Proceedings of The Royal Society of New Zealand

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 75, 1945-46, Page I

Proceedings of The Royal Society of New Zealand

On the motion of Dr. Marwick, seconded by Dr. F. J. Turner, the Hector Award Committee's recommendation was adopted. Amount of Hector Prize: On the motion of Professor W. P. Evans, seconded by Dr. G. Archey, it was resolved that the Hector Prize for 1945 be £50. Fellowship Royal Society of New Zealand: The President read the following recommendation from the Fellowship Selection Committee:— I have the honour to report that the Fellowship Selection Committee has decided to recommend the election of Dr. C. O. Hutton to the vacant Fellowship. H. W. Segar, Convener. On the motion of Professor Segar, seconded by Dr. Marwick, Dr. C. O. Hutton was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Vacancies: It was announced that there were no vacancies in the Fellowship for 1946. Honorary Membership: An election for three Honorary Members to fill the three vacancies was then proceeded with, Professor Segar and Mr Cory-Wright acting as returning officers. It was duly announced that Dr. L. J. Comrie, Professor A. Fleming, and Dr. B. Gutenburg had been elected.

Declaration of Vacancy: The President declared a vacancy in the Honorary Membership caused by the death of Sir Arthur Eddington, and it was decided to fill the vacancy at the next annual meeting. Member Bodies' Reports and Balance Sheets: Reports and balance sheets of Member Bodies as follows were laid on the table:— Auckland Institute, for the year ended 31st March, 1944. Wellington Branch, for the year ended 30th September, 1944. Canterbury Branch, for the year ended 31st October, 1944. Otago Branch, for the year ended 31st October, 1944. Hawke's Bay Branch, for the year ended 31st December, 1943. Nelson Institute, for the year ended 31st December, 1943. Southland Branch, for the year ended 31st March, 1944. Report of the Standing Committee: On the motion of Dr. Allan, seconded by Dr. Marshall, the report of the Standing Committee was adopted. Report of the Standing Committee for the Year Ended March 31, 1945. Meetings: Eight meetings of the Standing Committee have been held, the attendance being as follows:—Dr. H. H. Allan, President, Wellington, 8; Dr. P. Marshall, Vice-President, Wellington, 6; Mr. B. C. Aston, Wellington, 8: Professor W. P. Evans. Wellington, 7; Dr. L. I. Grange, Wellington, 6; Mr. G. V. Hudson. Wellington, 7: Dr. E. Marsden, Wellington, 2; Dr. J. Marwick, Wellington, 5; Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, Wellington, 8; Professor L. R. Richardson, Wellington, 8. Council: There have been no changes in the personnel of the Council and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research is taking the necessary steps for the reappointment of Dr. G. Archey and Dr. E. Marsden, Government representatives for a further period of two years. The congratulations of the Standing Committee were extended to Professor W. P. Evans on his election by the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry to be its first Honorary Fellow. Congratulations were also extended to Dr. L. R. Richardson on his appointment to the Chair of Zoology at Victoria University College in succession to Professor H. B. Kirk, who had resigned from the Chair of Biology. At the August meeting of the Standing Committee a welcome was extended by the President to Dr. E. Marsden on his return after some months spent abroad. Publications: There was more than the usual demand this year for the Society's publications. Two practically complete sets of the Transactions were purchased by Sir Apirana Ngata for Schools of Maori Culture which have been established at Ruatoria and Tikitiki, on the East Coast of the North Island. Some partial sets and many individual volumes have also been sold, as well as complete sets and several parts of Maori Art. It has been found that the gummed paper covers on the unbound sets of Maori Art have become very dry and brittle, and with little handling the leaves fall apart. It was therefore decided to have a certain number of sets bound in plain covers and to sell them at £7 7s pei volume. It was further decided to retain in stock at least six volumes of Maori Art. During the year Volume 73, Part 4, and Volume 74, Parts 1, 2 and 3 have been published. In accordance with a statement made last year by the printers that they were endeavouring to secure a better quality paper there has been a definite improvement in the quality used in the Transactions. The printing costs are £58 higher than those of last year, but this is offset by the larger amount received from authors for excess costs. The removal of the rule restricting papers to £20 took effect from last May, and affected papers accepted after that date, namely those from Volume 74, Part 2. There has been some criticism of the rule that papers for the Transactions should first be read before a Member Body either in full or by title. The

Wellington Branch has stated its opinion that this is a formality which could be dispensed with. The matter was considered at a meeting of the Standing Committee and referred to the Annual Meeting. Library: Despite the absence of exchanges from foreign countries the Library is once more becoming congested. The binder cannot cope with all the work he has on hand, and at present he seems unable to bind more than about 50 volumes per year for the Society— he also does the College binding, as well as that for certain Government Departments and firms. He has had to employ labour and his prices, as was to be expected, have increased. The binding of some of the series in the Library has been completed, and the binder is kept constantly supplied with work. The Library is used extensively through the inter-loan system, so that its usefulness is extended to all parts of New Zealand. Professor Cotton has presented to the Library his latest book, Volcanoes As Landscape Forms, for which he was cordially thanked by the Standing Committee. Exchanges: The only additions to the Exchange List were Lincoln College and the International Institute of Agriculture in Rome, the latter to take effect after the war. Member Bodies: The following reports and balance sheets have been received from Member Bodies:— Auckland Institute, for the year ended 31st March, 1944. Wellington Branch, for the year ended 30th September, 1944. Canterbury Branch, for the year ended 31st October, 1944. Otago Branch, for the year ended 31st October, 1944. Hawke's Bay Branch, for the year ended 31st December, 1943. Nelson Institute, for the year ended 31st December, 1943. Southland Branch, for the year ended 31st March, 1944. The above reports and balance sheets have been submitted to the Hon. Treasurer for report. Fellowship: Mrs. Lucy May Smith and Mr. Frederick Thomas Seelye were gazetted Fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand on the 1st June, 1944. On the 5th September nominations were called for the vacancy in the Fellowship, and eight nominations were received from Member Bodies. These were submitted to the Fellows for selection and subsequently to the Fellowship Selection Committee. This Committee's report will be placed before the Annual Meeting. Honorary Membership: Three vacancies have occurred in the Honorary Membership and are to be filled at the annual meeting. Twelve nominations for the three vacancies have been received from Member Bodies. Hector Award: At a meeting of the Wellington Branch, held on the 23rd August, the Hector Medal and Prize were presented to Mr. Johannes C. Andersen by Dr. Allan, President of the Society. Hutton Award: Dr. Allan also presented the Hutton Medal to Professor W. N. Benson at a meeting of the Otago Branch held on the 12th September. Research Grant: An application for a grant of £15 from Miss Beryl Brewin and Miss E. J. Batham for apparatus in connection with an investigation on seasonal variations of planktonic organisms in Otago Harbour was approved. Hutton Grants: The following applications for grants from the Hutton Fund have been received, and are recommended by the Standing Committee to the annual meeting for approval:— Miss L. B. Moore, £10, for the study of marine algae on the Wellington coast. Professor B. J. Marples, £20, for investigation in vertebrate palaeontology at Duntroon. Miss Marion L. Fyfe, £20, for the study at Coromandel of the frog Leiopelma. Dr. B. H. Mason, £25, for research in geology. Loder Cup: At a meeting of the Standing Committee, held on the 27th November, Mr. Norman Potts, of Opotiki, was nominated for the award of the Loder Cup. Subsequently, advice was received that the Loder Cup Committee had selected Mr. Potts for the award.

Annual Grant: On Dr. Marsden's return to New Zealand, the Minister in charge of the Scientific and Industrial Research Department was approached with a request that the annual grant be restored to £1300. The Minister replied in due course that the grant was being increased to £730. After the President had written pointing out that the Society's grant had been £750 since 1938 (£300 by authority of the R.S.N.Z. Act, 1933 and £230 by the Finance Act) the Minister replied stating that no additional amount could be granted this year as the Estimates had been passed, but that an application from the Society in the ensuing year would be given consideration. The President thereupon made application to the head of the Scientific and Industrial Research Department for the restoration of the grant, and his action was strongly supported by the Standing Committee. Education Conference: On the 26th May the Standing Committee appointed Dr. Archey to represent the Society at the Education Conference in October in Christchurch. Copies of the report of the Conference were received and circulated to members, but consideration of the report was deferred until the receipt of Dr. Archey's report. National Art Gallery and Dominion Muscum: On the 4th October, Professor Evans and Dr. P. Marshall, the Society's representatives on the Board of Trustees of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Muscum were reappointed for a further term of four years. Museum Management Committee: At a meeting of the Standing Committee held on the 2nd May, Professor H. B. Kirk, Professor J. Rankine Brown, Mr. G. V. Hudson, Dr. P. Marshall, Mr. J. C. Andersen, and Dr. C. G. Morice were nominated for a further term of office, and Dr. H. H. Allan was nominated to succeed Professor W. P. Evans, who had intimated that he wished to resign from the committee. On the 27th July the Board of Trustees wrote advising that the above had been appointed for a term of three years. Subsequently, the resignation of Professor Kirk from the Chairmanship of the Museum Management Committee was received with regret. Dominion Museum: The continued use of the Museum building by the armed forces has caused a good deal of concern to the Museum staff and the Wellington Branch of the Royal Society. In August, the Wellington Branch asked the Royal Society for its support in a deputation to the Prime Minister to request that the Dominion Museum be handed back for its original purpose. It was agreed to support the deputation, arrangements, regarding which were in the hands of the Secretary of the Wellington Branch. So far he has been unable to obtain from the Prime Minister's Department a date for the deputation to wait on the Prime Minister. The Wellington Branch has now asked the Royal Society to take the initiative in the matter. The Late Mr. H. N. Dixon: At a meeting of the Standing Committee on the 17th October the President announced the death of Mr H. N. Dixon, and he paid a tribute to Mr. Dixon's work on mosses and his Bulletin in 8 parts published by the Society. It was agreed to ask Mr. G. O. K. Sainsbury to write an obituary notice for the Transactions. Stewart Island: The Southland Branch wrote urging the Council of the Royal Society to exert its influence in having Stewart Island and the adjacent islands declared a National Park and to endeavour to secure legislation prohibiting the introduction of exotic animals on any parts of the island and for the destruction of all animals at present on the islands which are a menace to the forest and bird lite there. This matter was referred to a sub-committee consisting of the President, Dr. Oliver, and Dr. Richardson for report. A further request from the Southland Branch that an inspector be appointed to the islands under the Rabbit Nuisance Act, 1926, was referred to the Wild Life Control Committee. Coleridge Farr Memorial: The Canterbury Branch intimated that funds were being collected for a memorial to the late Dr. Coleridge Farr. It was hoped to secure sufficient funds for the purchase of volumes to make a complete set of the publications of the Royal Society of London for the Library. The aim was £500. and of this amount £460 was in hand. The standing Committee decided to bring the matter before the notice of Member Bodies.

