Proceedings of The Royal Society of New Zealand

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 74, 1944-45, Page I

Proceedings of The Royal Society of New Zealand

Reports of Member Bodies. Auckland Institute and Museum. Annual Report for 1943–44. President: Mr. A. H. Johnstone, K.C., B.A., LL.B. Director: Dr. Gilbert Archey, O.B.E., M.A., F.R.S.N.Z. The year which has just closed has been one of restoration. Members will recollect that after the threat of invasion by the Japanese many of the more valuable books and collections had been removed from the Museum to places of greater safety. It is a pleasure to report that the books have now been returned to the library and the collections brought back to their accustomed places in the Museum: the Maori houses which were partly dismantled have been re-erected and re-painted, and the great war canoe has been uncovered and re-decorated,

The Maori Court has again resumed its erstwhile pleasing appearance. The thanks of the Institute are due to Sir Frank Mappin, to Mrs. H. W. Shove, and to the Dilworth Trust Board for providing safe accommodation for the books and collections. The public lectures, both evening and Sunday afternoon, have been revived in full and have received a full measure of public interest and support. Staff: The Director, Lieut.-Colonel Gilbert Archey, was released from military service in July and returned at once to his duties at the Museum. Mr. E. G. Turbott, Assistant Zoologist, proceeded on overseas military service in the same month. The resignation of Mr. Edwin Leece, who was mechanic to the Museum since 1928, is recorded with regret. Miss Lucy M. Cranwell, Botanist to the Museum, was married in September to Major S. Watson Smith, of the Army of the United States. In February she resigned in order to join her husband at Washington. By her resignation the Museum has lost the services of a distinguished scientist. Since her appointment in August, 1929, she has done excellent work in the care, extension, and development of the Cheeseman herbarium aud in the general duties incidental to her office; in addition by her writings and lectures and by her interest in and enthusiasm for the annual Cheeseman Native Flower Show she did much, to create public interest in the Museum and in botanical science. She was an assiduous collector of botanical specimens both in New Zealand and in other countries. During her vacations she undertook important research on the pollen grains found in swamp deposits; in New Zealand and in Sweden with Professor L. Von Post and in Hawaii with Professor C. Skottsberg. The Loder Cup “to encourage the production and cultivation of the incomparable flora of the Dominion” was awarded to her in 1937. Last year in collaboration with Captain Josiah E. Green, of the United States Marine Corps, and Mr. A. W. B. Powell, she prepared the booklet “Food Is Where you Find It” for the use of airmen and others who may be cast away on the Pacific Islands. The publication has needed four impressions (23,000 copies) for service requirements. Membership: The membership of the Institute at the beginning of the year was 565. Of these we have lost 20 by death or resignation and 12 by deletion from the membership roll. Thirty-two ordinary and six life members were elected during the year. The roll, which includes five members of the United States Armed Forces, now stands at 571, of whom 174 are Life Members. Obituary: The death of the following members is recorded with sincere regret:—Mrs. J. Kenderdine, Sir H. Horton, Dr. W. H. Horton, Dr. S. Stride, Hon. O. F. Nelson, Messrs. W. J. Bridson, J. Dempsey, H. R. Dix, R. L. Stewart, A. Suter and E. C. Turner. Honours: Congratulations are extended to Dr. L. H. Briggs for the award of the Hector Medal by the Royal Society of New Zealand, and to Mr. C. A. Fleming on receiving the Hamilton Prize. The awards were conferred by Dr. H. H. Allan, President of the Royal Society, at a meeting at which Dr. Briggs delivered a public lecture on Hormones of Animals and Plants. Council: The Council held six meetings during the year, all of which were well attended. Finance: Revenue for the year showed an improvement through a batis-factory increase in members' subscriptions and the sale of publications, which are being freely purchased by United States servicemen; the return from investments is lower than in former years. Expenditure on insurances has again been high, but will be less in the coming year; salaries and wages have also increased through the additional help required for returning the collections to the Museum. General expenses have been slightly lower and it has been possible to transfer £200 to the war coutingencies reserve. The amount carried forward, £1,108, is the customary provision for April and May, which produce no revenue. Public Activities: The Council has joined with the University College, Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, Auckland Botanical Society, Alpine Sports Club and The Auckland Tramping Club in seeking representation of scientific and educational interests on the Auckland Centennial Memorial Park Board. It has also co-operated with the Society of Arts in urging-the preservation of trees on State-housing subdivision districts. The representations made in this behalf were welcomed by the housing authorities. An appeal has been

