Minutes of the Annual Meeting, 17th May, 1944.

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

Minutes of the Annual Meeting, 17th May, 1944. The Annual Meeting of the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand was held on Wednesday; 17th May, 1944, at 10 a.m., in the Council Room, Victoria University College, Wellington. The President, Dr. H. H. Allan, presided. Present: The President, Dr. H. H. Allan; the Vice-President, Dr. P. Marshall; representing the Government—Dr. G. Archey, Mr. B. C. Aston, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver; representing Auckland Institute, Mr. A. T. Pycroft; representing Wellington Branch, Dr. L. I. Grange, Dr. L. R. Richardson; representing Canterbury Branch, Dr. R. A. Falla, Dr. O. H. Frankel; representing Otago Branch, Dr. F. J. Turner; representing Nelson Institute, Dr. D. Miller; representing Southland Branch, Professor W. P. Evans; representing Hawke's Bay Branch, Mr. G. V. Hudson; Co-opted Member, Dr. J. Marwick; the Honorary Treasurer, Mr. S. Cory-Wright. Apologies for Absence: Apologies were received from His Excellency the Governor-General, the Hon. Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lieut.-Colonel E. Marsden (at present in Great Britain), Professor H. W. Segar, and Dr. C. M. Focken (both on account of railway restrictions). New Members: The President extended a welcome to Dr. Richardson, who took his seat for the first time as a representative of the Wellington Branch, and to Mr. S. Cory-Wright, who had accepted the appointment of Honorary Treasurer in succession to Mr. M. A. Eliott, whose resignation on account of ill health came before the last annual meeting. Presidential Address: The President announced the death of three distinguished Honorary Members of the Society—Sir Albert Seward, Sir Edwin Butler, and Mr. F. Chapman,

Dr. Allan then read his Presidential Address, the title of which was “Seventy-five Years of ‘Transactions’.” At the conclusion of the address Dr. Marshall thanked the President, and on his motion, seconded by Dr. Archey, it was resolved that the President be asked to allow his address to be printed in the Transactions. Notices of Motion: Two Notices of Motion were handed in for consideration later in the meeting. Hon. Treasurer's Report: Mr. Cory-Wright presented his annual report and statements of account. On the motion of Mr. Aston, seconded by Mr. Hudson, the balance sheet and accounts were adopted. Report of Honorary Treasurer. The finances of the Society continue to prosper, very much on the same lines as in recent years. The surplus of assets over liabilities on general account stands at £859 0s 3d, thus showing an increase of assets of £166 11s 7d on last year. As previously, this does not take into account the value of the Society's property in the Library, stock, and furniture, which is mentioned in a separate statement and is insured for £5540. Printing Costs.—Although there was an increase in the price of blocks the amount for printing shows a slight decrease (£27) on last year's figure. The Rule that authors be required to meet the excess amount of papers costing over £20 to print was applied, and £11 was received from authors. In addition, Victoria University College paid the full cost of a special paper contributed by some members of its staff. Thus the actual cost to the Society this year for printing was £507 8s 10d. The Trust Accounts continue to grow, being about £90 higher than last year, and there is in the Hutton Fund Revenue Account an amount of £320 available for research. The Endowment Fund now stands at £2,207 12s 4d, an increase of £92 7s 8d. £150 Inscribed Stock belonging to this fund matured during the year and it was reinvested on the 6th March in the new 3% Conversion Loan maturing 15/4/1960–63. I would pay a tribute to the excellent services of our Secretary in the keeping of the accounts. Member Bodies. The following summarises the Income and Expenditure Accounts of the Member Bodies:— Members Receipts Expenditure Levy Rule 3 £ £ £ s. Auckland Institute 565 12,287 12,571 47 7 Library, Museum, and Levy Wellington Branch 229 202 212 45 15 Library, Levy Canterbury Branch 133 192 200 28 19 Library, Levy Otago Branch 150 255 197 48 10 Levy Hawke's Bay Branch 54 24 30 2 2 Library, Levy Nelson Institute Reports not yet to hand. Southland Branch April 26, 1944. (Signed) S. Cory Wright, Honorary Treasurer,

Statement of Receipts and Payments for the Year Ended 31st March, 1944. Receipts. £ s. d. Payments. £ s. d. Balance at 31st March, 1943 867 13 7 Printers—Vol. 72 (4), 73 (1, 2, 3) 528 1 10 Government Annual Grant 750 0 0 Salary 325 0 0 Levy on Volume 72 191 19 0 Stationery 10 1 9 Sales of Publications 77 1 8 Charges (Insurance, Telephone, Audit, etc:) 14 0 1 Travelling Expenses: Member Bodies' Share 20 10 5 Petty Cash (Secretary and Hon. Editor) 11 18 3 Authors' Excess Cost of Papers 20 13 0 Binding Periodicals 18 0 0 Favourable Exchange 1 3 11 Travelling Expenses 30 5 3 Dominion Museum: Half Share Carter Library Ins. Prem. 0 17 0 Hector Prize and Engraving Medal 50 14 3 Interest on P.O. Savings Bank Account 15 16 8 Hamilton Prize 5 0 0 Endowment Fund, Interest 78 1 0 Trust Funds Audit 1 9 6 Hector Memorial Fund, Interest 52 13 9 Hutton Grants 5 5 0 Hutton Memorial Fund, Interest 70 6 3 Sidey Summer-time Fund: Advt. re Award 2 10 0 Carter Library Legacy, Interest 6 10 0 Hutton Fund: Trav. Exs. Award Committee 5 5 0 Cockayne Memorial Fund, Interest 11 16 5 Hector Fund: Trav. Exs. Award Committee 6 4 6 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund, Interest 23 17 8 Trust Funds paid direct to Accounts 165 9 8 Hamilton Memorial Fund, Interest 2 10 3 Adjustments between Bank N.Z. and Trust Accounts 10 5 6 Plant Diseases Trust, Interest 17 19 4 Balance as Under 1109 0 8 Adjustments between Trust Accounts and Bank of N.Z. 89 1 4 £2,298 11 3 £2,298 11 3 Bank of New Zealand 206 3 1 Less Unpresented Cheques 16 5 10 189 17 3 Post Office Savings Bank 912 11 8 Petty Cash in Hand 6 11 9 £1,109 0 8

Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31st March, 1944. Liabilities. £ s. d. Assets. £ s. d. Hector Memorial Fund Capital Account 1,184 18 1 Hector Memorial Fund, Inscribed Stock (Face Value £1250) 1,184 18 1 Hector Memorial Fund Revenue Account 77 12 8 Hector Memorial Fund, P.O.S.B. Account 77 12 8 Hutton Memorial Fund Capital Account 1,506 8 6 Hutton Memorial Fund, Inscribed Stock (Face Value £1,570) 1,506 8 6 Hutton Memorial Fund Revenue Account 320 8 1 Hutton Memorial Fund, P.O.S.B. Account 320 8 1 Sidey Summer-time Fund Capital Account 534 8 8 Sidey Summer-time Fund, Inscribed Stock (Face Value £510) 500 2 6 Sidey Summer-time Fund Revenue Account 130 14 6 Sidey Summer-time Fund, P.O.S.B. Account 165 0 8 Cockayne Memorial Fund Capital Account 249 12 0 Cockayne Memorial Fund, Inscribed Stock (Face Value £260) 249 12 0 Cockayne Memorial Fund Revenue Account 77 18 4 Cockayne Memorial Fund, P.O.S.B. Account 77 18 4 Hamilton Memorial Fund Capital Account 72 15 0 Hamilton Memorial Fund, Inscribed Stock (Face Value £60) 60 0 0 Hamilton Memorial Fund Revenue Account 1 17 1 Hamilton Memorial Fund, P.O.S.B. Account 14 12 1 Carter Library Legacy Capital Account 162 19 0 Carter Library Fund, Inscribed Stock (Face Value £160) 162 19 0 Carter Library Legacy Revenue Account 2 3 7 Carter Library Fund, P.O.S.B. Account 2 3 7 Plant Diseases Trust Capital Account 542 13 5 Plant Diseases Fund, Inscribed Stock (Face Value £500) 500 0 0 Plant Diseases Trust Revenue Account 17 14 10 Plant Diseases Fund P.O.S.B. Account 60 8 3 Endowment Fund Capital Account 2,014 2 5 Endowment Fund, Inscribed Stock (Face Value £2,045) 2,014 2 5 Endoment Fund Revenue Account 193 9 11 Endowment Fund, P.O.S.B. Part General Account 193 9 11 Library Fund 28 6 4 Post Office Savings Bank 719 1 9 Research Grant Fund 122 0 6 Bank of New Zealand 189 17 3 Annual Subscriptions Trans, in advance 3 0 0 Petty Cash in Hand 6 11 9 Balance of Assets over Liabilities 859 0 3 Outstanding Accounts (Wheldon and Wesley, £73 14s 1d; Sundry, £23 2s 3d) 96 16 4 £8,102 3 2 £8,102 3 2 April 26, 1944. S. Cory-Wright, 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. Cyril Collins, Controller and Auditor-General. Property Assets-Estimated and Insured Value. Estimated Value. Insured Value. £ s. d. £ s. d. Library and Stack Room, Victoria University College 11,592 12 0 4,500 0 0 Furniture 40 0 0 Stock in Store Room, Parliament Bldgs. 500 0 0 Carter Library, Dominion Museum (jointly owned with Dominion Museum) 500 0 0 £5,540 0 0

Revenue Account for the Year Ended 31st March, 1944. Expenditure. Income. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Printing Transactions, Vol. 72 (4), 73 (1, 2, 3) 52 1 10 By Balance, 31/3/43 692 8 8 " Stationery 10 1 9 " Annual Graet 750 0 0 " Salary 325 0 0 " Levy 191 4 0 " Petty Cash (Secretary, Hon. Editor) 11 18 3 " Sales and Authors' Excess Costs 102 0 11 " Travelling Expenses 9 14 10 " Trust Funds Administration Expenses 5 2 6 " Charges (Insurance, Telephone, Audit, Bank) 11 19 2 " Publication Expenses from Hutton Grant 15 0 0 " Balance 859 0 3 £1,755 16 1 £1,755 16 1 By Balance £859 0 3

Trust Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March, 1944. Hector Memorial Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Hector Prize (Dr Briggs) 50 0 0 By Capital Invested 1,184 18 1 " Exchange ou cheque 0 1 3 " Bal. Revenue 31/3/43 83 2 8 " Engraving Medal 0 13 0 " Interest 52 13 9 " Trav. Exs. Award Committee 6 4 6 " Administration Exs. 1 5 0 " Balance 1,262 10 9 £1,320 14 6 £1,320 14 6 By Balance £1,262 10 9 Hutton Memorial Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Hutton Grants 20 5 0 By Capital Invested 1,506 8 6 " Trav. Exs. Award Committee 5 5 0 " Bal. Rev. A/c 31/3/43 276 16 10 " Administration Exs. 1 5 0 " Interest 70 6 3 " Balance 1,826 16 7 £1,853 11 7 £1,853 11 7 By Balance £1,826 10 7 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Administration Exs. 1 5 0 By Capital Invested and in P.O.S. Bank 532 0 11 " Advt. re Award 2 10 0 " Bal. Rev. A/c 31/3/43 112 19 7 " Balance 065 3 2 " Interest to Revenue 21 9 11 " Interest to Capital 2 7 9 £668 18 2 £668 18 2 By Balance Cap. A/c £534 8 8 Cockayne Memorial Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Administration Exs. 0 2 6 By Capital Invested 249 12 0 " Balance 327 10 4 " Bal. Rev. A/c 31/3/43 66 4 5 " Interest 11 16 5 £327 12 10 £327 12 10 By Balance £327 10 4