Independent Workers: Consideration was given to the resolution carried at last annual meeting: “That some special effort be made to encourage and enlist independent workers in all branches of natural science.” It was decided that the most effective way was to ask Member Bodies to make widely known that the Hutton Fund was available for the above purpose. Carter Observalory Board: On the 8th February, Dr. M. A. F. Burnett and Mr. C. G. G. Berry were nominated for a further term of three years as the Society's representatives on the Carter Observatory Board. Hon. Treasurer's Report: In presenting the Hon. Treasurer's report and the balance sheet, Mr. Cory-Wright drew attention to the very small income of the Society, and stressed the need for an increased Government grant in order that the Society should not be restricted in carrying out important work The report and balance sheet were adopted. Report of Honorary Treasurer. In presenting the accounts for the year ended 31st March, 1945, I have the honour to report that the Society's finances continue to be satisfactory and to pay current expenses with a small surplus. I desire, however, to draw attention to the small income which, at a total of under £1000 a year, would seem very low for an institution like the Royal Society, and to limit its activities below its useful potentialities. While local activities necessarily belong to the Member Bodies in the main centies, yet the parent organisation of the Royal Socety might fill a larger place in the promotion of science and of progress generally in New Zealand. The statement of Assets and Liabilities on general account shows a balance of £1070. As previously, this does not include the physical assets of the Society, which are separately listed and are insured for £3540. It should be remembered that the balance of assets, £1070, does not represent a “surplus” asset, because it is merely the money in hand to meet the following year's expenses until receipt of the Government grant towards the end of the financial year. The increase of £211 in assets is due mainly to an increase of £124 13s 2d in the sale of publications, and £68 0s 9d contributed by authors towards the cost of papers over the £20 restriction enforced for two or three years. At last annual meeting this restriction was removed, but the above papers were in print prior to that date. The printing charges are £38 in excess of those of the previous year. due rather to more numerous papers than to the relaxation of the £20 restriction. Interest on the Trust Accounts during the year amounted to £263 16s 3d. In the Endowment Fund. £100, accrued interest, was invested in the Victory Loan, 3% Stock, maturing 1963. Analysis of Member Bodies' Balance Sheets. Member Body Members Receipts Expenditure Levy Rule 3 £ £ £ s. d. Auckland Institute 377 12,930 11.762 52 7 0 Library, Museum, Levy Wellington Branch 288 332 183 46 16 0 Library, Levy Canterbury Branch 140 188 171 32 1 0 Library, Levy Otago Branch 153 364 338 47 0 0 Levy (Nelson Phil. Soc.) 53 23 20 8 12 6 Levy Nelson Institute 1,787 1,638 Library, Museum Southland Branch 49 89 34 11 5 0 Museum, Levy Hawke's Bay Branch 54 44 30 12 5 6 Library, Levy 11th May, 1945. S. Cory Wright, Honorary Treasurer.

Statement of Receipts and Payments for the Year Ended March 31, 1945. Receipts. Payments. £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance as at 31st March, 1944 1,109 0 8 Printer—Vol. 73 (4), 74 (1,2, 3) 583 9 1 Government Annual Grant 750 0 0 Salary 300 0 0 Levy, Volume 73, Transactions R.S.N.Z. 199 2 0 Charges (Telephone, Audit, Bank, etc.) 8 1 3 Sales of Publications 201 14 10 Insurance Premium 6 15 1 Travelling Expenses: Member Bodies' Share 14 6 10 Petty Cash (Secretary, Hon. Editor) 13 7 8 Authors' Excess Costs 68 0 9 Travelling Expenses 20 0 7 Favourable Exchange 5 10 1 Binding Moori Art 1 13 0 Dominion Museum: Half Insurance Carter Library 0 17 0 Trust Funds: Audit Fec 1 1 0 Interest P.O. Savings Bank Account 16 4 10 Card Cabinet 1 17 6 Endowment Fund Interest 81 1 2 Hector Prize 50 0 0 Hector Memorial Fund Interest 52 12 7 Engraving Hector and Hutton Medals 1 2 6 Hutton Memorial Fund Interest 70 12 11 Hutton Grants 64 1 0 Carter Library Legacy Interest 6 9 7 Endowment Fund: Investment Victory Loan 100 0 0 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund Interest 24 6 10 Adjustments between Bank of N.Z. and Trust Accounts 11 14 0 Plant Diseases Trust Interest 16 6 10 Interest paid direct to Trust P.O.S.B. Accounts 164 11 1 Cockayne Memorial Fund Interest 12 1 6 Balance as Under 1,354 9 6 Hamilton Memorial Fund Interest 2 4 10 Adjustments between Trust Accounts and Bank of N.Z. 111 9 6 £2,742 3 3 £2,742 3 3 Bank of New Zealand £736 9 5    Less Unpresented Cheques— £500 0 0 5 5 0 10 3 0 1 11 0 516 19 0 219 10 5 Post Office Savings Bank 1,128 16 6 Petty Cash in Hand. 6 2 7 £1,351 9 6

Statement of Liabilities and Assets at March 31, 1945. Liabilities. Assets. £ s. d. £ s. d. Hector Memorial Fund Capital Account 1,184 18 1 Hector Memorial Fund: Ins. Stock (face value £1,250) 1,184 18 1 Hector Memorial Fund Revenue Account 78 11 0 Hector Memorial Fund: P.O.S. Bank Account 73 11 0 Hutton Memorial Fund Capital Account 1,506 8 6 Hutton Memorial Fund: Ins. Stock (face value £1,570) 1,506 8 6 Hutton Memorial Fund Revenue Account 325 5 9 Hutton Memorial Fund: P.O.S. Bank Account 325 5 9 Sidey Summer-time Fund Capital Account 536 17 4 Sidey Summer-time Fund: Ins. Stock (face value £510) 500 2 6 Sidey Summer-time Fund Revenue Account 151 10 2 Sidey Summer-time Fund: P.O.S. Bank Account 188 5 0 Cockayne Memorial Fund Capital Account 249 12 0 Cockayne Memorial Fund: Ins. Stock (face value £260) 249 12 0 Cockayne Memorial Fund Revenue Account 89 14 10 Cockayne Memorial Fund: P.O.S. Bank Account 89 14 10 Hamilton Memorial Fund Capital Account 73 17 5 Hamilton Memorial Fund: Ins. Stock (face value £60) 60 0 0 Hamilton Memorial Fund Revenue Account 2 14 6 Hamilton Memorial Fund: P.O.S. Bank Account 16 11 11 Carter Library Legacy Capital Account 162 19 0 Carter Library Legacy: Ins. Stock (face value £160) 162 19 0 Carter Library Legacy Revenue Account 8 0 8 Carter Library Legacy: P.O.S. Bank Account 8 0 8 Plant Diseases Trust Capital Account 542 13 5 Plant Diseases Trust: Ins. Stock (face value £500) 500 0 0 Plant Discases Trust Revenue Account 33 16 8 Plant Diseases Trust: P.O.S. Bank Account 76 10 1 Endowment Fund Capital Account 2,114 2 5 Endowment Fund: Ins. Stock (face value £2,145) 2,114 2 5 Endowment Fund Revenue Account 189 8 5 Endowment Fund: P.O.S. Bank Part General Account 189 8 5 Library Fund 28 6 4 P.O.S. Bank 939 8 1 Research Grants Fund 122 0 6 Bank of New Zealand 219 10 5 Annual Subscription Transactions in Advance 1 10 0 Petty Cash in Hand 6 2 7 Binder: Binding Account 30 0 0 Outstanding Accounts— Balance of Assets over Liabilities 1,070 5 10 Wheldon and Wesley £64 19 1 Sundry Debtors 22 2 6 87 1 7 £8,502 12 10 £8,502 12 10 Property Assets-Estimated and Insured Value. Est. Value. Ins Value. £ s. d. £ s. d. Library and Stack Room in Victoria University College 11,592 12 0 4,560 0 0 Furniture 40 0 0 Stock in Store Room, Parliament Buildings 500 0 0 Carter Library, Dominion Muscum (joint ownership with Dominion Museum) 500 0 0 £5,540 0 0

Revenue Account for the Year Ended March 31, 1945. Expenditure. Income. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Printing Transactions Vol. 73 (4), 74 (1,2,3) 583 9 1 By Balance, March 31, 1944 859 0 3 " Binding 31 13 0 " Annual Grant 750 0 0 " Salary 360 0 0 " Levy 199 17 0 " Petty Cash (Secretary and Hon. Editor) 13 7 8 " Sales of Publications 194 5 10 " Charges (Insurance, Telephone, Audit, Bank) 8 8 9 " Authors' Excess Costs 66 10 0 " Travelling Expenses: Society's Share 5 13 9 " Trust Funds Administration Expenses 5 2 6 " Card Cabinet 1 17 6 " Balance 1,070 5 10 £2,074 15 7 £2,074 15 7 By Balance £1,070 5 10 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.

Hector Memorial Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Hector Prize 50 0 0 By Capital Invested 1,184 18 1 " Engraving Medal 0 11 3 " Balance Revenue Account 31/3/44 77 12 8 " Administration Exs. 1 3 0 " Balance 1,263 9 1 " Interest 52 12 7 £1,315 3 4 £1,315 3 4 By Balance Capital £1,184 18 1 " Balance Revenue 78 11 0 Hutton Memorial Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Hutton Grants 64 1 0 By Capital Invested 1,506 8 6 " Engraving Medal 0 11 3 " Balance Revenue Account 31/3/44 320 8 1 " Administration Exs. 1 3 0 " Balance 1,831 14 3 " Interest 70 12 11 £1,897 9 6 £1,897 9 6 By Balance Capital £1,506 8 6 " Balance Revenue 325 5 9 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Administration Exs. 1 2 6 By Capital Invested and in P.O.S. Bank 534 8 8 " Balance 688 7 6 " Balance Revenue Account 31/3/44 130 14 6 " Interest to Rev. Acc. 21 18 2 " Interest to Cap. Acc. 2 8 8 24 6 10 £689 10 0 £689 10 0 By Balance Capital £536 17 4 " Balance Revenue 151 10 2 Cockayne Memorial Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Administration Exs. 0 5 0 By Capital Invested 249 12 0 " Balance 339 6 10 " Balance Revenue Account 31/3/44 77 18 4 " Interest 12 1 6 £339 11 10 £339 11 10 By Balance Capital £249 12 0 " Balance Revenue 89 14 10

Hamilton Memorial Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Administration Exs. 0 5 0 By Capital Invested and in P.O.S. Bank 72 15 0 " Balance 76 11 11 " Balance Revenue Account 31/3/44 1 17 1 " Int. to Revenue 1 2 5 " Int. to Capital 1 2 5 2 4 10 £76 16 11 £76 16 11 By Balance Capital £73 17 5 " Balance Revenue 2 14 6 Carter Library Legacy. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Administration Exs. 0 12 6 By Capital Invested 162 19 0 " Balance 170 19 8 " Balance Revenue Account 31/3/44 2 3 7 " Interest 6 9 7 £171 12 2 £171 12 2 By Balance Capital £162 19 0 " Balance Revenue 8 0 8 Plant Diseases Trust. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Administration Exs. 0 5 0 By Capital Invested and in P.O.S. Bank 542 13 5 " Balance 576 10 1 " Balance Revenue Account 31/3/44 17 14 10 " Interest 16 6 10 £576 15 1 £576 15 1 By Balance Capital £542 13 5 " Balance Revenue 33 16 8 Endowment Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Administration Exs. 1 7 6 By Capital Invested 2,014 2 5 " Interest Invested Victory Loan 100 0 0 " Victory Loan Investment 100 0 0 " Balance 2,303 10 10 " Balance Revenue Account 31/3/44 193 9 11 " Interest 81 1 2 " Interest P.O.S.B. Ac. 16 4 10 £2,404 18 4 £2.404 18 4 By Balance Capital £2,114 2 5 " Balance Revenue 189 8 5

