The Royal Society of New Zealand

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 80, 1952, Page xlvii

The Royal Society of New Zealand Annual Meeting of the Council, Tuesday, 20th May, 1952 Minutes The Annual Meeting of the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand was held on Tuesday, 20th May, 1952, in the Council Room, Victoria University College, Wellington. Welcome to Hon. Minister. The President, Mr. F. R. Callaghan, welcomed the Hon. Mr. Algie, Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research, expressing the Council's appreciation of the interest shown by the Hon. Minister in making time to attend the opening session of the annual meeting. He also warmly thanked him, on behalf of the Society, for obtaining, through Cabinet, a special grant which would enable the completion of the Proceedings of the Seventh Pacific Science Congress. In replying, the Hon. Minister regretted that this visit could be but a courtesy call, and very brief, because of the numerous calls on his time. He expressed his interest in the work of the Society; he would like to know more of the scientific work of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and of the Royal Society of New Zealand and at some future date he would like to sit in on their deliberations if this could be arranged. He felt it was the duty of the Government to provide encouragement in the work the Society was doing and he extended his best wishes. The Hon. Minister then retired. Roll Call. The following responded to the roll call:—President—Mr. F. R. Callaghan; Vice-Presidents—Dr. R. A. Falla, Dr. J. Marwick; Government Representatives—Dr. G. Archey, Mr. F. R. Callaghan, Dr. R. A. Falla, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver; Representing Auckland Institute—Professor L. H. Briggs, Mr. A. T. Pycroft, Representing Wellington Branch—Dr. M. A. F. Barnett, Professor L. R. Richardson; Representing Canterbury Branch—Professor R. S. Allan, Mr. C. E. Fenwick; Representing Otago Branch—Professor W. E. Adams, Mr. O. H. Keys; Representing Hawke's Bay Branch—Mr. J. D. H. Buchanan; Representing Nelson Institute—Dr. D. Miller; Representing Southland Branch—Dr. H. H. Allan; Co-opted Member—Dr. J. T. Salmon; Hon. Treasurer—Mr. S. Cory Wright, Representing the Fellows—Professor F. G. Soper. Honorary Patron. A letter expressing the regret of His Excellency the Governor-General in being unable to attend the meeting was received. Obituary. The President referred to the great loss the Society had sustained by several deaths which occurred during the past year. Mr B. C. Aston (died May, 1951) had been associated with the Society since 1909 and was one of the Original Fellows. He had held the offices of Secretary, Honorary Secretary, President, and Vice-President and for many years, and at the time of his death, was one of the four Government Representatives. Mr. Callaghan made reference to Mr. Aston's important work on soil deficiencies and to his botanical work.

Sir Peter Buck (died December, 1951) was a Fellow of the Society and also an Honorary Member and in 1932 he was awarded the Hector Medal and Prize for Maori Ethnology. Mr. George Simpson (died May, 1952) was a Fellow of the Society. He was an authority on the native flora and in association with the late Mr. J. Scott Thomson was awarded the Loder Cup. Dr. Herbert Gregory (died January, 1952) was an Honorary Member. He attended the Seventh Pacific Science Congress held in New Zealand in 1949. He had been associated with the Pacific Science Association since its inception, being President of the first Congress held in Honolulu in 1920. Dr. Theodore Mortensen (died April, 1952) of the Zoological Museum of Copenhagen had visited New Zealand and the publications in connection with his Pacific Expeditions were of the utmost importance to research students in zoology. He had only just completed the last volume of a great monograph on the Echinoidea, a group he had studied over the last fifty years and on which he was a world authority. This work can be compared only with the Challenger Reports. He was an Honorary Member. Sir Leonard Hill (died April, 1952) was awarded the T. K. Sidey Summertime Medal and Prize in 1936. The Council stood in respect to the memory of the above members, Fellows, and Honorary Members. President's Remarks. The President, in his remarks from the chair, outlined the measures that had been taken to deal with matters arising from the last annual meeting such as the present function and status of the Fellows, National Collections, Fuel and Power Position in New Zealand. Another matter which he now wished to bring forward was the possible expansion of the Society by the formation of new Branches especially in the Manawatu and in Hamilton where there were a number of resident scientists attached to scientific and agricultural institutions. In the discussion which followed members expressed their approval