made to members to donate back numbers of the “Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand” for replacement of sets destroyed during the war. It has been decided to name the Native Natural History Hall the “Cheeseman Hall” in commemoration of the scientific work of the late Thomas Frederic Cheeseman. There has been no lessening of public interest in the Museum and its activities since the outbreak of war. The frequent visits and inquiries of Allied Servicemen have taken a large but pleasant toll of the time of the staff. The important work among the children is being continually expanded and developed. Not only are more school children visiting the Museum and a wider variety of topics for classes being made available to them, but more specimens and information are going to schools far in the country. The only limit to this work is the physical impossibility of preparing and sending a larger number. Gifts to the Museum: Captain G. A. Humphreys-Davies, Hon. Curator of Oriental Collections, has donated the whole of his valuable collection of Chinese pottery and porcelain, and has also secured for the Museum gifts of especially fine specimens from leading collectors abroad. He has also donated two valuable Chinese bronzes. Mrs. Hemingway has given the late Mr W. H. Hemingway's extensive collections of rare and beautiful insects, both those displayed by Mr. Hemingway in the Museum and his large cabinet collection. Mr. E. Earle Vaile has donated over 80 volumes and many pamphlets relating to discovery, exploration and Native life in New Zealand and the South Pacific. A bequest of £500 by the late Mr. M. Harding was received during the year. Owing to the generosity of Messrs. R. C. Horton, V. J. Larner, David Nathan, W. Goodfellow, and S. B. Waters, the “Museum has been enabled to acquire a further three Chinese bronzes. All these gifts are gratefully acknowledged. General: The Auckland Museum, founded in 1852, and The Auckland Institute, founded in 1867, were amalgamated in October, 1869, under the title “The Auckland Institute and Museum.” The amalgamated institution will therefore complete the first seventy-five years of its life in October next. The site in Princes Street of the first building occupied by the Institute and Museum was granted by the Auckland Provincial Government, and at a later date the Provincial Government made a gift of £2,200 for extensions to that building. When the present magnificent building was erected the New Zealand Government made a substantial contribution towards its cost, and many friends, both in New Zealand and elsewhere, have made valuable donations. But it can be said with pardonable pride that for the most part this great cultural and scientific institution has been created and maintained by the efforts of the people of Auckland and surrounding districts. Nevertheless there has always been a struggle to make ends meet. The total revenue for this year was £8.276, of which subscriptions yielded £447, interest on investments £1,297, and contributions from local bodies £5,700. An increased revenue is urgently needed and a Committee has been set up to consider ways, and means of obtaining it. If, as seems probable, it is necessary to approach the public for funds either directly or through local bodies, the Council has confidence that the response will be a generous one. Institute Meetings: The restoration of the Monday evening public lectures received good support from members. Of the four given, two were arranged in conjunction with the University College, and Dr. Briggs' lecture was made the occasion of a presentation to him of the Hector Medal. The thanks of members for the lectures g'ven are due to:—Mr. W. R. McGregor, “Some Aspects of the Territory of New Guinea”; Dr. L. H. Briggs, “Hormones: Chemical Growth Substances of Plants and Animals”; Lieut.-Colonel W. Wesley Clemesha, “Some Historical Outbreaks of Malaria”; Count K. Wodzicki, “The Homing Instinct in Birds.” Sunday Lectures: The popular lectures in the Museum on Sunday afternoons were again well received. For once they were entirely on overseas subjects, chiefly dealing with areas that are of special interest through the war. Mr. R. B. Sibson, “Wanderings Among the Isles of Greece”; Mrs. Olwyn M. Turbott, “Micronesia”; Dr. Lai-yong Li, “China's Part in the War”; Mr. H. A. Wood, “Snakes”; Mr. R. B. Sibson, “The Mainland of Greece”; Lieutenant J. W. Kealy, “Impressions of the Middle East.”