Hon. Editor's Report: On the motion of Dr. Marwick, seconded by Mr. G. V. Hudson, the report of the Hon. Editor was adopted. Report of Honorary Editor. During the year ended 31st March, 1945, the four parts of Volume 74, Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand, comprising 484 pages and 63 plates, have been printed, compared with 442 pages and 52 plates of the previous volume. The papers of Volume 74 are as follows.— No. of Papers Pages Plates Text Figures Geology 5 133 10 17 Geography 1 11 2 — Palaeontology 3 40 6 2 Botany 4 48 10 — Zoology 15 183 34 10 28 415 62 29 The following manuscripts have been handled during the year:— Printed in Volume 74 28 In the press (Volume 75, Part I) 9 Returned to authors for revision 2 Papers deelined 2 Papers in hand 2 43 The average time between the final receipt of papers and their publication has been seven months, the longest, ten months, and the shortest, four months. Once again grateful thanks are due to the Associate Editor, Dr. C. O. Hutton, and to the anonymous referees for their invaluable help. J. Marwick, Honorary Editor. Hon. Librarian's Report: On the motion of Professor Evans, seconded by Dr. Allan, the report of the Hon. Librarian was adopted. Report of Honorary Librarian. Exchanges: Three applications for exchange of publications were received during the year, and the Library Committee recommended that Lincoln Agricultural College and the International Institute of Agriculture of Rome be added to the Exchange List, and that the application of the Peabody Museum, of Salem, U.S.A., be declined. Presentation: Professor C. A. Cotton has kindly presented his latest book Volcanoes as Landscape Forms to the Library. Binding: Forty-eight volumes were bound, at a cost of £30, and the binder still has several volumes on hand, including sets of Maori Art. These should all be completed in the near future. Owing to pressure of work the binder cannot complete, in one year, work to the value of £50, which was the amount recommended by the annual meeting for binding. Accommodation: When foreign exchanges are resumed the question of library accommodation will require consideration, as some of the sections are already congested. Library Inter-loan System: Through the development of the Country Library Service and the Inter-loan System, the usefulness of the Royal Society's library has been extended, for there has been a large increase in the number of books posted to other parts of New Zealand. W. P. Evans, Honorary Librarian. Research Grantees: On the motion of Dr. Allan, seconded by Dr. Oliver, the reports of the research grantees were adopted.

Government Research Grants. Misses E. J. Batham and B. I. Brewin, who in 1944 were granted £15 for planktonic and coastal rock fauna investigations in the Otago Harbour, reported on the 18th April, 1945, that plankton has been collected under standard conditions fortnightly, sometimes weekly, during the past six months, after several, months of preliminary collecting and observing. Samples from coarse' and fine bolting silk nets and from centrifuged sea-water are each time counted under dissecting binoculars and microscope. It is proposed to continue this work for another six months or more before publishing the results. Miss Brewin has submitted for publication in the Transactions an account of the systematics of the 19 species of Ascidians on the coastal rocks in the vicinity of Portobello Marine Biological Station. The sum of £6 13s 2d was expended in equipment. Dr. L. H. Briggs, who in 1943 was granted £25 for the continuation of an investigation of essential oils, reported on the 23rd, April that the fractionating apparatus purchased in U.S.A. had arrived, but unfortunately the main part of the apparatus was broken in transit. He claimed £10 6s 6d from the insurance to pay for this, and has written for a replacement as the apparatus is valueless without the fractionating column which was broken. In the circumstances he has nothing to report on the research. The apparatus and landing charges absorbed practically the whole of the grant. Professor B. J. Marple, who in 1938 received a grant of £20 for research on the Little Owl and a biological survey of Green Island, reported on the 25th April that he has not yet been able to visit Green Island for the purpose of the survey. Of the grant, £15 was used in the Little Owl investigation, and the balance has been allocated to the survey. Dr. G. H. Uttley, who in 1929 was granted £35 for researches on Bryozoa, reported on the 26th April that two papers have been prepared and will be offered for publication in the coming year. The sum of £28 8s 10 was expended in micrographic apparatus, and no further expenditure will be incurred. Hutton Grants. Southland Branch R.S.N.Z. An application from the Southland Branch for £40 towards the erection of a hut on Whero Island was granted at last annual meeting, and on the 20th April Dr. C. C. Anderson and Mr. A. D. Nisbet, a sub-committee of the Branch, reported on the errection of the hut as follows:— “Through the good offices of the Commissioner for Crown Lands in Inver-cargill, the Southland Branch of the Royal Society early in December, 1943, was able to arrange for the purchase of a 10ft × 8ft army hut. This was transported to Whero, where Messrs L. R. Richdale, A. D. Nisbet, and W. M. C. Denham had the rather difficult job of reassembling and erecting it. The site chosen at the top of the Island takes fullest advantage of the shelter available, but vegetation is of the low-growing type and rather scanty. However, on the weather side, the creeper Muehlenbeckia grows profusely, and by placing dead branches on top of the plants Mr. Richdale has managed to raise a wall of living vegetation some feet high. Eventually it is hoped that this will increase sufficiently to protect the hut from even the worst weather. The erection of the hut took several days. It is placed on broadleaf piles, and is so placed that the door faces east, thus providing a sheltered and sunny aspect, especially in the early morning. It is hoped in the near future to provide, as opportunity offers, additional amenities, such as cupboards and work benches, and a porch on the front of the building. The benefits of a permanent building for the Bird Observations Station were immediately apparent.” It has provided shelter. Two 45 gallon drums are provided for a plentiful supply of water, and working conditions are vastly improved. The value of Whero as an observation station is obvious from the papers already published by Mr Richdale. Further papers are in course of preparation and will be published in due course. Mr. L. E. Richdale, who was granted £20 for ornithological research at Stewart Island, reported on the 26th April that all the grant has been expended. Owing to the erection of a hut at Whero he is now able to spend about three weeks in January on reconnaissance work elsewhere at Stewart Island. Further, without the security and comfort of the hut he would not have continued on Whero. For example, he states that after he returned to the Island at the

end of last January, he spent 22 nights from 9.30 p.m. till 3 a.m., irrespective of weather, searching burrows, and succeeded in recovering, amongst other things, over 100 mutton birds banded the year before. This would have been impossible in tent days. Most of the life-history papers have been published now. Future papers will deal with behaviour and population studies. Dr. F. J. Turner, who in 1941 and 1942 was granted £50 for research on metamorphic locks, reported on the 5th February that during the past year work has been confined to a few days' field work, involving observations on lock structure and collecting of oriented specimens of metamorphic and intrusive locks at the north-eastern end of Lake Manapouri. Twenty oriented rock-sections have been cut from this material under his supervision. No further work has been published, but laboratory study of oriented sections of rocks from the Manapouri district is proceeding, and will be continued during the year. National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum: On the motion of Professor Evans, seconded by Dr. Marshall, the report of the representatives of the Society on the Board of Trustees of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum was adopted. National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Board of Trustees. Report of Representatives. The usual meetings of the Board of Trustees were held during the year, and were attended by your representatives. In spite of the fact that the memorial building is no longer in use as Head-quarters of the District Forces, practically the whole of it is now occupied by the Air Force, and consequently the staffs of both Art Gallery and Museum have continued to work under great disadvantages. Both staffs, however, have done their best to carry on their work effectively. The Art Gallery has held several successful exhibitions and has added many pictures to its permanent collection, while the educational, collecting and publishing sections of the Museum have functioned throughout the year. It is to be hoped that the whole building may soon be handed back to the Board of Trustees, but, before it can well be accepted by the Board, a great deal of work will have to be done by way of cleaning and renovating. Unfortunately the actual position as regards the Armed Forces' tenure of the building is not quite clear for, while the Art Gallery was handed over “for the duration of the war,” nothing definite appears to have been settled with reference to those further portions which were handed over later during an emergency period. W. P. Evans. P. Marshall. Dominion Museum: The Standing Committee had referred to the annual meeting a letter which had been received from the Wellington Branch asking that the Society take the initiative in arranging a deputation to the Prime Minister urging that the Dominion Museum be restored to its proper function. Dr. Marshall and Professor Evans outlined the position as far as the Board of Trustees was concerned, and Dr. Oliver, in reply to a question, stated that the Museum was functioning but with very restricted facilities. After a good deal of discussion, on the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Dr. Marshall, it was resolved: “That the Royal Society draws the attention of the Board of Trustees of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum to the fact that by the continued occupation of the Dominion Museum by the Defence authorities, the public of Wellington is being deprived of a valuable means of cultural recreation, and the important scientific and educational work of the Museum is being seriously restricted and hampered.”

A motion by Dr. Grange, seconded by Dr. Falla: “That the Council requests the Standing Committee to make efforts to obtain an interview with the Prime Minister to endeavour to secure the return of the Museum and Art Gallery to the public” was unanimously carried. Carter Observatory Board: On the motion of Dr. Allan, seconded by Lieut.-Colonel Marsden, the report of the representatives of the Society on the Carter Observatory Board was adopted. It was resolved to send a letter of sympathy to the relatives of the late Mr. Murray Geddes who, at the time of his death on military service, was Director of the Carter Observatory. Carter Observatory Board. Report of Representatives. It is with deep regret that we record the death of Murray Geddes, Director of the Carter Observatory, on 23rd July, 1944. Mr. Geddes was granted leave of absence to join the Royal Navy in December, 1941. He saw active service in the Mediterranean at the time of the famous Malta convoy, and also in the North Sea, and he held the rank of Lieutenant-Commander. He died at Edinburgh after a short illness. In his passing New Zealand has lost a distinguished astronomer and scientist. The Assistant Director, Lieutenant I. L. Thomsen, is still absent on naval service, and Miss K. Turner has continued to carry out essential electrical duties, particularly in connection with sunspot and auroral observations. Inspite of strong representations from the Board, the Government reduced last year's grant to the Carter Observatory from £730 to £500 on the grounds that the Board's expenditure was greatly curtailed due to the suspension of activities resulting from war-time conditions. The full grant of £230 from the Wellington City Council was maintained. There have been three meetings of the Board during the year. The Observatory building and the equipment have been maintained in good order. M. A. F. Barnett. C. G. G. Berry. Observatories' Committee: The report of the representatives on the Observatories' Committee was adopted. Observatories' Committee Report of Representatives. There has been no meeting of the Observatories' Committee during the past year. The reports, however, indicate that the routine work is being carried on satisfactorily. D. C. H. Florance, Chairman. Tongariro National Park Board: On the motion of Dr. Marshall, seconded by Dr. Oliver, the report of the representative on the Tongariro National Park Board was adopted. In reply to questions by Mr Pycroft, Dr Marshall stated that he did not consider there was any undue menace from wild cats in the Park—the surroundings did not offer sufficient cover. At the present time there is no Warden of the Tongariro National Park. Tongariro National Park Board. Report of Representative. This Board met on February 7, 1945, to consider matters that have arisen during the year. The Chairman reported that the Prisons' Department had taken in hand the clearing of the broom in those places where it had grown up; young broom