Hamilton Memorial Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Prize (C. A. Fleming) 5 0 0 By Capital Invested and in P.O.S. Bank 71 9 10 " Administration Exs. 0 5 0 " Bal. Rev. A/c 31/3/43 5 17 0 " Balance 74 12 1 " Half Interest to Rev. 1 5 1 " Half Interest to Cap. 1 5 2 £79 17 1 £79 17 1 By Balance £74 12 1 Carter Library Legacy. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Bal. Rev. A/c 31/3/43 3 11 5 By Capital Invested 162 19 0 " Administration Exs. 0 15 0 " Interest 6 10 0 To Balance 165 2 7 £169 9 0 £169 9 0 By Balance £165 2 7 Plant Diseases Trust. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Administration Exs. 0 4 6 By Capital Invested and in P.O.S. Bank 542 13 5 " Balance 560 8 3 " Interest 17 19 4 £560 12 9 £560 12 9 By Balance £560 8 3 Endowment Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Administration Exs. 1 10 0 By Capital Invested 2,014 2 5 " Balance 2,207 12 4 " Bal. Rev. A/c 31/3/43 101 2 3 " Interest 78 1 0 " Interest P.O.S. Bank General Account 15 16 8 £2,209 2 4 £2,209 2 4 By Balance £2,207 12 4 Hector Award: The President read the following report of the Hector Award Committee:— “The Committee, consisting of Dr. P. Buck, Dr. H. D. Skinner, and myself, appointed at the last annual meeting to make a recommendation for the award of the Hector Medal in Ethnology, have carefully considered the work of all ethnologists known to them who qualify under the conditions of the award, and are unanimous in recommending that the Medal and Prize for 1944 be awarded to Mr. Johannes C. Andersen, M.B.E. “(Signed) W. R. B. Oliver.” On the motion of Dr. Oliver, seconded by Dr. Grange, the report was adopted.

Amount of Hector Prize: It was agreed that the prize be £50 as usual. Hutton Award: The President read the following report of the Hutton Award Committee:— “The Hutton Award Committee, consisting of Professor J. A. Bartrum, Dr. D. Miller, and the Rev. Dr. J. E. Holloway (Convener) met at Christchurch on October 22 to consider the award of the Hutton Medal for 1944. “The Committee unanimously agreed to recommend that the award be made to Professor W. N. Benson, D.Sc., F.R.S., for his research work on New Zealand geology. “Dr. Benson's researches have covered practically the whole field of New Zealand geology with important original work on petrology, structural and petrographic studies in Otago, geomorphology, and research (with collaborators) on New Zealand graptolites. Certain of his papers, published either before or after his arrival in New Zealand, have a world-wide repute. “He has had a notable inspirational influence on New Zealand research geologists who have passed through his hands. “(Signed) John E. Holloway.” On the motion of Dr. Marshall, seconded by Dr. Allan, the Committee's report was adopted. T. K. Sidey Summer-time Award: Dr. Allan reported that Dr. Marsden, a member of the Award Committee had been absent from New Zealand, leaving Dr. C. E. Hercus and himself to recommend an award. Only two applications for the award had been received, and neither of these was considered worthy of the Medal and Prize. Later in the day Dr. Hercus wrote confirming these views. On the motion of Professor Evans, seconded by Mr. Pycroft, it was resolved that the T. K. Sidey Summer-time Award be postponed until next annual meeting. Dr. Marshall stated that there appeared to be some difficulty in interpreting the terms of the award. Dr. Turner agreed that it would be desirable to have the terms of the Deed of Trust amended so as to widen the scope of the award. Fellowship: The Fellowship Selection Committee recommended that Mrs. Lucy May Smith (née Cranwell) and Mr. F. T. Seelye be elected Fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand. On the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Dr. Falla, the recommendation was adopted. Qualifications of Honorary Membership: In accordance with a resolution of last annual meeting the views of Member Bodies as to whether special weight should be attached to nominees for Honorary Membership whose scientific work was directly connected with New Zealand were ascertained. The majority of the Member Bodies did not view favourably any such restriction in the choice of Honorary Members, and no further action was taken in the matter. Election of Honorary Members: An election for two Honorary Members resulted in Dr. Lelland O. Howard and Professor Robert A. Millikan being elected.