of the suggestion put forward and on the motion of Professor Richardson, seconded by Mr. Pycroft, it was resolved: “That the Wellington Branch undertake to encourage and to assist in the formation of a Branch in the Manawatu and that the Auckland Institute undertake to do likewise in regard to the Waikato district.” The President then referred to two new societies, the Entomological Society and the Ecological Society, which had been formed at the New Zealand Science Congress held in Christchurch last year, and the relationship of the Royal Society to new societies such as these. Dr. H. H. Allan stated that the Ecological Society wants to be joined to the Royal Society, but under the Royal Society's constitution there is not provision for such affiliation. Further discussion ensued on the advantages that might accrue to such societies affiliating with the Royal Society and finally on the motion of Professor R. S. Allan, seconded by Professor Richardson, it was resolved: “That a Committee be established to investigate the relationship of the Royal Society to other scientific organisations in New Zealand and to report

to the next meeting of the Council, taking into consideration possible amendments of the existing Regulations of the Society.” On the motion of Professor Allan, seconded by Professor Richardson, the following committee was appointed with power to co-opt:—Mr. F. R. Callaghan, Dr. G. Archey (Convener), Dr. H. H. Allan, Dr. R. A. Falla, and the President-elect. On the motion of Dr. Salmon it was resolved that the Royal Society officially welcome the formation of the Ecological and Entomological Societies and that this resolution be conveyed to the Ecological Society at present holding its first annual conference in Wellington. New and Retired Members. The President welcomed to the Council table Professor W. E. Adams, representing the Otago Branch, Dr. M. A. F. Barnett, representing the Wellington Branch, and Mr. C. E. Fenwick representing the Canterbury Branch. He paid a tribute to the work on the Council of Dr. C. M. Focken and Dr. O. H. Frankel who had resigned to take up positions in Australia and to Dr. L. Bastings who had resigned on account of his absence overseas for some months and to Dr. Marwick who was retiring from the Vice-Presidency. Notices of Motion were called for and handed in. Hector Award. Professor Burbridge, convener of the Hector Award Committee wrote stating that in view of the fact that a good deal of correspondence between the New Zealand and Australian members of the Committee and between the Committee and England had been necessary the Award Committee's recommendation was not ready. On the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Professor Richardson, it was resolved to authorise the Standing Committee to make the award when the recommendation comes from the Award Committee. Amount of Hector Prize. On the motion of Professor Briggs, seconded by Dr. Marwick, it was resolved that the amount of the prize be £50. Fellowship Election. The President read the report of the Fellowship Selection Committee as follows:— “As convener of the Fellowship Selection Committee I wish to report on the election of Fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand for 1952. “Part of the voting was very close and an actual tie occurred in the preliminary voting and it was necessary for the Fellowship Selection Committee to vote preferentially on a selected number of candidates. As a result of the preliminary voting and the preferential voting of the Fellowship Selection Committee, we recommend that Dr. Muriel Bell, Mr. C. A. Fleming, Professor E. Percival, and Dr. R. S. Duff be elected Fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand. L. H. Briggs.” On the motion of Professor Briggs, seconded by Professor Allan, Dr. Muriel Bell, Mr. C. A. Fleming, Professor E. Percival and Dr. R. S. Duff were elected Fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Vacancies in Fellowship. It was resolved that two Fellows be elected in 1953. Fellowship Rule No. 5. A discussion, introduced by Dr. Briggs, on the following Rule took place:—

“No person shall be nominated or elected a Fellow unless he is a member of the Royal Society of New Zealand and has been a member for five years immediately preceding his nomination or for five years at any period preceding his nomination.” Dr. Briggs then moved and Professor Soper seconded: “That the Fellowship of the Royal Society of New Zealand may be awarded to any scientific worker in New Zealand provided he has been resident in New Zealand for the last five years. In considering his qualifications for election emphasis should be placed on his research work actually carried out in New Zealand.” Mr. O. H. Keys, seconded by Dr. H. H. Allan, moved: “That Rule 5 be amended by adding the following sentence:—‘Provided that this Rule shall not debar the election of a non-member by the unanimous