has since developed in some of these places, and this is cleared when required. Ragwort as well as blackberry, is also being dealt with. It was not found possible to arrange a visit to the Park. The Chairman suggested that a scenic reserve of some 2000 acres between Ohakune and Horopito should be added to the Park. The Aorangi Club has been granted permission to build a hut on the Park. This will be situated close to those already in existence and on the border of the grand circle at an elevation of 4500 feet. The Chateau has not yet been made available to the Board. P. Marshall. Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture: On the motion of Dr. Oliver, seconded by Dr. Allan, the report of the representative on the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture was adopted. Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. Report of Representative. The Journal has been issued regularly, each number containing articles of general horticultural interest, besides a record of the activities of the Institute. Examining Board's Report: The total number of diplomas issued to 30th September, 1944, is 244, and of certificates 183. Courses in Horticulture are held both in Massey and Lincoln Agricultural Colleges. Massey Agricultural College is working under the Institute's syllabus of examinations. Professor H. B. Kirk, who was Chairman of the Institute's Education Committee and of its successor, the Examining Board, since their inception, resigned in October, 1944. A letter expressing the Council's appreciation was forwarded to Professor Kirk. Post primary school curriculum: A sub-committee of the Institute prepared a report on the proposed curriculum, and this was forwarded to the Consultative Committee. Annual Conference, 1945: The Conference was held at Palmerston North in January, and in both attendance and the interest taken in the proceedings was the most successful meeting that the Institute has held since the beginning of the war. W. R. B. Oliver. Great Barrier Reef Committee: Dr. Oliver moved the adoption of his report as representative on the Great Barrier Reef Committee. Carried. Great Barrier Reef Committee. Report of Representative. A meeting of the Committee was held at Brisbane on 13th December, 1944. The investigations under the direction of the Committee carried on during the year 1944 concerned the search for evidence of submarine valleys off the Queensland Coast, and the effect of the December, 1943, cyclone near Cape Melville. Aerial photographs of the reef have been taken, and can he obtained from the services. The balance in hand on December 13th consists of bonds £1,300, cash £470 8s ld. W. R. B. Oliver. Education Conference: Dr. Archey moved the adoption of his report as representative on the Education Conference held in Christchurch in October. This was seconded by Dr. Falla and carried. Report on October, 1944, Education. Conference. When the Council discussed the proposed new Post Primary Syllabus at the last annual meeting it was generally understood that the Syllabus would be fully discussed at the Education Conference to be held later in Christchurch. It was discussed, but by no means fully: only one evening session was devoted

to it; opinions were presented on widely different subjects, but no resolutions were submitted. In the brief session allotted to the curriculum, discussion could not be other than in general terms, and detailed criticism of the many prescriptions proposed for individual subjects would have been inappropriate. Nevertheless, I did comment on the prescriptions for General Science, which is both a compulsory or “core” subject and an “optional” subject for the School Certificate. General Science. The “core” prescription is well balanced and can properly be called General Science, but, in my opinion, the “option” General Science ceases to be “general,” in that the additional study required is chemistry only, with either added physics or nutrition. Apparently there is to be no addition to the already scant geological content of the core, nor are, important biological studies such as parasitism, animal and plant communities, the balance of nature, animals and plants in soil conservation and biology in the service of man, to find a place. These subjects are all capable of a natural logical treatment, proceeding from observation to laws and general principles and their applications, well within the comprehension of 16-year-old pupils. Equally open to criticism are the alternatives “additional physics” and “additional nutrition” in that the required selection of one excludes the steady development of the other in a broadly conceived general science course. Ifä as is stated, General Science (option) is intended for those who will not be taking a science subject, it is in my opinion, desirable that it should proceed out of General Science (core) by additional study in physics, chemistry, geomorphology, biology and human physiology in approximately equal measure. Biology (Option). This prescription, too, I consider unbalanced, in that it devotes too much time to life processes in their physiological or nutritional aspects and neglects field-studies of plants and animals in their natural environment. The course belongs to the laboratory and classroom, and may possibly interest city children; but it must be remembered that more than half the post-primary pupils live in the country, and the prescription misses the opportunity of intensifying and systematising the daily observational experiences of rural life. The principle is recognised in the introductory remarks on Biology (p. 73), but is strongly limited by the prescription itself. During this session opportunity was taken to oppose the view, expressed by a member of the Minister's Post-Primary Curriculum Committee, that the purpose of the General Science course was to give pupils a “nodding acquaintance with the accepted facts of science”; it was urged that the course should, instead, be regarded, and framed, as training in a method of observation and thought directed towards obtaining and verifying knowledge. More than one speaker observed that many more teachers would have to be recruited, and additional equipment supplied, if the wide variety of subjects suggested is to be adequately taught. While the initial training of additional science teachers will be a task for the University and Training Colleges, the maintenance and quickening among teachers of an interest in scientific advances and development will become an increased responsibility and opportunity for the Royal Society and its Branches. I suggest that Branches should arrange joint meetings with the local Science Teachers' Association to discuss recent advances in science as well as methods of teaching science subjects. The views I have presented may not find ready acceptance among members of the Council nor among teachers of science; nevertheless, the points I have raised should, I think, be closely considered. It is unlikely that there would be time for this at the Annual Meeting; I therefore suggest that they might be more profitably discussed at joint, meetings of the Branches and science teachers' organisations, as suggested above. The main topics discussed at the Conference were: Adult Education, Youth Services, Rural Education, Pre-School Services, and Religion in Education. It was abundantly clear, both during the discussions and in the resolutions passed, that there is a confident expectation of important developments in education among adults and adolescents in the coming years. Not least among

the wide variety of subjects that are interesting citizens are the continued advances in scientific discovery and their application to human needs and the amenities of life. The Royal Society has pursued its main objective, the advancement of scientific discovery, by means of meetings for discussion, the publication of scientific papers, the award of grants for research and of prizes for distinguished achievement. The wise and proper use of scientific knowledge and method in human affairs has become a further matter of urgent concern among all scientific societies. The Society and its Branches desire to assist those who, like themselves, seek scientific knowledge, and they will desire also that lay students should progress beyond a “nodding acquaintance with the accepted facts of science” to an understanding of the aims and methods of scientific observation and thought. I suggest, therefore, that the coming developments in adult and adolescent intellectual interest and study provide a social responsibility towards which the Society and its Branches should be eager to contribute their share. The nature and scope of the Society and Branches' participation will need to be discussed, probably by a special committee; I suggest that one of the first steps should be consultation with the Council of Adult Education and the Advisory Committees of the University Colleges. The means of communicating scientific information are numerous and well-known—the press, special publications, radio, and popular lectures, as well as by organised study groups. There are also, in every city and several towns, organisations concerned with a variety of intellectual, commercial and industrial interests—Teachers' Institutes, Institute of International Affairs, Royal Empire Society, Overseas League, English Speaking Union, Farmers' Associations, Chambers of Commerce, and Local Bodies' Associations. It is suggested that occasional joint meetings between a Branch and one or other of these organisations would provide opportunities for demonstrating how science influences their special interests, and may contribute to the solution of their problems. Some of our Branches definitely avoid discussion on religion, probably because of the difficulties and embarrassments that might ensue. I think it is regrettable that science should thereby not only lose the opportunity but even disclaim the duty of considering and discussing the philosophical implication of its studies. I am encouraged to close with this observation because the recent Education Conference, besides producing valuable practical results, showed that the day of embarrassment in discussing difficult and often personal problems is past, and that, among men and women of good will and academic respect for contingent as well as for verifiable truth, even the most controversial subject can be discussed with ubanity no less than with intellectual keenness. G. Arciley, Representative of the Royal Society of N.Z. at Education Conference. In regard to the teaching of science, Dr. Archey stated that he considered the Society should co-operate and assist teachers of science by joint meetings with Science Teachers' Associations and Teachers' Institutes. Professor Richardson stressed the need for a wider knowledge of science and for more experienced science teachers. After some discussion Lieut.-Colonel Marsden moved, Professor Richardson seconded, and it was carried: “That the Council of the Royal Society recommends, in view of the increased impact of science on society and the economic life of the community in New Zealand, that a Royal Commission be set up to investigate and report on the whole question of scientific education in New Zealand.” In reply to a question, Dr. Focken stated that the Education Post Primary Advisory Committee hoped to finalise the post primary curriculum by the middle of June.

In regard to adult education, on the motion of Dr. Frankel, seconded by Dr. Grange, the following motion was carried: “That a special committee be set up to consult with the Council of Adult Education on the part the Royal Society may play in the development of adult education; and that it be a recommendation to Branches to take similar steps with relation to District Advisory Committees and other kindred bodies in their province.” Hutton Grants: The following applications for Hutton Grants recommended by the Standing Committee were approved:— Miss L. B. Moore, £10, for the study of marine algae on the Wellington coast. Professor B. J. Marples, £20, for investigation in vertebrate palaeontology at Duntroon. Miss Marion L. Fyfe, £20, for the study at Coromandel of the frog Leiopelma. Dr. B. H. Mason, £25, for research in geology Stewart Island: Dr. Allan reported that a sub-committee set up by the Standing Committee had considered the request of the Southland Branch that the Royal Society should use its influence in having Stewart Island declared a National Park. While the Committee considered it desirable that the areas in the Island should be under unified control there were difficulties (such as private property ownership) in the way of the whole Island being declared a Park. After some discussion, on the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Dr. Oliver, it was agreed that the matter be referred back to the Southland Branch for further particulars. T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund: The Otago Branch forwarded the following recommendations in regard to the T. K. Sidey Summertime Fund:— “That the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand obtain legal opinion concerning the changes in the T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund Declaration of Trust and Rules needed to give effect to— “1. The principles involved in the report of the Sidey Summer-time Fund Sub-committee, which were approved by the annual meeting in 1941. “2. The reduction of the minimum value of the award from £100 to £50. (Suggested by the above sub-committee in its report to the 1942 annual meeting.) “3. Widening the scope of the award. (Suggested at the 1944 annual meeting). For example the subject matter of the research might be widened so that it might fall under either of the following heads:— (a) Physical science, especially the study of radiations of any kind. (b) Medical science, especially the study of radiations in relation to human welfare. If the minimum value of the award is reduced from £100 to £50 then an award might be made alternately under ‘a’ and ‘b’.”