Vacancies in Honorary Membership: Three vacancies in the Honorary Membership caused by the deaths of Sir Albert Seward, Sir Edwin Butler, and Mr. F. Chapman were declared, and on the motion of Dr. Grange, seconded by Mr. Pycroft, it was resolved that the three vacancies be filled at the next annual meeting. Member Bodies' Reports and Balance Sheets: The following reports and balance sheets were laid on the table:— Auckland Institute for the year ended 31st March, 1943. Wellington Branch for the year ended 30th September, 1943. Canterbury Branch for the year ended 31st October, 1943. Otago Branch for the year ended 31st October, 1943. Hawke's Bay Branch for the year ended 31st December, 1943. Southland Branch for the year ended 31st March, 1944. Nelson Institute for the year ended 31st December, 1943. Report of the Standing Committee: In moving the adoption of the report of the Standing Committee the President referred to the attendance at the Standing Committee meetings and extended an invitation to any members of the Council visiting Wellington to attend any meetings being held during their visit. He also thanked Mr. R. L. Andrew for his assistance during the period during which he represented the Wellington Branch. Dr. Marshall seconded the motion, and the report was adopted without further discussion. Report of the Standing Committee for the Year Ended 31st March, 1944. Meetings: Seven meetings of the Standing Committee have been held during the year, the attendance being as follows:—Dr. H. H. Allan, President, Wellington, 7; Dr. P. Marshall, Vice-President, Wellington, 7; Mr. R. L. Andrew, Wellington, 3; Dr. G. Archey, Auckland, 1; Mr. B. C. Aston, Wellington, 7; Professor W. P. Evans, Wellington, 7; Dr. R. A. Falla, Christchurch, 1; Dr. L. I. Grange, Wellington, 5; Mr. G. V. Hudson, Wellington, 7; Dr. E. Marsden, Wellington, 2 (Dr. Marsden has been absent from the Dominion on work of national importance); Dr. J. Marwick, Wellington, 5; Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, Wellington, 7. Council: At last annual meeting Dr. J. Marwick was appointed co-opted member. Professor E. R. Hudson, Government representative, resigned his seat on the Council owing to his inability to attend meetings of the Society, and this vacancy was filled by the Government by the appointment of Dr. G. Archey. Mr. R. L. Andrew succeeded Dr. Allan as representative of the Wellington Branch, and he has been succeeded by Dr. L. R. Richardson. Other personnel on the Council remain the same as last year. Honorary Treasurer: The last annual meeting authorised the Standing Committee to make the appointment of Honorary Treasurer to succeed Mr. M. A. Eliott, who had resigned because of ill-health. At a meeting on the 3rd June it was resolved that Major J. R. Kirk be asked to accept the position. Major Kirk agreed, but, unfortunately, on the day on which he was to be formally appointed, his sudden death was announced. Mr. S. Cory-Wright, of Messrs Cory-Wright and Salmon, engineers, of Wellington, was then approached, and he agreed to accept the position. Mr. Cory-Wright assumed the duties of Hon. Treasurer and was welcomed by the President at a meeting of the Standing Committee on the 15th December, 1943, and he has since attended meetings of the Committee. His advice on financial matters will be of great value to the Standing Committee and the Society. Publications: Printing costs have been again increased, this time by the block-makers. Part 1 of Volume 73 contained a coloured plate on Collembola. Some complaints on the printing of some of the plates in the last volume were referred to the printers, and it is hoped that there will be an improvement in this direction. Adverse criticism regarding the quality of the paper used in the Transactions was met by the printers stating that they were unable to obtain

further supplies of the English paper previously used and they were endeavouring to have an improvement effected in the quality of the Canadian paper, the only paper now available. Library: Binding—Owing to labour shortage and increased priority work the binder has not been able to complete more than 40 volumes during the year. It is hoped that a further supply will soon be ready. In addition to the use of the Library by the staff and honours' students of Victoria University College and members of the Society many volumes have been posted to members in other towns and these postal facilities are appreciated by those who have not direct access to the Library. Exchanges: A further curtailment of incoming exchanges was made during the year by an extension of the censorship regulations to neutral countries. This also affected the transmission of the Transactions, and the volumes are being placed aside to be forwarded when the ban is removed. The exchanges which are still permitted continue to come with more or less regularity and there are comparatively few losses caused by enemy action. Many requests for second copies of Volume 72 Part 2 were received, and it was feared that all copies for overseas institutions and orders must have been lost. Some time later, however, it was learned that the Part had reached its destination after Part 3 had been received. It had apparently been delayed in transit. The Royal Society of Canada was added to the Exchange list to receive the Society's Transactions. Publications from the Royal Society of Canada had been coming to the Library for many years, but there had not been reciprocity in sending publications. At the suggestion of Dr. Archey that an endeavour be made to obtain sufficient sets of the Transactions to replace those lost in war devastated libraries on our exchange list Member Bodies were asked to supply as many spare copies as possible, particularly of the more rare early numbers. So far the only Member Body to respond has been the Otago Branch which forwarded volumes for this purpose. Dr. Archey has also stated that if necessary his own set will be available for the above purpose. Owing to the lack of space in the Society's rooms it would be a convenience if Member Bodies in the meantime would store spare volumes contributed by members and merely forward a list to the Secretary. Member Bodies: The following reports and balance sheets have been received:— Auckland Institute for the year ended 31st March, 1943. Wellington Branch for the year ended 30th September, 1943. Canterbury Branch for the year ended 31st October, 1943. Otago Branch for the year ended 31st October, 1943. Hawke's Bay Branch for the year ended 31st December, 1943. The above reports and balance sheets have been reported on by the Honorary Treasurer in his annual report. Fellowship: Eleven nominations for the two vacancies in the 1944 Fellowship were received from Member Bodies and were submitted to the Fellows for selection. Their selection was placed before the Fellowship Selection Committee on the 14th March, 1944, and its recommendation will be considered at the annual meeting in May. Honorary Membership: The following resolution, passed at the annual meeting last year, was forwarded to Member Bodies for consideration:— “That this Council, after obtaining the opinions of Member Bodies, consider the desirability of attaching special weight to nominees for honorary membership of the Society whose scientific work is directly connected with New Zealand.” Wellington Branch, Canterbury Branch, and Nelson Philosophical Society did not favour any such consideration being shown in the choice of honorary Members. The Otago and Southland Branches considered such steps desirable. No replies were received from the other Member Bodies. The matter will come before the annual meeting for further consideration. Six nominations for the two vacancies in the Honorary Membership have been received from Member Bodies and an election will take place at the annual meeting in May.