resolution of Council upon special recommendation in an exceptional case’.” After further discussion Professor Allan moved, and Dr. H. H. Allan seconded, and it was carried: “That Dr. Briggs' proposal re alteration of Rule 5 and Mr. Keys' amendment thereto be referred to the Branches which shall report to the Standing Committee.” Election of Honorary Members. The voting for two Honorary Members resulted in Dr. Anton Bruun and Sir Henry Dale being elected. Declaration of Vacancies. The following vacancies were declared:—Dr. Peter Buck, Dr. Theodor Mortensen, Dr. Herbert Gregory. It was resolved that three Honorary Members be elected in 1953. Votes of Thanks. On the motion of the President, seconded by Dr. Falla, it was resolved to thank the Hector Award Committee and the Fellowship Selection Committee for their work. Report of the Standing Committe for the Year Ended 31 st March, 1952. Meetings. Five meetings of the Standing Committee were held during the year, the attendance being as follows:— The President, Mr. F. R. Callaghan, Wellington, 5; Dr. R. A. Falla, Vice-President, Wellington, 2; Dr. J. Marwick, Vice-President, Wellington, 4, Dr. G. Archey, Auckland, 1, Dr. L. Bastings, Welling on, 5, Mr. S. Cory Wright, Wellington, 2, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, Wellington, 4; Professor L. R. Richardson, Wellington, 5, Dr. J. T. Salmon, Wellington (overseas), 1. Obituary. It was with sincere regret that the news of the death of Mr. B. C. Aston, C.B. E.., F. R. I.C, F. R. S. N. Z., on the 31st May, was received. Mr. Aston's association with the Royal Society dates back to 1910 when he was appointed Honorary Secretary of the then New Zealand Institute. In 1915 he was appointed one of the four Government representatives on the Council, and he retained this position until the time of his death. In 1919 Mr. Aston was elected on of the 20 Original Fellows. Subsequently, he held office as President (1926–27), being reappointed in May, 1928, on the death of Dr. J. Allan Thomson, until the expiry of the latter's term in 1929. In 1932 Mr. Aston was appointed Vice-President, holding that position until 1935. The first of Mr. Aston's papers was published in the Transactions in Volume 31 (1899) and this was followed by many more papers, botanical and chemical, including several on his important work on bush sickness. In 1925 Mr. Aston was awarded the Hector Medal and Prize for the investigation of New Zealand chemical problems. In 1949 he was included in the New Year Honours by the bestowal of the Order C. B.E. An Obituary Notice will appear in Volume 80.

Sir Peter Buck. News was received early in December of the death of Sir Peter Buck, M. D., Ch. B. (N.Z.), F.R.S.N.Z., a distinguished Maori who had achieved fame in many fields, but more especially in Polynesian ethnology and anthropology Many of his early papers are published in the Transactions and in the Polynesian Journal. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand in 1921, and an Honorary Member in 1934. In 1932 he was awarded the Hector Medal and Prize for his researches in Maori Ethnology. Arrangements have not yet been made regarding an Obituary Notice. Council. During the year Dr. O. H. Frankel, who represented the Canterbury Branch on the Council since 1943, resigned from that office on account of his appointment to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization at Canberra. Dr. Frankel was President of the local committee of the Seventh New Zealand Science Congress, and to him must be attributed a large measure of the success of that Congress. Dr. C. M. Focken, who had served on the Council for a long period, representing the Otago Branch from the year 1938, also resigned to take up a position in Melbourne as Head of the Museum of Applied Science of Victoria. Dr. L. Bastings, who had represented the Wellington Branch since March, 1949, resigned on account of his impending absence overseas. To fill these vacancies, Mr. C. E. Fenwick was appointed by the Canterbury Branch; Professor W. E. Adams, President of the Otago Branch, was appointed representative of that Branch; Dr. M. A. F. Barnett was appointed to succeed Dr. Bastings (Wellington Branch). Government Representatives Dr. R. A. Falla was appointed by the Government to succeed the late Mr. B. C. Aston as Government Representative, and Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, whose term expired in March, 1932, was reappointed. Honorary Editor At a meeting of the Standing Committee in March. Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, who had been Honorary Editor of the Transactions since the resignation of Miss Fyfe, in 1949, tendered his resignation as from the date of the annual meeting. Dr. Oliver's resignation was accepted with great regret and he was warmly thanked for his services. The matter of the successor to Dr. Oliver was held over until the annual meeting in May. Publication Matters. During the year the Hon Editor submitted to the Standing Committee which is the Publications Committee lists of approved papers in hand, and from these selections were made for Volume 79 (¾), and Volume 80, Parts 1, 2 and 3 or ¾ if it is to be a double number as in the previous volume as seems desirable from the point of view of completing the volumes more rapidly. In June, the Standing Commitee decided to adopt the new format (provisionally approved by the Annual Meeting) to commence with Volume 80 The Proceedings of the 1951 Annual Meeting, which are printed, indicate “the new look” and the lighter coloum used on the covers is an improvement. With a view to keeping the cost of publishing within the Society's resources, the Standing Committee has taken a firm stand in regard to authors who run up costs by an excessive use of illustrations in their papers and extravagance in the size and setting of then plates and line drawings. In addition to the increased printing prices, a new scale of charges for blocks came into force with the publication of Volume 79. As a further economy it was decided to issue Separates to authors without covers. They may, however, if they so desire, purchase covers at a cost of 10/- per 100 copies. Selling Price of Transactions. In June the Standing Committee decided on an increase in the selling price of the Transactions from 10/- to 15/- per Part. Financial. In 1950–51 the President placed before the Minister and Treasury the pressing need of the Society for an increased grant An amount of £2.500 was asked for, but on the 4th December it was reported that £1,750 had been placed on the Estimates. If the printers ever get back to their output of four or even three parts in each financial year this amount will be entirely inadequate Furthermore, it leaves no margin for any expansion in the work of the Society or in its Library. Library. Many more exchanges have resumed during the past year, and the number of periodicals coming to hand would appear to indicate that other institutions in other countries do not have the same difficulty in then printing output as does the Royal Society of New Zealand.

Owing to the distribution of the Proceedings of the Seventh Pacific Science Congress being undertaken by the Royal Society's Office less time than usual could be devoted to Library work. The Library, however, is fulfilling a good work, approximately 600 loans being issued during the past year to research workers and institutions. Member Bodies. The following reports have been received from Member Bodies:— Auckland Institute, for the year ended 31st March, 1951. Wellington Branch, for the year ended 30th September, 1951. Canterbury Branch, for the year ended 31st October, 1951. Hawke's Bay Branch, for the year ended 31st December, 1951. The Wellington Branch celebrated its centennial, and reports in general seem to indicate increasing membership and a lively interest in Branch activities. Fellowship. Nominations were called from Member Bodies for the four vacancies in the Fellowship of the Royal Society of New Zealand, and eleven nominations were received. Voting papers for the selection of the four required were sent to Fellows in November, and the result of the voting was conveyed by the Returning Officer to the Fellowship Selection Committee, which will report to the Annual Meeting in May. Fellowship Representation on the Council. Under the rules laid down for the representation of Fellows on the Council, Fellows were asked to nominate two and have their nominations seconded by a Fellow. There was such a poor response to this request that the Standing Committee gave authority for a second request and an extension of time for receiving nominations. Only three more Fellows responded and the total number of Fellows who either proposed or seconded nominations was eleven out of a possible thirty-four resident in New Zealand. This would indicate that some further machinery such as the calling a meeting of Fellows in each centre for discussion of matters of specific interest is necessary. T. K. Sidey Summer-time Award. Arrangements had been made at short notice for the presentation of the Sidey Summer-time Medal and Prize to Professor V. A. Barley, of the School of Physics. University of Sydney, at a function in Canberra. The High Commissioner for New Zealand at Canberra held the annual Dominion Day Reception on the 24th September, at which were present 400 guests, including the Prime Minister and the Minister for External Affairs, and a number of other members of the Cabinet, and all the prominent citizens of Canberra, so that it was a fitting occasion for the presentation of a New Zealand medal. The High Commissioner, Mr. Lisle Alderton, gave a short resume of the award and its conditions, and Sir Douglas Copland. Vice-Chancellor of the National University, himself a New Zealander, made the presentation. Professor Bailey wrote acknowledging