members of the Museum staff, Miss Heine and Miss Plank, accompanied the party and assisted in investigating the native plants and insects found on the island. W. R. B. Oliver, Representative on Board. Mr Oliver, representative on the Ward Island Domain Board, moved the adoption of his report, seconded by Mr Hudson, and adopted. N.Z. Institute of Horticulture. Report of Representative. The work of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture has been carried on during the year along the same lines as in previous years, and monthly meetings of the Executive Council have been held and have been attended by your representative. Financial considerations have dictated that the Journal of the Institute, which is only published half-yearly in March and September, should be supplemented by the publication of a mimeographed news letter and distributed between the above dates, which will keep the members in touch with current doings in the local world of horticulture. Loder Cup.—The conditions attending the award of the Loder Cup are, in the opinion of your representative, far from satisfactory, and the Executive has asked the Minister to re-establish the Loder Cup Committee, with a view to determine the existing conditions. The Hon. the Minister of Agriculture has consented to this course, and has appointed a committee consisting largely of the original committee. Arbor Day.—The matter of re-instituting Arbor Day in New Zealand has been discussed, and it is hoped that it will be possible at no distant date to re-establish the observance of this day throughout the Dominion.

Hortioultural Information.—A committee, of which your representative is a member, was set up to consider and report on the preservation of seedsmen's and nurserymen's catalogues and other horticultural literature. As a result of the committee's deliberations, a report was furnished to the Institute, and a scheme was adopted whereby the Turnbull Library will receive as many individual catalogues, etc., issued in the past years as possible, and in future will receive from all New Zealand nurserymen copies of their catalogues. At the same time, a copy will be filed by the Institute of Horticulture. By this means it is hoped to endeavour to remove the existing ground for reproach that there is at present no readily available means by which the history of the horticultural development in the Dominion can be studied. The Institute is taking an active part in making representations with regard to the preservation of the various examples of typical New Zealand forest life. It is also corresponding with the Commissioner of State Forests on the protection of forests from plant-eating animals. The Institute is also endeavouring to obtain the consent of those owners of representative gardens to enable the public to visit them under certain conditions. The Institute has lent its patronage to the usual shows during the year, especially to the National Flower Show, held at Palmerston North in January, 1934. B. C. Aston, Representative on Council. Mr Aston, representative on the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, moved the adoption of his report, which was seconded by Professor Segar and adopted. Great Barrier Reef Committee. Report of Representative. The Committee met twice during the year 1933. H.M.A.S. Moresby was recommissioned during the year, and was to carry out hydrographic survey work on the reef. Research work on the reef is to be continued by Mr F. W. Moor house, who was appointed part-time Field Investigator for the Committee. The protection of the fauna and flora received attention from time to time. Certain islands have been added to the list of sanctuaries, the taking of guano has been prohibited on some of the islands, and it was resolved to take steps to mitigate the wanton destruction of plants and animals by tourists. Volume IV of the Committee's Report was issued during the year. It contains a detailed account of the life-history of the green turtle. The balance in hand on September 13, 1933, was £2238 1s 2d (including £1500 invested). W. R. B. Oliver, Representative on Committee. Mr Oliver, representative on the Great Barrier Reef Committee, moved the adoption of his report, which was seconded by Mr Hudson and carried. New Zealand Polar Year Committee. Report for the Year ending 31st March, 1934. The Quick-Run Magnetographs received from the International Polar Year Commission have been in operation at Amberley throughout the year, under the charge of Mr H. F. Skey, Director of the Christchurch Magnetic Observatory. Mr Skey was authorised to employ assistance in the preparation, tabulation, etc., of the records, and excellent progress has been made. The ordinary magnetograph records secured at Amberley also are being copied. The copies, together with the originals from the Quick-Run set, will be forwarded to the Polar Year Commission at Copenhagen. All records are to be collected at the headquarters of the organisation, where their discussion will be entrusted to specially-appointed experts, and where, also, they will be available for other investigators who wish to study them.