Lieut.-Colonel Marsden stated that it was recognised that under the existing rules the scope of the award was at present restricted to a very narrow field of workers, but the Rules expressed the wishes of the late Sir Thomas Sidey. Professor Segar also stated that Sir Thomas had very definite views which were interpreted in the Declaration of Trust and the existing Rules. After a good deal of discussion, on the motion of Dr. Focken, seconded by Dr. Frankel, it was agreed that the Standing Committee obtain legal opinion as to whether the proposed changes could be made in the Declaration of Trust and the Rules. Wild Life Control: Dr. Oliver presented a report on the Conservation of Wild Life drawn up by the Wild Life Control Committee. Conservation of Wild Life. Report of Wild Life Committee. The purpose of a conservation policy should be to preserve for the benefit of the people the natural objects of scientific and scenic value in the country. The Committee is of opinion that a National Conservation Authority should be established to direct research, to regulate the importation of exotic animals and plants, to control harmful and potentially harmful animals and plants, to regulate the taking of wild animals and plants for sport, for scientific research and for education, and to organise and carry out an active campaign of public education. Studies of different aspects of the problem have been prepared by three members of the Committee and will be duplicated for circulation to members. These reports include: The scope of the problem in its various aspects; a review of the authorities responsible for wild life control in New Zealand from which it is clearly evident that no national policy could emerge from the recent haphazard and un-co-ordinated efforts; a review of the results of administration, since 1919, of the deer problem and the oppossum problem, showing the harmful and expensive results of the lack of a national authority; an outline of wild life administration in other countries which shows the success of co-ordination in research. admministration; and proposals for the establishment of a National Wild Life Control Council in New Zealand. The situation calls for the establishment of a National Wild Life Control Council representative of each of the present authorities. The functions of the Council would be: to review the various administrative problems and to effect such co-ordination as might be found possible under existing conditions; to determine what immediate and long-term scientific investigation is necessary and to implement such research by a co-ordinated plan allotting tasks to the departments best equipped for them; to formulate an interior national wild life control policy, say a two- or three-year plan which, we imagine, would comprise much wider research and sweeping administrative changes. A long-term policy would be determinable within a couple of years. Although we are by no means fully informed as to the inter-departmental administrative problems involved, we would suggest that an independent Council under the Prime Minister's Department would prove most satisfactory. Being unconnected with any one depantment, it could the better give impartial considertion to conflicting departmental policies. We wish here to make it clear that we are not referring to supposed departmental or personal rivalries, but simply to the undeniable fact that departmental policies are frequently at variance; being directed towards different responsibilities they must be so, and will remain so until they are brought into review by-a co-ordinating National Council. The National Council would no doubt need its own research staff to investigate problems which could not be appropriately undertaken by any one of the present authorities; most of the investigations would, however, be allotted to or apportioned among the departmental research divisions. Nevertheless, it might still be possible for D.S.I.R. to undertake all the Wild Life Council's

non-allottable investigations, thereby preserving a valuable liaison between all research plans. It is understood that D.S.I.R. should, in any case, be represented on the Wild Life Council. These matters, though important, are details of administration which local experience combined with a study of successful Wild Life Control organisations in other countries may subsequently decide. The chief recommendations which we offer to the Council for consideration and, if adopted, for reference to the Government are:— That there be established under the Prime Minister's Department a National Wild Life Contiol Council composed of the Prime Minister (chairman), a Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Deputy Chairman) and a representative of each of the Departments of Agriculture, Forestry, Lands and Survey, Public Works (Soil Conservation and Rivers Control), Marine, Fourist, Internal Affairs, Scientific and Industrial Research, the Acclimatisation Societies, the Royal Society of New Zealand, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Council. That the Council have the responsibility of considering all problems of wild life control and the conservation of the natural resoarces of the Dominion and its Dependencies; of determining the problems requiring investigation and preparing and administeing a co-ordinated research plan; and of formulating a national natural resources and wild life control policy. That the Council appoint as its Chief Executive Officer a person of high scientific attainments and experience in New Zealand problems, such officer to be a member of the Council with authority to discuss and vote on all matters except those direetly concerning himself. That the research and adminstrative policy decided upon by the Council and appioved by the Prime Minister be carried out by all departments and other authorities concerned with wild life problems. G. Archey. R. A. Falla. W. R. B. Oliver, Convener. Dr. Oliver outlined the principal features of the report, which dealt primarily with the recommendation that there be established a National Wild Life Control Council consisting of the Prime Minister (chairman), a Parliamentary Under-secretary (Deputy Chairman), and a representative of each of the Departments of Agriculture, Forestry, Lands and Survey, Public Works (Soil Conservation and Rivers Control), Marine, Tourist, Internal Affairs, Scientific and Industrial Research, the Acclimatisation Societies, the Royal Society of New Zealand, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Council. Professor Richardson asked that a representative of the University of New Zealand be added to the proposed Council, and this was agreed to. In a contributory report Dr. Archey outlined the history of wild life policy in New Zealand, stating that so many separate authorities were concerned in its administration that it would be amazing if any uniform concrete policy had emerged. Dr. Falla, in a further contributory report, gave some facts regarding administration policies adopted in other countries. Information in regard to these policies had been before the Committee in drawing up its recommendations in regard to the National Council. After some discussion on the points raised in the foregoing reports, on the motion of Dr. Oliver, seconded by Dr. Falla, it was resolved that the reports be adopted and the Standing Committee arrange for a deputation to the Prime Minister, and that copies of the memoranda be circulated to members and the Branches.

On the motion of Lieut.-Colonel Marsden, seconded by Dr. Archey, it was resolved: “That there be added to the report a paragraph to the effect that it be an instruction to Departments concerned that in choosing their representatives particular regard be given to their scientific qualifications, as in the early years of activity of the proposed Council fact finding is the main consideration.” Fellowship Royal Society of New Zealand: The Otago Branch forwarded a report of a sub-committee which it had set up to report on the rules governing the Fellowship of the Royal Society of New Zealand. After a general discussion on the report it was resolved on the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Dr. Frankel: “(a) That the Otago Branch proposals be circulated to Branches and to Fellows, who shall be invited to confer locally and to submit their views to the Standing Committee and to other Branches. “(b) That the Standing Committee be requested to prepare a census of scientific workers in the Dominion for circulation to Branches, Fellows, and members of the Council. “(c) That the matter be discussed at the next Annual Meeting. “(d) That a Committee of this Council draft the necessary amendments to the existing rules governing the award of the Fellowship and submit the amended rules to the annual meeting in 1946.” In connection with clause (d) the following committee was appointed:—The President (Dr. Allan), Dr. Turner, and Dr. Archey. Papers for Publication: The Wellington Branch raised the question of the necessity for the rule that papers for the Transactions should first be read in full or by title only before a Member Body. Dr. Grange moved, Professor Richardson seconded: “That the provision that the reading of papers as a necessary preliminary to publication be abolished.” Professor Richardson stated that the objection to the rule was that during the recess authors had to wait a long time before their papers could be read. Representatives of other Branches stated that this diffculty was overcome by having papers read before the Council of the Branch. The Hon. Editor drew attention to the provision in the following existing rule which could also meet this difficulty:— “H. (ii) And of Transactions comprising papers read before Member Bodies or any general meeting of the Royal Society of New Zealand (subject, however, to selection as hereinafter mentioned) and of such other matter as the Council shall from time to time determine to publish, to be intituled ‘Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand’.” Thereupon the mover and seconder of the motion agreed to withdraw the motion. At this stage Mr. Cory-Wright asked leave to submit a motion in reference to the wheat supply in the Dominion. Mr Pycroft

moved and Dr. Turner seconded the motion pro forma. There was a general expression of opinion that such a resolution did not come within the scope of the Royal Society, and the meeting voted against the motion being put. Election of Officers: The following officers were elected:— President: On the motion of Dr. Allan, seconded by Dr. Archey, Professor W. N. Benson was elected President. Vice-President: On the motion of Dr. Allan, seconded by Professor Segar, Dr. P. Marshall was re-elected Vice-President. Hon. Treasurer: On the motion of Dr. Allan, seconded by Dr. Grange, Mr. S. Cory-Wright was re-elected Hon. Treasurer. Hon. Librarian: On the motion of Dr. Allan, seconded by Mr. Pycroft, Professor W. P. Evans was re-elected Hon. Librarian. Hon. Editor: On the motion of Dr. Allan, seconded by Mr. Hudson, Dr. J. Marwick was re-elected Hon. Editor. Co-opted Member: On the motion of Dr. Allan, seconded by Mr. Hudson, Dr. J. Marwick was re-elected. Managers of Trust Accounts: Mr. Aston intimated that he did not wish to be re-elected, and on his motion, seconded by Mr. Hudson, the Hon. Treasurer, Mr. S. Cory-Wright, and Dr. W. R. B. Oliver were appointed managers. Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture: Dr. Oliver was re-elected representative. Great Barrier Reef Committee: Dr. Oliver was re-elected representative. Observatories' Committee: Professor D. C. H. Florance and Professor P. W. Burbidge were re-elected representatives. Election of Committees: Hector Award Committee: Lieut.-Colonel E. Marsden (Convener), Professor R. J. T. Bell and Emeritus Professor T. H. Laby were elected. Library Committee: Professor W. P. Evans, Dr. H. H. Allan, and Professor C. A. Cotton were re-elected. 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 were re-elected. Votes of Thanks: A very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring President, Dr. H. H. Allan, for his work as President during the past two years. Votes of thanks were also passed to the Council of Victoria University College, to the Department Scientific and Industrial Research, to the Press, and to the Secretary, Miss Wood. Minutes confirmed at Standing Committee meeting on 30th May, 1945.

Reports of Member Bodies. Auckland Institute and Museum. Annual Report for 1944–45. 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. In October, 1944, the Institute and Museum completed 75 years of united activity. The anniversary was commemorated by a large gathering held in the War Memorial Museum, attended by representatives of civic organisations and by many members and their friends. Messages were read from His Excellency the Governor-General, from Lord Bledisloe, and from sister institutions, and addresses were given by His Worship the Mayor and by Dr. H. H. Allan, President of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Special exhibits had been arranged by the Museum staff, and included a display commemorating the work of the first two Curators of the Museum, T. W. Kirk, F.L.S. (1867–74) and T. F. Cheeseman, F.L.S., F.R.S.N.Z. (1874–1923). Short talks were given on the school service by Mr. A. Murloch, and on scientific investigation in Auckland by Dr. Archey. Among the senior members present were Dr. E. Roberton and Professor H. W. Segar, both past-Presidents and members for over 50 years. Gift of Property: On the 1st of March, 1945, Mr. E. Earle Vaile, who has been a member of the Institute since 1898, signified his desire to give to the Institute and Museum, as a perpetual endowment, two properties consisting of blocks of shops and dwellings at the junction of New North Road and Sandrmgham Road, and at the junction of New North Road and Bright Street, both properties having freehold titles and being clear of all encumbrances. Mr. Vaile estimated the net income from the properties would be between £500 and £600 per annum. At a special meeting held on the 5th March the Council gladly accepted this munificent gift, and Mr. Vaile, who was in attendance, was suitably thanked. The object of the endowment is to provide funds for the following purposes—viz., the purchase of exhibits and books to be placed in the Auckland War Memorial Museum and for archaeological excavation, preference being given where possible and practical, and with regard to the limitations imposed by the passage of time, to the purchase, first, of Maori artifacts and books on old New Zealand, and, secondly, Polynesian, Micronesian and Melanesian artifacts and books on the Pacific area, including Australia. Membership: The year commenced with a membership roll of 574, including 174 life members, of whom we have lost 22 by death, and 13 by resignation and deletions. A special endeavour by members of the Council resulted in 112 new members being elected, and the roll now stands at 651, of whom 191 are life members. The Council will endeavour to increase the membership again this year, and invites all present members to assist. The Council's objective is 1000 members; this should be possible in a city the size of Auckland. Obituary: The death of the following members is recorded with sincere regret: Lady Leys, Mrs. J. M. Stevenson, Hon. Sir Walter Stringer, Captain T. C. Kerry, Dr. E. B. Milsom, Messrs. L. W. Alexander, E. A. Brown, E. Cashmore, W. Colbeck, S. Davidson, F. Davies, P. A. Edmiston, F. S. Fisher, J. W. Frater, G. A. Gribbin, E. Horton, R. McVeagh, D. L. Nathan, J. A. Peacock, A. W. Perkins, D. Rogers, W. R. J. Smythe, J. J. Sullivan, and J. M. Wilson. Honours: At the last Annual Meeting Mr,. E. Earle Vaile and Captain G. A. Humphreys-Davies were elected to honorary life membership in recognition of their many years' support of the Institute and their generous gifts over a number of years to the Museum. We extend our congratulations to Mr. Norman H. Potts on being awarded the Loder Cup for his enthusiastic encouragement of the cultivation of native trees and plants. Council Meetings: The Council has met seven times during the year. It joined with other organisations in asking for representation of science and