Hawke's Bay Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Napier. Founded 1874. President: I. J. Pohlen, M.A. Hon. Secretary: C. F. H. Pollock. The following is the seventieth Annual Report, for the year ended December 31st, 1843. Meetings: The annual one took place on March 25th, and two meetings of the Council were held. Addresses: On February 23rd, by Mr. B. Given, B.Sc., entitled “Parasite Control of Insect and Plant Pests”; and on October 27th, by Mr. R. Danvers, B.Sc., entitled “Canning and De-hydration in Hawke's Bay.” Membership: This numbers 54 at date. Financial: The accompanying balance sheet shows a credit of £14 1s 9d for the year under review. Hon. Auditor: The resignation of Mr. J. E. Gleadow was received with much regret, and the highest appreciation of his services, extending over 20 years, was recorded. New Members: Elected were Messrs. W. H. Hill (Taupo) and C. N. Mitchell and J. S. Peel (Napier). Paper for Publication: A further paper by Mrs E. A. Hodgson, being “A Review of the N.Z. Species of Plagiochila,” has been submitted to the Transactions with the unanimous approval of the Council. Library: To the Loan Collection have been added 21 early New Zealand volumes from the Napier Museum, and 55 volumes from the Police Office, Napier, for which grateful thanks are recorded by the Society. New volumes purchased are: Landscape (Cotton), Soil Erosion (Ayres), Social Relations of Science (Crowther), The Virus—Life's Enemy (Smith), Man and His Nature (Shrimpton), Physics and Philosophy (Jeans), Young Offenders (Carr-Saunders), New Zealanders and Science (Jenkinson). Council: Members on active service are Drs. A. Clark and G. Waterworth. I. J. Pohlen, President. The Wellington Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand (Inc.). Seventy-sixth Annual Report, Being the Report of the Council for the Year Ended 30th September, 1943. Membership: The total membership now stands at 229. There were 17 new members elected during the year, 3 resignations were received, 3 members were transferred to other Branches, and 3 members whose subscriptions had been outstanding for over three years were struck off the books of the Society. Two members whose correspondence has been returned through the post have been temporarily removed from the books. The Council also desires to record its sorrow at the death of our esteemed member, Major E. R. Christie. Syllabus: Prior to the drawing-up of the syllabus for the year the Council issued a questionnaire to members. This, although not receiving quite the response that was desired, gave a good cross view of the desires of members of the Society with regard to the nature, duration, and subjects of meetings, meeting places, etc., and was made good use of during the final preparation of the year's syllabus. Meetings: The Society and the Sections have continued to meet at Victoria College, and the Council desires to record its thanks to the College Council for the facilities which so willingly have been placed at the disposal of the Society. The following general meetings have been held:—April 28th, Presidential Address by Mr. R. L. Andrew, “Forgotten Scientific Worthies”; May 26th, “Public Health Services in the U.S.A.,” by Lieut-Colonel T. F. Durham, Director of Food Inspection Branch, U.S. Armed Forces; June 23, “Demonstration: “Pedology,” by Drs. L. I. Grange and J. K. Dixon; “Petrology,” by Dr. C. O. Hutton; “Palaentology,” by Dr. J. Marwick; July 28th, Symposium, “Population Problems,” introduced by Mr. L. S. Hearnshaw and Mr. A. Leigh Hunt; August 25th, “Agricultural Research in Virginia,” by Dr. Harold T. Cook, Chief of the Plant Pathology Department, Virginia Crop Experimental Station, Norfolk, U.S.A.; September 22, Symposium, “The Ultimate Power Possibilities of the Waikato River,” introduced by Mr. G. P. Anderson, Mr. J. Healy and Mr. N. Modriniak.