The Polar Year was magnetically a quiet period, and Mr Skey wishes to continue the working of the Quick-Run Magnetographs in the hope of recording some intense magnetic storms. It is probable that numbers of other observatories will also keep their instruments in operation for a further period. The programme of extra meteorological observations at Wellington and Christchurch has been completed. The authorities concerned consider that the Polar Year scheme has been very successfully carried out. An immense amount of valuable data has been collected, and the International Commission is proceeding vigorously with the publication and discussion. Numbers of researches are already under way, but the President anticipates that these matters will keep the Commission fully occupied for another five years. Magnetograph Fund. Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for Year ending 31st March, 1934. Receipts. £ s. d. To Balance in Post Office Savings Bank 148 9 6 Interest in Financial Year 1932–33 3 19 7 Cash 0 5 9 £152 14 10 Expenditure. £ s. d. By Balance forward 152 14 10 £152 14 10 Interest to the amount of £4 11s 2d has accrued during the year ending 31st March, 1934. Edward Kidson, Hon. Secretary. Approved. G.Shirtcliffe. Chairman. Audited and found correct. E. J. Archibald, Accountant. Wellington, 30th April., 1934. Note added: Since the end of the financial year, expenditure to the amount of £109 7s 11d has been incurred. It is anticipated that the remaining funds will be absorbed during the current year. Dr Kidson, secretary of the Polar Year Committee, moved the adoption of his report, which was seconded by Dr Marsden and carried. National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum. Report by Vice-president. During the year ending 31st March, 1934, five meetings of the Board of Trustees have been held, and these were attended by your representatives, the President's deputy (Professor Kirk or by Dr Marshall) and the Vice-president; also by Mr Oliver, a member of this Council. A matter for congratulation is that the Hon. the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Young) was able to attend and preside over most of the meetings. Building.—The main work of the year took place in connection with the erection of the main building, which had been decided upon last year. The building operations have gone steadily forward according to schedule; Putaruru vitric tuff is the only stone being used in the construction, and it has continued to give the same satisfaction as it has done in the completed Carillon building. At the end of the business year, 31st March, 1934, the erection of the building was well advanced, and the arrangements for the laying of the foundation stone had been completed. It is now possible to see from the lay-out the Museum galleries. Committee of Control.—Messrs Fraser, Aston. and Oliver were appointed a sub-committee to look into the matter of an appointment of a committee to control the Museum as provided by the Act, and to report later to the Board, but so far no meeting of this committee has been held.

Finance.—The collection of outstanding subscriptions has proceeded satisfactorily, and with the assurance of the Government subsidy the finances may now be described as being in a sound condition, and the completion of the building scheme is assured. An amending Act to the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Act was introduced and passed by Parliament last session; this provided for the appointment, when necessary, of an acting-chairman to the Board, as well as permitting the Wellington City Council to have an additional representative on the Board. It is interesting to note that the Museums Journal (England) of December, 1933, contained a description of the history and organisation of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum (Wellington), and devoted space to the reproduction of plans of the buildings. The same journal also stated that the Carnegie Corporation of New York has allocated 50,000 dollars for the development of Museum work in New Zealand, to be administered by a local committee. B. C. Aston, Vice-president. Mr Aston, vice-president, moved the adoption of his report on the Board of Trustees, seconded by Professor Segar, and carried. Observatories' Committee.—Dr Farr reported that no meetings of the Committee had been held during the year. The position in regard to the Apia Observatory was not very satisfactory—he considered that more of the burden of the upkeep of the Observatory should be borne by New Zealand, and that it should fall less on outside countries. Notices of Motion were then dealt with as follows:— Scientific Education.—Professor Kirk moved, Mr Pycroft seconded, and it was carried: “That the Royal Society of New Zealand much regrets that the Government has found it necessary to make further economies at the expense of scientific education.” Lord Rutherford's Portrait.—Dr Farr moved, Dr Kidson seconded, and it was carried: “That the Royal Society of New Zealand again affirms its interest in the proposal of His Excellency the Governor-General that a copy of Mr Oswald Birley's painting of Lord Rutherford, of Nelson, be procured for the Dominion Museum and National Art Gallery.” Medals.—Dr Farr moved, Professor Kirk seconded, and it was carried: “That only under the most exceptional circumstances should there be two awards of the same medal in one year.” Scientific Libraries.—Dr Marsden moved, Dr Kidson seconded, and it was carried: “That the Library Committee be asked to collaborate with the officer of the Carnegie Corporation at present in New Zealand with a view to furthering an arrangement for better scientific libraries and co-ordination thereof.” Polar Medals.—Mr Pycroft moved, Mr Oliver seconded, and it was carried: “That this Council congratulates Mr R. A. Falla, M.A., of Auckland, and Mr R. G. Simmers, M.Sc., of Wellington, members of the British and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition, who have been awarded the Polar Medal by His Majesty.” A. and N.Z. Assoc. Adv. Science.—In regard to the proposed meeting of the Association in Auckland in 1937, Professor Segar stated that Mr Archey hoped to visit the Melbourne meeting next year