Hector Award: At a meeting of the Auckland Institute held on the 16th August, Dr. H. H. Allan, President of the Society, presented the Hector Medal and Prize to Dr. L. H. Briggs for his researches in chemistry. Hamilton Prize: At the same meeting Dr. Allan presented the Hamilton Prize to Mr. C. A. Fleming. Hutton Grants: An application from Mr. L. E. Richdale for a grant of £20 to enable him to carry on ornithological research at Stewart Island was recommended for approval to the annual meeting. An application from the Southland Branch for £40 to assist it in the erection of a hut on Whero Island was referred back for further particulars. Whero Island: At the instigation of the Otago and Southland Branches it was decided to approach the Lands and Survey Department with a request that Whero Island be made an observation station for the study of bird life. On the 28th October advice was received from the Department that it was prepared to grant the Southland Branch authority to erect a hut for observational purposes and to occupy it for a period of five years on the understanding that Government officials or any persons authorised by the Department be allowed to visit the Island at any time. T. K. Sidey Summer-time Award: Notice that an award of the T. K. Sidey Summer-time Medal and Prize would be made at the annual meeting in May, 1944, was advertised in all the principal newspapers in the Dominion on the 30th July, 1943. A notice was also sent to all the scientific societies whose names were on the list approved at the last annual meeting. The Award Committee will make its report to the annual meeting. Loder Cup: At a meeting of the Standing Committee held on 15th December it was decided to nominate Mr. W. H. Field for the Loder Cup, 1943. Advice was received from the Loder Cup Committee on the 14th February, that the Loder Cup had been awarded to the Mr. J. Speden, of Gore. Science Teaching in Schools: A suggestion was made to the Committee set up by the Minister of Education to report on the post-Primary school curriculum that it meet the Standing Committee of the Royal Society to discuss the proposals in regard to science teaching. The Committee replied that its work was completed and no good object would be achieved by such a conference. The report, when published, would be submitted to those interested and any recommendations would then be considered by the Committee. The published report was placed before the Standing Committee on the 22nd February and referred to a sub-committee consisting of Dr. Allan, Dr. Oliver, Dr. Marwick and Dr. Grange for consideration and report to a later meeting. Research Grant: At a meeting of the Standing Committee held on the 3rd June an application from Dr. L. H. Briggs for a research grant of £25 for the continuation of an investigation of the essential oils of plants was granted. Theses: It was pointed out by the Wellington Branch that it would be an advantage to have students' theses preserved and listed by the University Colleges so that they might be available for reference. The matter was referred to Professor Evans, who subsequently reported that the University Colleges kept fairly good lists of theses, and it had been decided to publish each year in the N. Z. University Calendar a list of all theses presented, and there was a possibility that the lists would be made retrospective to 1940. Separates of the lists could be supplied to interested organisations. College libraries will house the theses recorded in the lists. Physios Course: In reply to a resolution passed at the last annual meeting urging the Director of Education to offer every encouragement to students to study physical science and mathematics (including engineering), the Director stated that the Department had realised the importance of such study and had already taken steps to direct the minds of intending University students to the above courses. Pacific Science Congress Reports: Through some misunderstanding between the Committee of the Sixth Pacific Science Congress and the University of California Press the Reports of the Sixth Pacific Science Congress were not sent to

the Society which is the representative body in New Zealand. After much correspondence the Reports (six volumes) have now been received and are in the Royal Society's Library. Memorials to Past Scientists: The Wellington Branch sent to the Standing Committee for consideration certain recommendations in regard to commemorating the life and work of eminent New Zealand scientists. The following recommendations were approved:— 1. That plaques to commemorate eminent New Zealand scientists be erected in places associated with their work. 2. That educational and research buildings be named after such men. 3. That a suggestion be made to museums to stage suitable exhibits to commemorate the work of such scientists. 4. That a list of the past most eminent New Zealand scientists be drawn up by the Standing Committee. The following list was subsequently drawn up:—“Rutherford, Mellor, Hector, Skey, Hutton, McKay, Haast, Cockayne, Best, and J. M. McLaren.” Hon. Editor's Report: On the motion of Dr. Marwick, seconded by Dr. Allan, the report of the Honorary Editor was adopted. Dr. Marwick was warmly thanked for his work as Honorary Editor during the year. Report of Honorary Editor. During the year ended 31st March, 1944, the four parts of Volume 73, Transactions R.S.N.Z. comprising 442 pages and 52 plates (one in colour) have been printed, compared with 439 pages and 44 plates of the previous volume. Volume 73 is made up as follows:— No. of Papers. Pages. Plates. Figures. Geophysics 1 4 — — Hydrography 1 12 — 6 Geology 7 82 10 19 Palaeontology 3 44 10 — Botany 5 84 9 — Zoology 16 145 19 3 Proceedings — 44 — — Obituaries 4 11 4 — Appendix — 8 — — Index — 8 — — 37 442 52 28 The following manuscripts have been handled during the year:— Manuscripts printed in Volume 73 37 In press in Part 1, Vol. 74 5 Returned for revision to authors and not yet returned 1 In hand 6 Total 49 The average time between the final receipt of papers and their publication has been about six months, the longest, nine months, and the shortest, three months. Once again the Editor has to thank the Associate Editor, Dr. C. O. Hutton, for his valuable and ever ready help. J. Marwick, Honorary Editor. Hon. Librarian's Report: On the motion of Professor Evans, seconded by Dr. Allan, the report of the Honorary Librarian was adopted. Report of Honorary Librarian. As there have been no applications from institutions to be placed on the Society's Exchange List it has not been necessary to call the Library Committee together during the past year.