Sections: The Astronomical Section held one meeting during September in co-operation with the Carter Observatory Board, when Lieut.-Colonel F. J. N. Stretton spoke on “Novae.” The Biology Section has held the following meetings at which attendance has been relatively good:—October 13th, 1942, “The Visibility of Objects,” by Mr. L. S. Hearnshaw; May 4th, Chairman's address, by Mr. J. T. Salmon, “Biology and the Future”; June 2nd, “Microbes and the Soil Microclimate,” by Dr. I. D. Blair; July 6, “Investigations of New Zealand Fish Oils,” by Dr. F. B. Shorland; August 3rd, “Public Health Aspects of the Venereal Disease Problem,” by Dr. H. Smith; September 7th, “Can the Art of Cheesemaking be Made a Science,” by Dr. W. Riddet. The Geology Section has held six meetings, at which the following papers were read:—10th September, 1942, “The Topography and Geography of the New Guinea-Papua War Zone,” by Mr. M. Ongley; and “The Te Anau-Clinton Unconformity at Albert's Cap,” by Dr. C. O. Hutton; 8th October, “The Geological History of the Dannevirke Subdivision,” by Dr. A. R. Lillie; 20th May, 1943, “Problems Connected with the Metamorphism of the Otago Schists,” by Dr. F. J. Turner; 12th June; “Clarendon Phosphate,” by Mr. E. O. Macpherson; July 8th, “Stratigraphy and Structure of Part of the South Island,” by Mr. H. E. Fyfe; 12th August, “The Mechanism of Vulcanism, Part 1, by Professor C. A. Cotton. In addition, two papers were read by title for publication at meetings of the Section, and a number of exhibits have been shown. The Technological Section has held six well-attended meetings at which the folowing paper was read:—October 21st, 1942, Chairman's address, “Possibilities of Wind Utilisation for Energy Production,” by Mr. H. S. Lamburd. A new and much-appreciated activity of the Section has been the arranging of visits to the various factories and places of interest, two of them having been held on regular meeting nights and one—the National Electric Company, as an extra meeting. The May and July meetings were visits to the factories of Godfrey Phillips (N.Z.), Ltd., and Standard Telephones and Cables, Ltd., respectively. Social Science Section: This, the youngest of the Sections, held its inaugural meeting on the 11th May, with an address by the Hon. Walter Nash on “Problems of Post-war Reconstruction.” Other addresses have been—June 8th, “Recent Advances in Science and Their Social Implications,” by Mr. J. W. Matthews; July 13th, “Plans for Post-war Rehabilitation in New Zealand,” by Mr. J. S. Reid; August 10th, “Emotion and Bodily Disease: the Principles of Psychosomatic Medicine,” by Dr. R. W. Medlicott; September 14th, “Plans for Postwar Education in New Zealand.” Papers for Publication: The following papers were read by title for publication in The Transactions of the Royal Society:—October 28, 1942, “A Physical and Chemical Investigation of the Ketetahi Hot Springs Area of Tongariro National Park,” by Mr. S. H. Wilson; “New Records of Collembola from New Zealand, with Descriptions of New Species, Part II, Symphypleoua,” by Mr. J. T. Salmon; “The Collection, Preservation, and Study of Springtails (Insects of the Order Collembola)” by Mr. J. T. Salmon; “Revision of the Genus Algidia Hogg, with Descriptions of New Species (Order Opiliones), by Mr. R. R. Forster; “The Upper Winds of Little America,” by Mr. C. E. Palmer; February 1st, 1943, “Some Features of Heavy Mineral Separations,” by Dr. C. O. Hutton; May 26th, 1943, “The Genus Folsomia in New Zealand (Collembola),” by Mr. J. T. Salmon; July 28th, 1943, “Some Inter-tidal Sessile Barnacles of New Zealand,” by Miss L. B. Moore; August 25th, 1943, “Certain Changes in the Nomenclature of New Zealand Species of Graminae,” by Mr. V. D. Zotov; September 22nd, “Revision of the Indigenous Grasses of New Zealand,” by Mr. V. D. Zotov. Representation of the Standing Committee of the Royal Society: Following upon his election as President of the Royal Society, Dr. H. H. Allan resigned his position as this Branch's representative, and Mr. R. L. Andrew was appointed by the Council in his place. Other subjects under discussion with the Standing Committee include: The publication of University theses, the poor quality of the paper on which recent numbers of the Transactions have been printed, the re-opening of the Dominion Museum, and memorial to past famous New Zealand scientists. Wild Life Conference: The following two representatives have been appointed by the Council to represent this Branch at the forthcoming conference being convened by the Royal Society of New Zealand to discuss Wild Life Control in New Zealand:—Mr. J. T. Salmon and Mr. V. D. Zotov.