education on the Centennial Park Board; on the Council's nomination, Mr. Pycroft was appointed to the Onewa Domain Board. The Council has also supported the movement to preserve the old windmill in Symonds Street. Members have responded to the Council's invitation to hand in current New Zealand pamphlet literature to the library, and volumes of the Transactions towards replacements in war-damaged libraries in Britain and Europe. Further numbers would be welcome. The Director attended the national education conference at Christchurch as representative of the Royal Society of New Zealand; the museums of the Dominion were represented by Dr. R. A. Falla, Director of the Canterbury Museum. Gifts to the Museum and Library: The past year has been marked by a series of generous gifts to the Museum and Library by members of the Institute, whom the Council thanks very heartily for their liberal support. Mr. R. C. Horton has given £200 towards completion of the mineral collections; “Two Friends” have donated £150 for library book-cases; and £50 has been added to the Mitchelson Prize Fund. The gift of over 200 volumes on New Zealand history and exploration by Mrs B. Quigley and Miss E. Kenderdine completes the many additions to the Library made by their father, Mr. John Kenderdine. The purchase by Mr. J. C. Entrican of a large collection of stone adzes and other implements has provided a valuable addition to our eastern Polynesian collections. Although not properly belonging to the year under review, two gifts recently received are here included and gratefully acknowledged. Sub-Lieut. T. H. Leys has given £500 for extending the ethnological collections as a bequest from his mother. Lady Leys, and the Trustees of the Auckland Savings Bank have donated £500 for improvements to the exhibition halls. Staff: Mrs. M. Knight resigned from the position of Book-keeper and Typist in December; members will join with the Council in expressing their appreciation of the valuable service always so willingly and pleasantly given by Mrs. Knight, and in offering their best wishes to her for the future. We are glad to welcome back Mr. V. F. Fisher, Ethnologist, who has returned from overseas service and resumed his duties at the Museum. Mr. E. G. Turbott, Zoologist, is still on war service. The position of Botanist, relinquished by Mrs. S. Watson Smith, has been filled by the appointment of Miss B. E. G. Molesworth and Mr. C. W. Firth is again acting as Associate Geologist. Institute Meetings: Notwithstanding the continued inconveniences of transport, the Monday evening lectures at the University College Hall were well attended: the thanks of the members for these lectures are due to: Lieut. Colonel E. R, Sawer, O.B.E., M.A., B.Sc., “The Natural History of Palestine.” Mr. B. W. Collins, M.Sc., F.G.S.: “An Oil Geologist in New Guinea.” Mr. F. Russell Baker, “Argentine: Past and Present.” Dr. W. Wallace Main: “Radiology in Public Health.” Professor C. G. Cooper, M.A.: “The Agamemnon: A Greek Tragedy.” One ordinary meeting was held to hear papers presented by Lieut.-Colonel W. W. Clemesha, C.I.E., and Major G. A. Buddle, D.S.O. Sunday Lectures: New Zealand and overseas subjects were covered by the Sunday afternoon lectures in the Museum library, which again proved much too small for the numbers wishing to attend. Mr. V. F. Fisher, B.A., “New Caledonia.” Mr. M. Rosenfeld, “Czecho-Slovakia.” Mr. S. W. Taylor, “China's People and Progress.” Dr. G. Archey, M.A., “The Moa.” Miss A. M. Davies, “The Art of the American Indian.” Miss Olga Adams, M.Sc., “Maori Carved Houses and War Canoes.” Anthropology and Maori Race Section: The Section adopted a restricted syllabus again last year. Four meetings were held, when the following lectures were given:—Mr. A. D. Mead, “A Correlation of Prehistory.” Lieutenant H. Toka, “The Maori Pa in Attack and Defence.” Rev. A. H. Voyce, “The Solomon Islands in War-time.” Lieut.-Colonel W. Clemesha, “Arab Boats and Boat Building.” The last paper was a contribution from the Section to an ordinary meeting of the Institute.

Owing to war-time transport difficulties no field days were held. A new feature of the year's activities was a course of Maori language lessons for members, conducted by Major K. Harawira. During the last six months about seven members have attended the course. The Section will, from this year, be able to contribute a well-known anthropological periodical, “The American Anthropologist,” to the Institute Library. Miss E. M. Stevenson has made the generous gift of a regular subscription to this journal. It is hoped that the current number will soon be available. Librarian: The past year has been marked by notable gifts, to the Library by members. Mrs. B. Quigley and Miss E. Kenderdine have presented 204 volumes on New Zealand exploration and early history; they include Dieffenbach, Travels in New Zealand, 1843; Taylor, Te Ika a Maui, 1855; Grey, Ko Nga Moteatea, 1853; Maning, Old New Zealand, 1863; Ellis, Polynesian Researches, 1829. In the same field we have again received liberal accessions from Mr. E. Earle Vaile, among whose 86 items are Careri's Voyage Round the World, 1744: Dixon's Voyage, 1774; La Perouse's Voyage, 1798; Beechy's Voyage, 1831; Sir George Grey's Expedition to North-West Australia, 1841; and a set of recent publications of the New Zealand Council for Educational Research. Mrs. R. F. Blair has presented 35 books on New Zealand history, including Ellis's “Polynesian Researches,” 2nd edition; Hamilton's “Maori Art,” and Shand's “Moriori People.’ Mr. A. T. Pyeroft has given a number of books and 20 volumes of “The Emu,” and Mr. J. E. Attwood has given both natural history books and bound pamphlets. Among several scientific publications presented by the Director of Sacred Heart College is a volume of J. Evelyn's “Silva.” Royal Society of London, 1664. Hawke's Bay Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Napier, H.B. Founded 1874. President: I. J. Pohlen, M.A. Acting Hon. Secretary: C. F. H. Pollock. The Council submits the seventy-first Annual Report, for the year ended 31st December, 1944. In view of the difficult times, activities of the Society have again been much restricted. The Annual Meeting was held on September 29, 1944. The Statement of Accounts showed a credit balance of £17 9s 6d, Assets (including Library) were £1,085 17s 7d, and liabilities, nil. The membership stands at 54—comprising 10 new members and 6 resignations occasioned by departure from the district. The death of Mr. T. H. Lowry was recorded with much regret after a membership of 44 years. Additions to the Library include: The Menace of Soil Erosion, Monthly Science News (London), The Periodical (Oxford University Press), Times Educational Supplement, and three bound volumes of Nature (1943–44). A paper entitled “The Genus Radula,” by Mrs. E. A. Hodgson (Wairoa), was submitted and approred for publication in the Transactions. The Wellington Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand (Inc.). Seventy-seventh Annual Report, Being the Report of the Council for the Year Ended 30th September, 1944. President: Dr. L. I. Grange. Secretary: Mr. J. T. Salmon. Membership: The total membership of the Society now stands at 288. During the year 39 new members, 21 associate members, and two transfers from other branches were elected to the Society. Three resignations were received and the Council has reinstated one member whose name had been temporarily removed from the books on account of his correspondence being returned through the post. The Council also desires to express its sorrow at the death of one of our members, Mr. M. Geddes, in England recently, while on active service with the Royal Navy.

Syllabus: The Council again issued a questionnaire to members in an attempt to arrive at some approximation of the desires of members with regard to the subjects of meeting; but the response was not very satisfactory. It was decided to keep a number of meetings open in case the opportunity arose of securing lectures from visiting scientists with the Armed Forces. Meetings: The Society and the Sections have continued to meet at Victoria College, and the Council desires to record once more its appreciation of the facilities placed at its disposal by the College authorities The following general meetings have been held:—March 22, Presidential Address, Dr. L. I. Grange, “The Fertility of North Island Soils. April 26, “Some Rural Contrasts: North-east U.S.A. and new Zealand,” by Lieutenant F. A. Raymalley, U.S. Navy. May 24, “The Place of Physics in New Zealand,” by Dr.E. R.cooper. June 28, “Modern Treatment of Mental Disorders,” by Dr. R. W. Medlicott. July 26, “Linen Flax in New Zealand,” by Mr. F. R. Callaghan. August 23, “Science in Post War Years” by Dr. E. Marsden. September 27, “Some Aspects of Dental Caries,” by Mr. J. L. Saunders. Sections: At a meeting held on the 28th February of this year it was resolved to form a Physics Section of the Society. The Physics Section has been very active during the session under review. Both the Physics and the Technological Sections have sponsored several visits by members to the new Dominion Physical Laboratory at Lower Hutt. Other meetings held by the Physics Section include: 3rd May, 1944, “Cathode Ray Technique,” by Mr. C. N. M. Watson—Munro.7th June,“Linear Measurement and Its Relationship to Engineering and Physics,” by Mr. H. W. Robertson. 2nd Angust, “Some Aspects of Physics Overseas,” by Dr. E. Marsden. 6th September, “The Instrumental Study of Earthquakes, With Special Reference to Buildings,” by Dr. L. Bastings. Meetings of the Biology Section included:—2nd May, 1944, “The Weed Problem With Special Relation to New Zealand,” by Mr. A. J. Healy. 6th June, “Some Pliocene Faunal Changes and Their Implications,” by Mr. C. Fleming. 1st August, “A Symposium to Discuss New Zealand Agriculture in Relation to the Post War World. 5th September, “The Primitive Springtail and Its Importance in Zoogeography,” by Mr. J. T. Salmon. The Social Science Section held five meetings, which were attended by an average of 20 members. 9th May, “Training for Social Work,” by Mr. H. C. McQueen. 13th June, “Some Historical Aspects of Immigration to New Zealand,” by Dr. G. H. Scholefield. 11th July, “Tuberculosis As a Social Disease,” by Dr. A. C. Taylor. 12th September, “The Concept of Public Opinion,” by Mr. R. S.Parker. The Geology Section has met nine times, and the following papers have been read:—12th August, 1943, and 9th September, 1943, “The Mechanism of Vulcanism,” by Dr. C. A. Cotton. 30th September, 1943, “Water Supply Problems of North Auckland,” by Mr. J. Healy. 21st October, 1943, “Aerial Mapping and Land Forms,” by Mr. G. Railton. 8th June, 1944, “The Physiography of Japan,” by Lieut.-Colonel Orde Lees. 13th July, 1944, “Advances in Geomorphology in 1943,” by Dr. C. A. Cotton. 10th August, 1944, “The Geology Rangitikei,” by Mr. M. Te Punga. 17th August, 1944, “A New Zealand Geologist Abroad,” by Dr. B. H. Mason. 14th September, 1944, “The Geology of Malaya,” by Dr. E. Alexander. Three papers for publication were also read by title at meetings of the Section. The Section also recommended to the S. I. R. Department that approved regional theses should be published, with coloured maps. The Geology prescription of the Post-Primary Syllabus was re-written to meet the wishes of the Section. The Technological Section has held well attended meetings during the year and arranged for two visits—-one to the Physical Laboratory and the other to the factory of the National Carbon Company, Ltd. The subjects for addresses were:–Chairman's Address, Mr. H. S. Lamburd. 20th October, 1943, “Supervisory Control.” 21st June, 1944, “Modern Trends in Wood Use,” by Mr. J. H. Smith. 19th July, “Industrial Application of X-rays,” by Dr. B. H. Mason. 20th September, “Soil Mechanics Tests and Some Engineering Applications,” by Mr. K. S. Birrell. The Astronomical Section has met at irregular intervals mainly to discuss a scheme of co-operation with the New Zealand Astronomical Society.