The Library continues to be of service to members and to the Victoria University College staff and honours' students and its facilities have also been appreciated by research workers in other centres. To a certain extent, also, it is serving a direct purpose in the war effort by the use made of it during the year by scientists engaged in work of national and military importance and by U.S.A. medical service men who wished to acquire the latest knowledge in regard to the mosquito and its bearing on malaria in the Pacific Islands. The amount of binding completed during the year has been restricted because of the volume of other work which the binder has in hand. W. P. Evans, Honorary Librarian. Research Grantees: On the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Professor Evans, the reports of the research grantees were adopted. Reports of Research Grantees. Government Research Grants. Professor B. J. Marples, who received a grant of £20 in 1938 for research on the Little Owl, reported on 21st April, 1944, that owing to war conditions he has not yet been able to undertake the biological survey of Green Island. for which the balance of his grant, namely £5, was allocated. He asks that the grant may be held over until the times are more opportune. Dr. L. H. Briggs, who on the 3rd June, 1943, was granted £25 for a continuation of an investigation of essential oils of trees and plants endemic to New Zealand reported on the 2nd May, 1944, that the special fractionating apparatus being purchased under this grant has not yet been received and the grant has as yet not been applied for. Hutton Research Grants. Dr. F. J. Turner, who was granted £50 in 1941 and 1942 for research on metamorphic rocks, reported on the 21st April that £15 of the grant was used, by permission, for paying the excess cost of the publication of a paper on “Preferred Orientation of Olivine.” The sum of £9 (approximately) was expended upon cutting oriented sections from rocks collected at Manapouri and near Glenorchy. Expenditure of £16 had been previously reported, leaving an unexpended balance of £10 2s 6d, which he would like held over for further work next year. During the year he has done no further laboratory work, but hopes to resume the research early next year. The petrofabric investigation of the Glenorchy sections was part of a research carried out by Mr J. J. Reed under his direction, and the results will be published shortly in the American Journal Economic Geology. To date Dr Turner has published two papers embodying the results of the research and he has in hand material for at least one more paper. Dr. R. A. Falla and Mr. A. W. B. Powell were in 1934 granted £40 for a research on the Molluscan and Bird Fauna of the Sub Antarctic Islands. Since that time it has not been possible for grantees to undertake the investigation, but Dr. Falla has now reported that the grant has been expended. The field work was done with the permission and assistance of the Royal New Zealand Navy, and Navy Office has made it conditional that no description shall be published nor information divulged during the war. For this reason Dr. Falla states that he is unable to supply more detail of the research or give details of the expenditure at the present time. Mr L. E. Richdale, who in 1942 was granted £40 for ornithological research, reported on the 30th April, 1944. that work on Whero Island has continued, and there are 500 burrows involving 5 species of petrels under observation. With the erection of a hut he has been able to re-mark these burrows with totara and hardwood pegs, each carrying a numbered aluminium tag. This will secure permanency and allow him to carry out research on aspects of ornithology which require many years. As Mr Richdale need not now spend so much time on Whero he intends to extend operations to islands all round Stewart Island. The hut will greatly assist these projects. Of the six papers mentioned in last year's report, four have been published while the remaining two should appear this year. Both are in the hands of editors.

Tongariro National Park: Dr. Marshall, in moving the adoption of his report as representative of the Society on the Tongariro National Park Board, stated in reply to a question that it was difficult to estimate just what area of the Park was covered by heather as it was so scattered. The heather did not grow on bare ground but chiefly where the native vegetation had previously been burnt off. The heather had been planted, without the authority of the Board, by the then warden of the Park, with the intention of liberating grouse for sporting purposes. Dr. Archey suggested that the possibility of eradicating the heather by mechanical means such as bull-dozers might be explored. The report was adopted. Tongariro National Park Board. Report of Representative. I visited the Tongariro National Park on 27th January, 1944, in company with Mr. Lawrey, acting secretary of the Board, and Mr. Boulton, field inspector of the Lands and Survey Department. The area on which heather (Calluna vulgaris) has been growing in the Park for about 20 years is considerable. Its extent, however, is not definitely known; it is not exactly certain where it was originally sown by the late Mr. Cullen. Consequently the question as to the rate the plant spreads in this area cannot be definitely answered. At the present time it is growing most thickly at the point where the road to the Chateau leaves the Main Highway. In this locality it is growing on both sides of each of the roads. It does not extend far from the road on the north side of the Main Highway, but on the south side, it has an irregular border extending at times to a distance of one mile from the road. On the sides of the road to the Chateau it grows thickly as far as the tongue of bush through which the road passes, but was not seen on the south side of that point. Although mainly marginal to the road it does not grow on the bare soil exposed on the roadside. Near the Chateau road the heather on the sides of the Main Highway is almost continuous for some distance back from the highway, but it gradually decreases in width until it becomes purely marginal and patchy, and was not seen after passing 15 miles eastward from the Junction. It was the practice of Mr Cullen, as stated to the writer, to burn off the native vegetation and sow the heather seed on the burnt surface for the sd did not strike when scattered amongst the growing native vegetation. It is not possible to say now where the native vegetation was burnt, but remains of burnt scrub can be seen in many places where the heather is now growing. No heather plants can be seen on the bare ground exposed four years ago when the road to the Chateau was re-aligned. It is probable that Mr. Cullen sowed the heather seed by the roadside. He had a consignment of 40lb of heather seed. Close inspection of the vegetation opposite Roderick Gray's whare, a locality which has been undisturbebd for many years and where the ground is wet, shows that the heather has old, straggly stems 3 feet high. The ground is carpeted with a thick growth of native plants—Coprosma, Dracqphyllum, Lycopodium, Gleichcnia, Pimelia—close growing small plants. Very little young heather could be seen amongst the native plants. On dier ground the heather grows as rounded bushes about 2 feet high and 2 ½ feet in diameter. These seem to remain separated. The plants do not grow close together nor could young plants be seen between them. In some places, however, where there was some native vegetation mixed with heather, there were numerous young plants. If heather seed is distributed by wind its spread must be very slow.