Science Teaching in Schools: The Council felt that the Royal Society Standing Committee had not done all it could have done in the matter and has requested the Standing Committee to re-open the matter with the Government Department concerned. Library: Periodicals continue to come to hand at irregular intervals. The publication of Discovery was resumed during the year, and the first six numbers have arrived in the library. The following books have been purchased:—On the Way to Electro-war, by Doberer; Science—A New Outline, by Sullivan; The Serial Universe, by Denne; Man's Conquest of the Air, by Harper; What Engineers Do, by Binger; Instincts of the Herd in Peace and War, by Trotter; Keeping Cool, by Haldane; Astronomy for Everyman, by Proctor; Atoms and Stars, by Eddington; Wolf Child and Human Child, by Gesell; Quest, the Evolution of a Scientist, by Infeld; Medicine and Mankind, by Sorsby; The Romance of England's Forests, by Dowsett; Man Against Microbes, by Bigger; War on Wheels, by Katz; A Guide to Modern Wickedness, by Joad; Philosophy for Our Times, by Joad; The Uniqueness of Man, by Huxley; Parachutes, by Low; The Story of Astronomy, by Lockwood; Your Allergy, by Cohen; The Power Behind the Microphone, by Eckersley. Observatory: The Astronomical Section reports that the Observatory is in a satisfactory state of repair. For and on behalf of the Council, R. L. Andrew, President. J. T. Salmon, Secretary. The Nelson Institute. Your Committee has much pleasure in presenting the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for the 101st year since the founding of the Nelson Institute in 1841—i.e., for the year ended 31st December, 1943, as the Institute was not actually opened till 1842. Committee: During the year Mr. J. Glasgow, the Vice-president, was reluctantly obliged to resign his seat on the Committee, and in his stead Mr. H. Hurst was elected to the deputy office. Later in the year, when Mr. S. MacArthur moved h's residence to Blenheim, the vacancy was filled by the appointment of Mr. E. R. Neale as a representative of the Nelson City Council. The required number of nominations being secured for the Committee seats, no election was held. Attendances at the Committee meetings were as follows:—City Council representatives—H. Hurst 10, N. Rout 6, W. S. Street 5, MacArthur and Neale 4; Subscribers' representatives—Sir Walter Scott 11, Mrs. A. S. G. Adam 9, Miss B. W. Rhodes 9, Miss D. Hayes 10, Mr. A. J. Gray 8, Mr. I. S. Gardiner 9, Mr. J. W. Russell 10. At the previous Annual Meeting Lieut.-Colonel H. C. Burton severed his connection with the Commimttee after holding the office of Secretary continuously for 25 years. The Committee wishes to place on record his long term of faithful devotion to the Institute, a service that definitely promoted the stability of this important public institution. The Committee also wishes to record the valuable aid rendered by Mr. Glasgow during his many years as a member of the Committee and an enthusiastic worker for the Institute. Subscribers: The record number of 1,287 on the books on 31st December, 1943, was made up as follows:—Adults and students 702, children 460 (an increase of 44), active rental—i.e., the regular rental clients, 125. The increase in subscriptions taken, from £555 7s 6d to £698 18s 6d, and in fees for extra books from £230 8s 11d to £304 18s, tends to emphasise the ever-growing popularity of the Library. While the lighter fiction appears to be the popular demand and possibly much of the item £304 18s for extras comes from readers of this type of literature, the Committee notes with distinct pleasure that there has been a somewhat keener demand for the better class of books. Books, Periodicals and Newspapers: During 1943, 1624 books were added to stock, as compared with 1,023 for 1942; the accessions comprising 701 fiction, 456 general literature, 467 juvenile. The stock now consists of some 22,000 books. During the year the committee has been alive to the need for building up the general literature and reference sections, but the inadequacy of N.Z. stocks with respect to superior literature and the vagaries of overseas supply have allowed only limited progress. A sound and well-balanced library can be built only by selection and indenting. The library subscribes to 65 different periodicals, providing 86 issues available, of which 6 are juvenile, newspapers number 26 are for 1942.