Papers for Publication: The following were read by title at the Society's meetings for publication in the Transactions:—27th September, 1944, “The Structure and Life History of Hormosira banksii (Turner) Decaisne,” by Miss J. E. M. Osborne. “The Genus Pterocladia in New Zealand,” by Miss L. B. Moore. “Notes on the Movement of Waste on Screes in the Orongorongo Distriet Near Wellington,” by Dr. Greta B. Stevenson. Special General Meeting: On the 22nd March, 1944, a Special General Meeting was called, prior to the General Meeting to ratify certain amendments to the Rules which had been proposed previously. The amendments were passed. Representation on the Council of the Royal Society: The President (Dr. L. I. Grange) and Dr. L. R. Richardson, have continued to represent this Branch on the Council of the Royal Society. £20 Limit on Papers for Publication in the Transactions. The Council is pleased to be able to record that this limit imposed by the Royal Society has now been lifted, and all papers will be judged on their merits. Dominion Museum Building: With the improved war situation the Council resolved to approach the Government with the request that the Dominion Museum building be returned to its original and proper use. The support of a numbers of other interested organisations, including the Royal Society of New Zealand, to wait on the Prime Minister with a deputation has been secured, but although negotiations have been in train for some time the Council has been unable to seeme an appointment to see the Prime Minister. Library: There have been very long gaps between the times of arrival of the periodicals for the library during this year, and a number of parts have failed to arrive, necessitating a considerable volume of correspondence with our agent in London in order to maintain, unbroken, the series of scientific journals taken at the library. A number of books which have been on order for a considerable time have not yet arrived. The binding of current volumes is at least one year behind on account of the staffing difficulties which book binding firms are experiencing at the present time, on account of the war. The Council decided, on the recommendation of the Library Committee, to resume the subscription to the American Naturalist and to commence subscribing to the South African Journal of Economics. The following books have reached us from the Scientific Book Club:—Historical Sociology, by Brelsford; Nature Abounding, by E. G. Watson; World of Birds, by E. Parker; The Art of session, by Huxley; The Outlook for Homo Sapiens, by Wells. During the session, to assist the convenience of members, a number of the recent books and a selection of the periodicals were moved to Victoria College and housed in a drawer in the lecture room in which the Society meets. Obsciratory: The Observatory remains in a satisfactory state of repair. Wild Life Conference: As the Royal Society could not obtain agreement as to the holding of this conference between the various bodies interested, the matter has been allowed to lapse. Nelson Philosophical Society. Annual Report for Year Ended September, 30. 1944. President: Dr. David Miller. Secretary: Mr. W. C. Davies. The Statement of Receipts and Expenditure shows a credit balance of £3 5s 8d. The membership of the Society consists of 36 full members and 19 associate members, making a total of 55—a gratifying increase of five on last year's membership. Seven successful meetings have been held during the year, the attendance of members and visitors ranging from 35 to 170. The following was the programme of addresses for the session:—October . 1943: Annual Meeting. “Sponge Chemistry,” Sir T. Easterfield; “New Fumigating Apparatus for Control of Cheese Mites,” Mr. J. Muggeridge; “Preparation of Maori Stone Implements,” Mr. E. S. Gourlay. April 17, 1944: Presidential Address, Dr. D. Miller; “Insect Behaviour, and the Scope of

Entomology.” May 15: “Vitamin Content of Fruits and Vegetables.” Miss E. B. Kidson; “The Reversal Process in Colour Photography.” Mr. R. Blick. June 20: “Linen Flax Industry in New Zealand,” Mr. F. R. Callaghan. July 17: “Copper Deficiency Affecting Domestic Stock in New Zealand,” Dr. I. Cunningham. August 21: “Bird Life in New Zealand,” Dr. R. A. Falla. September 25: “Afforestation, Nelson's Opportunity,” Mr. L. E. H. Baigent. Canterbury Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Abbreviated Report for the Year 1944. President: Dr. R. O. Page. Secretary: Mrs. S. W. Boyes. Membership: The figures for ordinary membership continue to reflect the tendency which has existed for some year—namely, that the number of new members searcely balances the loss by death, transfer. or resignation. At the end of 1943 the membership stood at 133. and the Society has lost 15 members during the current year,“Three by death and two by transfer, one written off and nine by resignation. As against this, only 15 have been added, 13 by election and two transferred from associate membership, leaving the present roll at 133. Associate membership is likewise static, last year's total of nine being lessened by four resignations and two transfers, while only four elections for the year fail to balance this loss. (Figures to October 31.) Obituary: The Society records with deep regret the loss by death of three of its oldest members. Mr S. Page (father of the retiring President), Mr. F. D. Waller, and Mr. A. W. Beaven. The Council wishes to express its deep sympathy with Dr. Page in the loss of his father. Council: Ten ordinary meetings of the Council were held during the year. Coleridge Farr Memorial Fund: Thanks to the efforts of an organising committee, comprising two members of the University Graduates' Association and two representatives of the Society (Dr. R. O. Page and Mr. F. J. T. Grigg), under the direction of Dr. D. B. Macleod, an interim sum of £436 has been collected, and handed over to the Society to administer in trust. The fund is still open to subscription, and the Council hopes to attain the immediate objective of £500; in the meantime thanks are expressed to the many members of the Society and the general public who have subseribed. By a decision of the Organising Committee on July 5 of this year, which was adopted by the Council on July 17, it was decided that the Fund (preferably the interest only), should be used towards contirring and completing the purchase and binding as from January 1, 1945, of the Proceedings A of the Royal Society of London, and if possible Proceedings B. The approximate completeness of Proceedings A, in the Society's Library. is largely due to the generosity of the late Dr. Farr, who regularly handed over to the Library the Proceedings which he, as a Fellow, received. All publications thus acquired from the Memorial Fund will be the property of the Society, and will be suitably inscribed. Hilgendorf Memoiral: Members will be gratified to learn that progress is also being made towards a memorial to the late Dr. F. W. Hilgendorf, whose activities and whose standing in the Society need no retelling. A Memorial Committee, on which the Society has representation, has decided to produce and publish a biography of Dr. Hilgendorf, for which the necessary funds are being found by commercial and scientifle interests in the wheat industry. The editor will be Dr. O. H. Frankel. and the present intention is to limit the work to 1000 copies. Programme: In presenting the report of the year's programme, the Council does so in the hope of attracting some expression of opinion from members on what they think should be the general policy of the Society. For some time the Council has been aware that the number of original papers presented through the Society, for publication in the Transactions has been declining. When the Philosophical Institutes were first formed, and for many years afterwards, the presentation of original papers (and addresses) was regarded as the chief function of any branch. Not only was the number of papers presented greater in itself than the average of recent year in out

Branch, but few, if any, papers were presented only by title. Perhaps, owing to this constant need to prepare papers, suitable both for interesting a lay audience when read, and for later publication in the Transactions, the published papers of this period often carried a wide and general appeal, and would correspond somewhat to the popular addresses of our recent programmes. The present tendency is not only for fewer papers to be presented but the papers themselves tend to be of more specialised appeal, and the authors appear unwilling to endeavour to interest members by reading them. During this year, of the seven papers presented for publication in the Transactions through this Branch, six were presented by title only, and only one read and explained in full. This exception was the joint presentation by Mr. G. Stokell and Dr. R. A. Falla of their researches into the food habits of New Zealand freshwater shags, and well showed that a specialised paper can be presented in a generalised and not un-interesting manner. In addition to the presentation of papers for the Transactions, a single evening was devoted to the presentation by Dr. Macleod and Mr. C. R. Russell of papers intended for other publications, a custom which the Council hopes to encourage. Only the ordinary meetings of April and July were devoted to the presentation of papers; that of March took the usual form of the Presidential Address; of September, the Farr Memorial evening; those of May, June, August, October and November took the form of popular addresses. This decline in the presentation, by reading, of original papers which are often specialised, and the consequent increase of addresses which though of wider appeal do not icpresent original progress in science, is not peculiar to the Canterbury Branch, and reflects the changing position of natural science societies in a changing world. In Auckland, Wellington and Otago the problem has been to some extent overcoine by the division of the membership and the programme into specialist sections. Each section runs its own programme, and presents its papers to an audience of those specially interested, while the popular addresses, Annual and Presidential Meetings which are run by the Branch as a whole are attended by all sections. For this division into sections a certain minimum membership is required, and the membership of the Otago Branch, as the smallest which maintains the sectional organisation, is about 170. The Council therefore places before the Annual Meeting, for its consideration, the suggestion that the present membership might justify division into two sections, one in Biology, and one in Social Science (others to be formed if and when circumstances permit). The following addresses were given at the ordinary meetings of March, May, June, August, September, October and November respectively:— “Materials of the Future” (Presidential Address), Dr. R. O. Page; “Insect Behaviour and the Applications of Entomology,” Dr. D. E. Miller; “Psychological Medicine,” Dr. M. Bevan-Brown; “Geology from the Air,” Dr. R. S. Allan; “Life and Work of Dr. Farr,” Professor A. H. Tocker, Mr. H. F. Baird, and Dr. D. B. Macleod; “Geography and Land Planning,” Mr. K. B. Cumberland; “Genetics: Recent Advances and Their Application,” Dr. O. H. Frankel. The following papers were presented, by title, for publication in the Transactions:—March: “Palaezoic and Mesozoic Brachiopod Fauuas in New Zealand, with an Index to the Genera and Species.” R. S. Allan. “The Survey and Classification of Land in New Zealand,” K. B. Cumberland; “Systematic Arrangement of the (N.Z.) Galaxiidae. G. Stokell. May: “Protozoa in New Zealand Termites,” F. R. B. Nuise; “The Genus Prorhitrcus in New Zealand,” E. Percival. November. “Reference List of the Rotatoria of New Zealand, With Ecological Notes,” C. R. Russell. The following papers were presented:—April: “Van der Waal's Equation and the Compressibility of Molecules,” D. B. Macleod. (For Transactions of the Faraday Society of London.) “The Application of Suction Gas-Producers to Automobiles,” C. R. Russell. (For Transactions of the New Zealand Institution of Engineers.) July: “Investigation of the Stomach Contents of New Zealand Freshwater Shags,” R. A. Falla and G. Stokell. (For Trans. Soc. N.Z.) Lectutes to Secondary Schools: Judging by the size and keenness of the audiences, the most successful effort of the Society to popularise science was the winter programme of six evening lectures, revived for the first time since 1940. Invitations were extended to all Christchurch secondary schools, and