Isolated plants are found outside the National Park on the west side of the railway line. This ground has probably been repeatedly burnt. I am inclined to think that if the native vegetation is left undisturbed the heather will not spread to any material extent and on the wetter ground there will be no spread but a gradual decrease. A plant which spreads readily on this land is the European broom. At the present time this plant is found by the roadside in many places, especially close to the entrance to the Chateau road. However, it does not cover much ground, and it could probably be successfully dealt with now. The Tongariro National Park Board will take the matter in hand this year. On this ground a new growth of native plants develops very slowly on a bare surface. The bare ground exposed by the road re-alignment four years ago remains uncovered. It has always been said that in this area a track once bared remains permanently without a plant covering. In a report of the Tongariro National Park Board for 1927 the following statement is made: “It must be clearly understood that the bulk of the seed was planted many years before the present board was established in 1922.” In the report for 1926 it is stated: “The Board being of the opinion that it is impossible to eradicate the heather save at a cost beyond the means of the Board resolves that no further heather seed be planted and that steps be taken to prevent the further spreading of the heather.” 6th April, 1944. P. Marshall. Board of Trustees, National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum: The report presented was amended, and on the motion of Dr. Marshall was adopted. National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Board of Trustees. Report of Representatives. Quarterly meetings have been held regularly. The greater part of the Museum has been occupied by the military authorities for two years. Until recently this portion of the building had been used by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Board has been advised that the building will now be occupied by the Air Force only. The Board is now inquiring whether the Lecture Room and the Royal Society's (Wellington Branch) room can be released. Steps have been taken to arrange for the renovation of the Carillon. P. Marshall. W. P. Evans. 6th April, 1944. Royal N.Z. Institute of Horticulture: On the motion of Dr. Oliver, seconded by Dr. Allan, the report was adopted. Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. Report of Representative. Owing to the war the National Flower Show was not held, but the annual meeting of the Institute took place in January last. Two numbers of the Journal of the Institute have been issued during the year, including informative articles on Fuchsias and on Education in Horticulture. The syllabus in Horticulture of the Christchurch Technical College was received at the May executive meeting. It was noted with satisfaction that practically all the lecturers are Institute members. Examining Board's Report.—There were 19 candidates at the November, 1943, examinations. It has been decided by the Board that candidates' theses should be retained and that a library for them should be formed under definite rules. To date 244 diplomas and 175 certificates have been issued. W. R. B. Oliver.

Great Barrier Reef Committee: On the motion of Dr. Oliver, seconded by Mr. Pycroft, the report was adopted. Great Barrier Reef Committee. Report of Representative. A meeting of the Committee was held at Brisbane on 8th December, 1943. Other than routine business, discussion took place on the future activities of the Committee, in which connection a letter from Vice-admiral Sir John Edgell was read. The Chairman stated that oceanographical work in the Barrier Reef was after the war likely to be greater than before. More boring was also likely to be done after the war. Sir John Edgell discussed questions concerning detailed mapping of the Reef, especially by aerial photography and by sounding on the outer edges of the reefs in order to obtain profiles. The financial statement shows a balance of £1,777 15s 7d, of which £1,300 is in bonds. W. R. B. Oliver. Observatories' Committee: The report of the representatives on the Observatories' Committee was adopted. Observatories' Committee. Report of Representatives. The Observatories' Committee has again not met during the past year. Dr. Barnett, Director of Meteorological Services, paid a visit to Apia in August, 1943, and Mr. Sapsford, Acting Director of the Apia Observatory, visited New Zealand during September, 1943. The quariterly reports from the Apia Observatory and from the Dominion Observatory have been regularly received and they indicate satisfactory progress. D. C. H. Florance. Carter Observatory Board: The report of the representatives on the Carter Observatory Board was adopted. Carter Observatory Board. Report of Representatives. There were three meetings of the Board during the year. Mr. M. M. F. Luckic and Dr. C. E. Adams were re-elected Chairman and Deputy Chairman respectively. Mr. R. A. McIntosh was appointed as one of the Government representatives on the Board in place of the late Professor C. Coleridge Farr. Lieutenant-Colonel Stratton, Professor of Astrophysics at Cambridge University, during a short visit to Wellington, gave a lecture on Novae at the Carter Observatory on the 8th September. He also attended a meeting of the Board on the 13th September, at which his advice was sought on the future programme of work of the Carter Observatory. The Director, Mr. M. Geddes, and Mr. I. L. Thomsen are still absent on naval service. Miss K. Turner has continued to carry out essential clerical duties and has co-operated with the Defence Development Section of the Scientific and Industrial Research Departmemnt in the provision of information derived from sunspot and auroral observations. The Lecture Room at the Observatory was again used by the Meteorological Office during two periods of about ten weeks, in connection with training courses for Meteorological Officers. In the absence of the Director and Assistant it has not been possible to arrange any regular programme to sustain the interest of the public in the Carter Observatory. The Board is particularly grateful, therefore, to Professor Stratton for his address and to Mr. E. P. Norman, a member of the Board, who gave a well attended lecture in the Public Library Lecture Hall on 20th April, his subject being “The Story of the Giant Telescope.” The Observatory and equipment have been maintained in good order and the surroundings kept tidy by arrangement with the Reserves Department of the City Council. M. A. F. Barnett. C. G. G. Berry.