Children's Department: This branch shows very promising progress for the year. It now contains 2,435 books, and its own earned income touched £75 for the year. It was officially visited by two representatives of the Nelson Education Board, who expressed themselves as gratified by the facilities offered, but regretted that fuller use of the library was not made by more of the Nelson boys and girls. Nelson Philosophical Society. Annual Report for Year Ended 30th September, 1943. The Committee presents the following report on the activities of the Nelson Philosophical Society for the year ended 30th September, 1943:— The membership of the Society consists of 31 full members, including two recently transferred from the Wellington Branch of the Royal Society, and 19 Associate Members, making a total of 50—an increase of seven on last year's number. Six successful meetings have been held during the year, the average attendance of members and visitors being about 50. The following was the programme of addresses for the session:— 1942: 24th October (Annual Meeting), Mr. T. A. Glendinning, “Fermentation and Its Application to Arts and Industries.” 1943: 17th May, Presidential address by Mr. F. G. Gibbs, “Early Man”; 21st June, Dr. D. Miller, “Mosquitoes and Malaria; 19th July, Sir Theodore Rigg, public address in the Marsden Hall, “Twenty Years of Agricultural Progress in the Waimea County”; 9th August, Dr. R. O. Page, “The History and Manufacture of Leather”; 27th September, Mr. C. J. Kidson, “The Road to the Andamans.” F. G. Gibbs, President. William C. Davies, Hon. Secretary. Otago Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Annual Report for Session 1943. Membership: The number of full members for 1943 was 150, as compared with 160 for 1942. There were 9 new members, 3 resignations, 3 deaths and deletions. Deaths: The death in action is recorded of Flying Officer J. M. Paape, one of the youngest and most promising of our members. The death is recorded with regret of Miss H. K. Dalrymple, B.A., an enthusiastic botanist. The Late John Scott Thomson: The following minute, drawn up by Dr. J. E. Holloway, F.R.S., and Dr. F. J. Turner, is placed on record:— Mr. J. Scott Thomson was a very active member of this society for many years, and a constant attender at the regular meetings. He was on our Council almost continuously from 1928 onwards. He refused nomination for the position of President but was elected Honorary Vice-president for 1942. On a number of occasions be gave addresses to the society and to the Junior Branch illustrated by his magnificent lantern slides on the vegetation of New Zealand and especially on that of the high mountains. In conjunction with Mr. George Simpson, he successfully carried out very extensive and varied botanical investigations. These were published in some 14 papers in the Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand, and in other New Zealand or overseas journals. These papers constitute a valuable contribution to New Zealand Botanical Science. The field work involved in these investigations was such as demanded long-continued and accurate observations, and considerable experimental work. The two men covered a large part of the South Island, some of their expeditions being of a very arduous nature such as would be beyond the physical powers of any but the strongest. It can be mentioned here that Mr. Thomson in his younger days represented Otago in Rugby football. It is impossible on this occasion to refer in detail to the varied botanical activities of Mr. Thomson and Mr. Simpson. They included the general ecological study of mountain and of forest vegetation, the collection of plants for the garden and for transmission to other botanists, the very successful photography of vegetation, the study of special groups of wild hybrids, the determination of the specific acidity of the soil under different types of forest trees and the precise nature of the competition between Nothofagus and the mixed subtropical forest.

Mr. Thomson also played a valuable part in interesting the general public by means of his many popular addresses on the native vegetation of this country. Among other addresses he gave the annual Banks Lecture to the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture in 1935. In 1936 the Loder Cup was presented to him in conjunction with Mr. Simpson for meritorious work on the New Zealand flora. The two men collaborated for a number of years with the late Dr. Cockayne, F.R.S., and with Dr. H. H. Allan, of the Plant Research Bureau. Mr. Thomson's private garden comprises one of the most valuable collections in existence of native plants, and many New Zealand and overseas botanists have been able to study these plants there under his guidance. Attendance: Numbers attending the public meetings were 20, 60, 25, 01, 25, 20, 70, 20. Of these the second was a joint meeting with the Dunedin Field Naturalists' Club, and the seventh a joint meeting with the Otago Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry. Apart from these two meetings the adverse effect of the war on the attendance was evident. Representatives on Council of Royal Society: The thanks of the branch are again due to Drs. C. M. Focken and F. J. Turner, representatives of the Council. Representatives on Museum Management Committee: At the beginning of the year Messis. G. Simpson and J. Scott Thomson represented the branch. The late Mr. Thomson's place has now been taken by Mr. L. E. Richdale. Whero Island: The branch has collaborated with the Southland Branch in seeking from the Lands and Survey Department permission to erect a building for the study of native birds. Permission has now been granted and the council of the Otago Branch has authorised payment of a grant of £10 towards the erection of the building. Auditorium Fund: This now stands at £1,573 16s 4d. War Funds: The Branch has invested £100 in the National Savings Account. Microscopic Section: Due to war conditions meetings were restricted to one at which demonstrations were provided for juniors. Astronomical Section: Eye pieces were borrowed to replace those stolen. The observatory was opened on the public nights and was visited by parties from Taieri Aerodrome, Boy Scouts and Gill Guidas. Junior Lectures: The average attendance was 62, a decline due as much to additional school work as to war conditions. Four