in order that he might gain an insight into the running of the meeting and to ascertain what expense is involved in such a meeting. Science Congress.—The practicability of holding a Science Congress in the near future was discussed. It was pointed out by the Vice-president that neither Hawke's Bay nor Nelson was in a position to hold a Congress. Auckland had organised the last one held, and it was now undertaking the A. and N.Z. A.A.S. meeting in 1937. It was Wellington's turn. Dr Turner thought that the Otago Institute might be willing to hold the Congress unless there was expense involved. Finally, on the motion of Mr Pycroft, seconded by Dr Kidson, it was resolved that the possibility of holding a Science Congress in 1935 or 1936 be referred to the member bodies, and that the Standing Committee be given power to act. Reference List of Scientific Periodicals.—On the motion of Dr Marsden, seconded by Dr Kidson, it was resolved that the Library Committee be asked to endeavour to bring out the revised List of Scientific Periodicals during the year, and that the arrangement be along the lines adopted in the British Museum catalogues. Election of Officers.—The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Professor R. Speight (re-elected); Vice-president, Mr B. C. Aston (re-elected); Hon. Treasurer, Mr M. A. Eliott (re-elected); Hon. Editor, Dr P. Marshall; Associate Hon. Editor, Dr F. J. Turner; Hon. Librarian, Professor H. B. Kirk; Co-opted Member, Dr P. Marshall (re-elected); Managers' Trust Accounts, Messrs M. A. Eliott and B. C. Aston (re-elected); Hon. Returning Officer, Professor H. W. Segar (re-elected); Representative Tongariro National Park Board, Mr B. C. Aston (re-elected); New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, Mr B. C. Aston (re-elected); Great Barrier Reef Committee, Mr W. R. B. Oliver (re-elected); Observatories' Committee, Dr C. C. Farr and Professor P. W. Burbidge. Election of Committees:— Research Grants Committee: Dr Hilgendorf, Professor Speight, Dr Benham, Dr Farr, and Mr C. E. Foweraker (all re-elected). Hector Award Committee: Mr G. V. Hudson (convener), Dr Marwick, Professor Agar (Melbourne), Professor Harvey-Johnstone (Adelaide University). Hutton Award Committee: Dr Marshall (convener), Dr Holloway, Professor Bartrum, and Dr Benham. Hamilton Award Committee: Dr Marshall (convener), Dr Benham, and Dr Holloway. Finance Committee: Messrs Eliott, Aston, Drs Marsden and Kidson. Sidey Summer-time Award Committee: Dr Marsden (convener), Dr Malcolm, and Lord Rutherford. Library Committee: Professor Kirk, Dr Cotton, Dr Kidson, and Mr Oliver. Regulations Committee: Mr B. C. Aston, Dr Marshall, Dr Marsden, Dr Kidson, and Professor Shelley. Annual Meeting, 1935.—To be held in May, actual date to be fixed by the Standing Committee.

Votes of Thanks.—Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the President, Professor Speight; the Press; Victoria University College; the Secretary, Miss Wood; the Honorary Officers. Confirmed 29th May, 1934. (Signed)B. C. Aston,Chairman. To mark the inauguration of the Royal Society of New Zealand, the Council of the Royal Society was entertained by the Wellington Philosophical Society at a conversazione held on Wednesday evening, 16th May, 1934, in the Conference Hall of the Dominion Farmers' Building. The President of the Wellington Philosophical Society, Dr Henderson, welcomed the members of the Council, the Rt. Hon. the Prime Minister, and others who were present, and then asked the President of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Professor Speight, to take the chair. Professor Speight read a message from His Excellency the Governor-General, which was warmly applauded. Professor Speight then delivered his presidential address. At the conclusion of the address, Dr Cockayne, in moving a very hearty vote of thanks to Professor Speight for his address, made some interesting remarks on the link between the Royal Society of London and New Zealand, and said he was sure the Royal Society of London would wish him to convey its congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the inauguration of the Royal Society of New Zealand. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, then delivered a short address, in the course of which he expressed his regret that the Society's grant had had to be cut down. Dr Farr, in thanking the Prime Minister for his address, remarked that the Society hoped that before long it would have the pleasure of thanking him again for the restoration of the grant. The President then presented the special Sidey Summer-time medal and prize to Mr G. V. Hudson for his pioneer work in daylight saving. With supper, a very successful evening was brought to a conclusion. The following day the morning session was devoted to interesting lectures given by the following:—Dr F. J. Turner spoke on the scope of geological research in New Zealand. Professor Burbidge spoke on recent developments in the science of physics. Dr L. Cockayne gave some observations on biology in New Zealand. In the afternoon members were taken to the Otari Open-air Museum and then on to the Meteorological and Dominion Observatories, after which they were entertained at afternoon tea by the Wellington Philosophical Society. The cordial thanks and appreciation of the Royal Society of New Zealand are due to the Wellington Philosophical Society for the excellent arrangements carried out by it for the inaugural meeting of the Society.