Hutton Grants: An application from Mr. L. E. Richdale for £20 for ornithological research at Stewart Island was approved. An application for £40 from the Southland Branch towards the cost of erecting a hut on Whero Island for observational purposes in ornithological research was approved. Hutton Award: The President read a letter from the Otago Branch asking the Council to reconsider its decision of the previous annual meeting that the Hutton Fund may not be used for publication purposes. Dr. Turner moved, and Dr. Grange seconded—“That this Council approves the principle of making grants from the Hutton Fund to defray cost of approved papers in botany, zoology, and geology which otherwise would be charged to authors provided that such action is first confirmed by written legal opinion.” A good deal of discussion on the interpretation of the terms of the award took place, and at the suggestion of Dr. Archey the mover and seconder of the motion agreed to delete the words “provided that such action is first confirmed by written legal opinion.” On being put to the meeting the motion was lost. Lunch Adjournment: The lunch adjournment was taken at 12.45 p.m. Roll Call: On resuming at 2.15 p.m., the roll call was taken as follows:—The President (Dr. Allan), the Vice-President (Dr. Marshall), Dr. Archey, Dr. Oliver, Mr. Pycroft, Dr. Grange, Dr. Richardson, Dr. Falla, Dr. Frankel, Dr. Turner, Mr. Hudson, Dr. Miller, Professor Evans, Dr. Marwick, all being present. Publication Costs: Dr. Turner moved, Dr. Falla seconded—“That the rule restricting any one paper to £20 be rescinded. Dr. Grange stated that the Wellington Branch supported the above motion if the Society's annual Government grant is increased to £1250. He moved an amendment, which was seconded by Dr. Richardson—“That the rule restricting any one paper to £20 be rescinded if the annual Government grant be restored to £1250.” On being put to the meeting the amendment was lost. Dr. Turner's motion was then carried. Science Teaching in Schools: Dr. Allan read the report of the Sub-committee consisting of Dr. Allan (convener), Dr. Oliver, Dr. Marwick, and Dr. Grange, which had been set up by the Standing Committee to consider the published report on the post-primary curriculum. A general discussion in which members expressed their views on the various points raised took place. Finally, on the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Dr. Falla, it was resolved to ask the Sub-committee to add to its report an outline of “the more logical and ordered arrangement of the syllabus” that it recommends. Education Conference: The President stated that the Minister of Education proposed to hold an Education Conference in August in Christchurch and had invited the Society to send a delegate and to express its opinions on the topics for discussion. On the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Dr. Marshall, it was resolved that the Society send a delegate to the Conference and that the matters dealt

with in the Minister's letter be referred to the Standing Committee. It was agreed, also, to leave the appointment of a delegate to the Standing Committee. Annual Government Grant: A letter from the Wellington Branch regarding the need for an additional grant to the Society was read, and on the motion of Dr. Grange, seconded by Dr. Richardson, it was resolved that the Government be approached to restore the grant to £1250. Wild Life Control: Dr. Oliver, Convener of the Wild Life Control Committee, reported progress in his committee, and stated that he hoped to be able to submit a full report in about three months. Preservation of Miro: A letter from the Nelson Philosophical Society urging the protection and conservation of the Miro for the sake of the native pigeon was read. Dr. Miller stated that in the Nelson district, in connection with the hydro-electric scheme there, many Miro trees had been destroyed, and this gave rise to the above letter. In a discussion which followed the impracticability of preserving Miro trees which were scattered throughout the New Zealand forest was stressed. The matter was referred to the Wild Life Control Committee. Endowment Fund: Professor Evans stated that the meeting had to consider the following resolution carried at the last annual meeting:— “That the Council at its next annual meeting decide for what object or objects the capital of the Endowment Fund may ultimately be used, and as soon as possible thereafter take the necessary steps to have a statement of these objects inserted in the Deed of Trust.” He stressed the danger of having any fund with no expressed object. According to the present Deed of Trust the capital of the fund could not be used for any purpose whatsoever. A discussion on the origin of the fund took place, Mr. Hudson stating that he had always considered the fund had been intended to be utilised by the Society for building purposes. Dr. Marshall moved, and Mr. Hudson seconded—“That the Endowment Fund be used for the erection or the purchase of a building to house the Royal Society's Library and for meetings.” The motion, on being put to the meeting, was lost. After further discussion, Dr. Turner moved, Dr. Frankel seconded, and it was carried—“That the Endowment Fund be regarded as a fund for providing interest to be used for general revenue.” On the motion of Dr Allan, seconded by Dr. Marshall, it was resolved that the interest on the Endowment Fund for the year ended 31st March, 1944, be used for publication expenses. Notice of Motion: On the motion of Mr. Hudson, seconded by Mr. Aston, it was resolved—“That some special efforts be made to encourage and enlist independent workers in all branches of natural science.” Secretary's Salary: It was resolved that the Secretary's salary be increased to £360 per annum.

Election of Officers; The folowing officers were elected:— President: Dr. H. H. Allan (re-elected). Vice-President: Dr. P. Marshall (re-elected). Hon. Treasurer: Mr. S. Cory-Wright, M.C. (re-elected). Hon. Editor: Dr. J. Marwick (re-elected). Hon. Librarian: Professor W. P. Evans (re-elected). Co-opted Member: Dr. J. Marwick (re-elected). Managers Trust Accounts: Mr. Cory-Wright and Mr. B. C. Aston. Representative Tongariro National Park Board: Dr. P. Marshall. Representative Royal N.Z. Institute of Horticulture: Dr. W. R. B. Oliver. Representative Great Barrier Reef Committee: Dr. W. R. B. Oliver. Representative Observatories' Committee: Professors D. C. H. Florance and P. W. Burbidge. Election of Committees: The following committees were elected:— Hector Award Committee: Dr. J. Marwick (Convener), Dr. P. Marshall, and Professor J. A. Bartrum. Library Committee: Professor W. P. Evans, Dr. H. H. Allan, and Professor C. A. Cotton. Fellowship Selection Committee: Professor H. W. Segar, Dr. H. H. Allan, Dr. J. Marwick, Mr. B. C. Aston, Dr. R. A. Falla. Wild Life Control Committee: Dr. W. R. B. Oliver (Convener), Dr. H. H. Allan, Dr. G. Archey, Mr. E. F. Stead, Dr. R. A. Falla, Mr. L. E. Richdale, and Rev. Dr. J. E. Holloway (re-elected). Votes of Thanks: On the motion of the President, votes of thanks were accorded to Victoria University College, to the Press, to the S.I.R. Department for the use of its Council Room for Standing Committee meetings, and to the Secretary (Miss Wood). A very cordial vote of thanks was passed to the President, Dr. Allan, for his work during the year and for his able chairmanship of the meeting. Annual Meeting, 1945: It was decided to endeavour to arrange for a luncheon for members attending the 1945 annual meeting.