evenings. Microscopic Section, demonstration; Dr. T. McKibbon, public health; Miss E. J. Batham, M.Sc., parasites; Dr. R. Gardner, plastics. Main Programme: April 13, Presidential Address, “Scientific Method and World Affairs.” May 11, Roger Duff, M.A., Canterbury Museum, “Excavation of Moa-hunter Burials at Wairau Mouth.” Joint meeting with Dunedin Naturalists' Field Club. June 8, Refrigeration in New Zealand—(a) History, E. Hayes, M.A.; (b) Technique, W. A. Partridge. July 13, Symposium— “Ancient Land Connections in New Zealand”; Geology, Dr. W. N. Benson, F.R.S.; Botany, Dr. J. E. Holloway, F.R.S.; Zoology, Professor B. J. Marples. August 10, J. Harris, B.A., “Recent Trends In Library Organisation”; microfilm. September 14, G. Stratford, “A Synopsis of the Fruit Industry In New Zealand.” October 12, Papers reporting original work—Professor B. J. Marples, “Fossil Penguins”; L. Gurr, “A Method of Recording Bird Behaviour.” Dr. H. D. Skinner, “Decorative Design on Fijian Pottery Water Vessels.” November 9, Annual General Meeting. Recent Museum Accessions. Original Papers: E. J. Batham, M.Sc., “The Vascular System of New Zealand Species of Gunnera”; Sir William Benham, F.R.S., “The Octopodus Mollusca of New Zealand, Part IV”; J. T. Linzey, “Hydrography of the Estuary of the Avon and Heathcote”; L. E. Richdale, “The White-faced Storm Petrel or Takahi-kare-moana (Pelagodroma marina maoriana Mathews), Parts I, II, III,” “The Titi Wainui or Fairy Prion (Pachyptila turtur Kuhl). Parts I and II.” The Canterbury Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Annual Report for the Year 1943. The Council submitted the following report of the year's work to the Annual Meeting, held on Wednesday, December 1, 1943:— Council: Ten ordinary and one special meeting of the Council have been held during the year. Early in the year Dr. R. A. Falla, one of the Branch's

representatives on the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand, was granted leave of absence because he was away from Christchurch. Dr. R. S. Allan, as the second representative, was unable to attend, meetings. He therefore resigned, and Dr. O. H. Frankel was elected in his stead. The vacancy on the Council which thus arose was filled by Dr. Allan, who agreed to serve on the Council as an ordinary member. Membership: Losses by resignation have been four in number, and by death seven. Against these losses must be placed 13 new members elected during the year, including one transferred from associateship, making a total membership of 133. Two new associates have been elected, making a total of nine associate members, several of whom are on active service. Obituary: The Society deeply regrets the loss by death during this year of the following members:—Dr. C. Coleridge Farr, Dr. H. G. Denham, Professor J. E. L. Cull, Mr. Orton Bradley, Mr. S. G. Ridley. Several of these members had played large parts in the activities of the Society and references to them and to their work have already appeared in the Transactions. Programme: A full programme of activities for the year was planned by the Council, the main item being a series of addresses on various aspects of post-war reconstruction. The attendance at these meetings varied considerably, some being largely attended. The Council feels that this was a worth-while activity. In addition two further series of meetings were largely attended. Dr. K. R. Popper gave a series of lectures on Scientific Method, which were followed by profitable discussions. Three discussions, introduced by brief addresses, on “The Organisation of Scientific Research in New Zealand” were arranged in co-operation with other societies. These meetings were felt to be very useful. The following addresses were given in the Society's main programme:— March 3, Presidential Address, “The Idea of Race,” Dr. I. L. G. Sutherland; April 7, “The Social Responsibility of the Scientist,” Dr. H. N. Parton; June 2, “Symposium on Economic Aspects of International Reconstruction,” Mr. J. Danks, M.A., Professor A. H. Tocker, Mr. G. Manning, M.A.; July 8, “Political Aspects of International Reconstruction,” Mr. A. C. Brassington, LL.B.; September 1, “Education in the Post War World,” Dr. C. E. Beeby; October 6, “Some Problems of Rehabilitation,” Major R. D. Cox. Three ordinary meetings were held:—May 5, Paper, “Wairau Moa Hunters,” R. S. Duff, M.A.; exhibit, “Mineral Fluorescence,” Dr. R. S. Allan; August 5, Paper, “Post Glacial Climatic Changes in South Canterbury,” Mr. J. D. Raeside, M.Sc.; Paper, “The Development of Terebratella inconspicua III,” Professor E. Percival; both these latter papers were read for publication in the Transactions; November 3, Paper, “Some New Facts and Old Fallacies About Earthquakes,” Mr. H. F. Baird, M.Sc. Wild Life Control: During the year a letter was received from the Wild Life Committee of the Royal Society of New Zealand asking that a meeting be called of interested bodies in Christchurch to discuss the control of wild life in New Zealand. Arrangements and discussion concerning this meeting claimed a good deal of the Council's attention, although the diversity of the interests involved prevented effective recommendations being made by the meeting which was called. Hon. Librarian's Report: Since the last Annual Report, much of the moving of the Society's Library, in terms of the merger agreement with the College signed in 1942, has been done. Practically all bound volumes of journals (other than duplicates) have been placed on the shelves previously reserved for them in the proper subject classification of the College Library. They have all been catalogued and recorded in detail in the Society's library accession book. Individual books have also been catalogued briefly, classified and labelled, and are now being moved. All volumes bear the Society's bookplate. Unbound journals are still in their old location, but a start has been made to complete and bind many of the most important volumes. This will be a slow process, as it is not easy to get missing issues overseas, and there is also congestion at the bindery. As a result of a special campaign to sell the Society's publications, a considerable sum has been raised, and much of this has been added to the binding fund. Many issues of our journals have in the past been taken out without record. Their prompt return would save us from buying fresh copies unnecessarily.