the response was so great that each school had to work within a quota. The use of Room 15 was kindly granted by Canterbury College, and audiences of between 130 and 200 gathered regularly to hear the lectures, which were as follows:—June 9: “Geography of Christchurch,” Mr. K. B. Cumberland. June 16: “New Zealand Bird Life,” Mr. L. W. McCaskill. June 23: “Everyday Electricity,” Mr. E. Hitchcock. June 30: “Materials of the Future,” Dr. R. O. Page. July 7.“Human Heredity,” Dr. O. H. Frankel. July 13: “Races of Mankind,” Dr. I. L. G. Sutherland. The Council wishes to record its thanks to the lecturers who in each case went to some trouble to prepare an informative and interesting address. Riccarton Bush: The Board of Trustees of the Riccarton Bush again reports that the operations during the past year have been confined to general maintenance. Owing to conditions indirectly caused by the wai the Board has been unable to carry out projected improvements. Hon. Librarian's Report: At the time of the last Annual Report the bound volumes of journals had been moved to their places in the College Library, in terms of the 1942 merger agreement. During the current year the books have been moved, after being catalogued, classified and labelled. Some, which are valuable and/or little used, have been transferred to storage, where they are available on application, and this fact has been noted in the catalogue. Unbound journals, both current and past, are still in the room unstairs. Unfortunately, although there is a great deal of binding to be done, and funds available for some of it, there is a serious shortage of skilled binders. Many volumes have been at the bindery for a year, though there is some hope of an improvement in the situation early in 1945. Otago Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Annual Report for Session 1944. President: Mr. C. V. Dayus, M.R.C.V.S. Secretary: Dr. H. D. Skinner. Membership: The number of full members for 1944 is 153, as compared with 150 in the preceding session. There were 14 new members, nine resignations, five deceased, one struck off the roll, and one transferred from ordinary to life-membership. The Council views with anxiety the decrease in membership in lecent sessions. A study of the membership figures from 1869 to 1944 shows a series of fluctuations for which particular reason can in most cases be assigned. But over the whole period there has been a decline, although the population of Dunedin has quadrupled. In 1875, with an estimated population of 25,000, membership stood at 225. In the present year the estimated population of Dunedin is 80,000, and membership is 152. Competition from other societies and other interests is, of course, fai keener, but not so keen as to justify such a decline. The most disturbing feature of the membership situation would appeal to be the failure of the Society to secure a satisfactory enrolment of young members. Deaths: The Council records with regret the deaths of the following members:—A. T. Brown. A. C. Hanlon. H. B. Hart, Dr. W. Newlands, Miss M. Smith. Attendances: Attendances at ordinary meetings were as follows:—30, 60,70, 60, 50, 40. Three of the meetings were joint ones, but the attendance at the second, which was not a joint one, indicates that this aspect of the Society's work is satisfactory. When the figures for the last session are considered the higher average this year is presumably due to the interesting range of speakers and subjects. Representatives on Council of Royal Society: The thanks of the Society are again due to Drs. C. M. Focken and F. J. Tuiner, representatives on the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Representatives on Museum Committee: Mr. George Simpson continued to represent us. Owing to inability to attend meetings of the committee, Mr L. E. Richdale resigned, his place being taken by Mr. C. V. Dayus. Auditorium fund: This now stands at £1,630 14s 5d. an increase of £37. War Funds: The Society invested £100 in Victory Loan.

Hutton Fund: At the Council meeting held on March 9, the following motions were passed. “That the Council of this Society approves the principle that authors of papers in Botany, Zoology, and Geology may apply for grants from the Hutton Fund to defray excess cost of publication in the Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand that would other wise be charged against the author.” And: “That the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand be urged to take action in this direction, and that the support of member bodies be sought.” Letters were subsequently received from the Auckland Institute and from the Wellington Branch supporting this view. As a result of this action. the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand removed the limit of £20 previously adopted as the maximum cost allowable for each paper published in the Transactions. Hutton Medal: The presentation of this medal to Dr. W. N. Benson, F.R.S., for long continued researches in various branches of New Zealand geology was made by Dr. H. H. Allan, President of the Royal Society of New Zealand, at the meeting on September 12. Loder Cup: The President, Mr. C. V. Dayus, presented the cup to Mr. J. Speden, of Gore. at the meeting on June 13. The cup was awarded for botanical explorations and for his work in the collection and cultivation of native plants, including many species of shrubs and mountain herbaceous plants. Astronomical Section: Membership, 60 full, 16 associates. With keen regret the death on active service is recorded of Lieut-Commander Murray Geddes, Director of the Carter Observatory, a former member of this section. Our Director. Mr. W. R. B. Hobbs, is serving in Italy. Lieutenant Murray McGeorge and Mr. D. C. Berry have returned after active service. Public demonsti ations at the Observatory were continued, and attendances were satisfactory. All current phenomena during the last three years have been observed and recorded. Microscopical Section: The only activity has been the junior demonstration, which was attended by 155 secondary school children. Mr. Malcolm Morris, formerly section secretary. is on active service. Junior Branch: Attendance has averaged 80, an improvement on last year. Programme—June 2: “The Story of Mathematics,” R. J. T. Bell, M.A., D.Sc. LL.D., F.R.S.E. June 16: “Volcanoes,” A. Payne. M.A. June 30: “Believe It Or Not,” arranged by C. M. Focken, B.M.E. B.Sc., Ph.D. M.S. July 14: “Crystals,” F. J. Turner, D.Sc., F.G.S. F.R.S.N.Z. July 28: Microscopical Section: Microscope Demonstration and Lecture. August 11: “Maori String Games, with Demonstrations,” W. G. Aldridge, M.Sc. Main Branch Meetings: April 11: Presidential Address, “Progress and Problems in Agriculture.” May 9: “An Amateur Archaeologist in Egypt,” exhibits, Lieut.-Colonel Fred Waite. D.S.O. June 13: “English Forests and Forest Policy—Some Lessons for New Zealanders,” J. T. Holloway, M.Sc.(Joint meeting with Field Naturalists' Club.) July 11: “Heredity.” Marion Fyfc. M.Sc. August 8: “Fossil Penguins and Whales from North Otago,” Professor B. J. Marples. (Joint meeting with Field Naturalists' Club.) September 12: “Plastics,” Dr. R. Gardner. (Joint meeting with Institute of Chemistry.) October 10: Symposium on Mineral Oil—“Geological Considerations,” Dr. F. J. Turner; “Geophysical Prospecting.” Dr. C. M. Focken; “Economics of Oil,” Russell J. Laurenson. November 14: Annual General Meeting; Presentation of Report and Balance Sheet; Election of Officers; exhibits from Museum collections. Lantern Talk on the Homer District, Mr. G. Howes. Original Papers: William B. Benham. K.B.E., F.R.S., (1) “The Octopodus Mollusea of New Zealand, Part V”: (2) “A New Genus of Earthworm—Conicodrilus.” Marion L. Fyfe, M.Sc., “The Classification and the Reproductive Organs of New Zealand Land Planarians. Part I.” Beryl I. Brewin, M.Sc., “On Some Stolonifera from New Zealand Waters, with the Description of a New Species.” Valerie Todd, M.Sc.,“Systematic and Morphological Account of the New Zealand Mygalomorphae.” Mary L. Prior and B. J. Marples, “A Comparative Account of the Vasculai System of Certain Raiiform Fisher.” E. B. Batham, M.Sc., “Pollicipes (Mylella) spinosus, Quoy and Guimard. I: Notes on Biology and Anatomy.” L. E. Richdale, M.A., “Supplementary Notes on the Diving Petrel.”

Honorary Membership of the Royal Society of New Zealand: The Otago Branch nominated for Honorary Membership: James Hornell, Thomas H. Laby, F.R.S., and John Read, F.R.S. Terms of the Fellowship of the Royal Society of New Zealand: After lengthy discussion a committee was set up to consider and report on the terms governing election to fellowship. Memorial to Joseph William Mellor: The Council decided to erect a memorial tablet to Dr. Mellor in the Department of Chemistry, University of Otago. The Dunedin Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry has asked to be allowed to share in the cost of the tablet. Southland Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Report for Year Ended March 31, 1945. President: Miss C. McHaffie. Secretary: Mr. A. D. Nisbet. Membership: The year began with a membership of 38. During the year five new members were admitted and one has returned from overseas. Against this, one member was lost by death, two resigned, and one was struck off the roll for arrears of subscriptions, leaving an active membership of 41. It is with pleasure that we record the return from overseas of Mr. C. Barwell, after an absence on military duties of nearly four years. The Branch has still the following members on military service:—Messrs. A. E. W. McDonald, J. H. Somensen, D. C. Berry and A. Ward. Lectures: During the season a delightful series of lectures was arranged, and our thanks are due to the people who gave their time and work to the preparation and the giving of these lectures. We trust that they all enjoyed their time with us as much as we enjoyed having them. The following is a list of the lectures given:—April 27: Presidential Address, “The Application of X-rays,” Dr. C. C. Anderson. May 24: “Developments in Dehydration,” Miss C. Macgibbon. June 28: “The Economic Function of the State,” Dr. Billing. July 27: “Modern Methods in the Purification of Water,” Mr. F. M. Corkill. September 28: “The Industrial Mineral Resources of New Zealand.” Mr. R. W. Willett. October 25: “The Calendar and Calendar Reform,” Dr. C. M. Focken. December 4: “Psychology in the University of Otago,” Mr. H. H. Ferguson. Bird Work: During the year the work of bird protection was carried on, on Herekopare Island, and after having visited the island at Christmas time in company with Mr. William Denham, Mr. Richdale gave it as his opinion that the cats would disappear this coming winter. Should this occur steps can then be taken to restore to the island some of the species of land birds which have gone from there. Unfortunately there is nothing that we are able to do in the way of returning the sea-birds to that Island. This Branch can take a large share of the credit for this valuable contribution to the protection of the bird life of this country. Financial: The year began with a credit balance at the bank, and as is shown by the balance sheet the financial position improved to the extent that we now have a credit balance of assets over liabilities of £52 16s 4d. This, in view of the small membership, must be considered highly satisfactory. General: It is now possible to consider this Branch as being firmly established, and the fact that the few years of our existence have been probably the most difficult that this Dominion has ever had to face should give us great confidence in our ability to function and grow in the years that lie ahead. A sense of loyalty in the members to the Society is yearly growing stronger, and augurs well for future activities. This is evidenced by the good attendance at the lectures and by the happy spirit which prevails at the little supper functions held after the meetings. The thanks of the Branch must also go to those members who opened their homes and extended hospitality to lecturers who came here from Dunedin. This feature appears to bring to lecturers a very desirable feeling of friendship, which reflects itself in them and in our Society as a whole. It also contributes in no small way to strengthening our financial position. Conclusion: The President and Council extend thanks to all who contributed to make the 1944 session such a bright and happy one, and trust that the 1945 one will be equally successful,