A number of members are making good use of the College Library, while staff and students are finding it a convenience to have easier access to the Society's Library. There are still, however, many members who do not make use of the combined libraries. In particular, members outside Christchurch could make use of the postal service now available. Riccarton Bush: The Board of Trustees of Riccarton Bush reports that the operations during the past year have been mainly confined to general maintenance. Several improvement projects are being considered and will probably be carried out next year. The bush has continued to be a source of attraction to visitors and to student parties from schools and colleges. The Board desires to comment on the highly satisfactory manner in which the resident ranger, Mr. Leonard Armstrong, has carried out his duties. Field Club Section: During the year the Field Club Section held a meeting and decided that owing to absence of so many members on war service, the Club should go into recess. I. L. G. Sutherland, President. R. M. Allison, Secretary. The Southland Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Annual Report for the Year 1943–44. President: Dr. C. C. Anderson. Secretary: Mr. A. D. Nisbet. Membership: The year began with a membership of 46, of whom five are on active service and one is a life member. During the year seven new members were admitted and four members tendered their resignations, so that we now have an active membership of 44, plus five on active service, making a total of 49. Attendances: Attendances at meetings early in the season were very poor, but improved considerably towards the end of the session, the average of the last three meetings being about 25. Of these attendances, however, a large number were friends and not members. Native Bird Work: During the year another small amount of work has been done in connection with the destruction of cats on Herekopare Inland. The total number of cats destroyed to date is 88. We had hoped to have had this work finished by this time, but unfortunately it has not been possible owing to war-time conditions. During the year, also, we undertook to assist Mr. Richdale's work on Whero Island by having a hut erected for him. The hut has been erected and the public and other interested bodies have been asked to assist in financing the project. As in the case of Herekopare, the response has been generous, and we are hopeful that in the near future the hut will be debt-free and that we shall have a surplus with which to finish the place with shelves, cupboards, etc. Wild Life Control: A report having been received that rubbits had been released on Stewait Island, we took immediate action to have them removed. The result of our activities has been that the Government has sent a trapper over to Stewart Island and this work of destruction is proceeding, if it has not yet been completed. Lectures: A delightful series of lectures was given during the session. They were as follows:—April 29, Dr. C. C. Anderson (Presidential Address), “Evolution of X-rays”; May 7, Mr. L. E. Richdale, “Bird Life on Whero Island”; June 17, Dr. J. E. Holloway, “Desert Vegetation”; July 29, Miss M. Fyfe, “You and Heredity”; August 23, Mr. R. Willett. “Minerals in War”; October 28, Dr. H. D. Skinner, “New Light on Ancient Races and Cultures”; November 2, Professor B. J. Marples, “The Story of Life in the Past”; November 18, Dr. H. Soper, “Chemistry and Society.” Our thanks are due to these people for the valuable assistance they have given us. Conclusion: Although times are difficult our branch continues to grow steadily, if slowly. We have enjoyed success in our efforts during the past year, and the forthcoming session promises to be equally as successful. To grow must be our slogan, and to do so we must make every effort to increase our membership. We must also have large attendances at our meetings, so that every member is urged to be present as often as possible.