the congratulations and good wishes of the President, Mr. Callaghan, stating that he was very sensible of the honour conferred on him and mentioning his association with Lord Rutherford and with the late Professor Coleridge Farr. Hector Award. It was a happy coincidence that Dr. F. J. Turner should be visiting New Zealand in 1951. This made it possible for the Hector Medal and Prize to be presented to him in Otago, where so much of the actual work for which he received the award had been done. The presentation took place in December, and unfortunately, the President, Mr. Callaghan, was unable to be away from Wellington at that time. Professor W. E. Adams, President of the Otago Branch, made the presentation to Dr. Turner at a most successful function. Hamilton Prizes. At the same Otago Branch function, the Hamilton Prize awarded to Dr. Elizabeth Batham, was presented to her. This presentation had been deferred on account of Dr. Batham's absence in England for post-graduate study. Arrangements for the presentation of the 1951 Hamilton Prize to Dr. Marshall Laird have been made. This will take place at a meeting of the Wellington Branch on the 23rd April. Hutton Grants. The following applications for grants from the Hutton Fund were received during the year and were dealt with by the Standing Committee:— Mr. Maxwell Gage., £25 for research on the glaciers of Canterbury and Westland. Approved 7th June, 1951. Mr. E. D. Hatch, for assistance in the cost of drawings for his papers. £18 18s approved 29th August. 1951. Mr. F. J. F. Fisher, £40, for a study of the cytogenetic relationships of the New Zealand species of Ranunculus £25 approved 29th August, 1951.

Dr. M. Laird, £45, for a field trip to Norfolk Island to study protozoan parasites there Approved 29th August, 1951. Mr. J. D. Campbell, £20, for collecting material for research in New Zealand Tassie and Jurassic Brachiopoda. Approved 4th December, 1951. Seventh New Zealand Science Congress, 1951. The Treasurer of the Congress, Mr. G. Stokell, submitted a financial statement of the Congress held last year. This revealed that the Canterbury Committee's aim to make the Congress self-supporting had been more than fulfilled. The Congress Committee received £150 from the Royal Society. This was insufficient to meet running expenses, and the Committee made a charge on members attending the Congress for morning and afternoon teas and for most of the entertainments, in addition to their subscriptions. This decision would appear to be a wise one in that it has left a credit balance of £280 19s 1d instead of a debit, which in the past has been a drain on the resources of the Branch holding the Congress. Mr. Stokell submitted a useful report with suggestions for future Congresses, and these will be of value. The Standing Committee ruled that the credit balance should go towards the cost of publishing the Congress volume, together with a grant of £850 made by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research for this purpose, and that the cost of the volume should not exceed this total amount. Science Congress Resolutions. The resolutions carried at the Congress were referred to the appropriate bodies. One which has a bearing on future Congresses is recorded. “That the Organizing Committee of the Eighth Science Congress be recommended to consider including in the programme symposia which, instead of containing a number of papers by different authors on different facets of the problem, shall consist of a single paper by a selected speaker (whose address shall be circulated before the Congress) and be followed by discussion” Eighth New Zealand Science Congress, 1954 The locale of the 1954 Science Congress is referred to the Annual Meeting in May It was ascertained that the Nelson Philosophical Society is not in a position to undertake the organization of the Congress, and the Auckland Institute has been approached with a view to its being held in Auckland. A. and N.Z.A. A. S. The next meeting of the A. and N. Z. A. A. S. will be held in Sydney in August, and member bodies have been asked to advise which of then members will attend in order that the Society's delegation may be appointed. Pacific Science Congress Proceedings. The 1st Volume of the Proceedings of the Seventh Congress, held in 1949, was published and distributed to those entitled to receive it. The price of this volume was fixed at 15/- Volumes 3 and 5, dealing with oceanography and meteorology and with botany are still in the press. The cost of these two volumes will exceed by approximately £800 the balance in the Congress Account, and the measures for meeting this deficit and for printing the remainder of the volumes has been frequently discussed by the Standing Committee. A deputation consisting of the President, Dr. Archey, Dr. Falla, Dr. Marwick, and Professor Richardson, was set up to wait on the Minister and place the position before him. The deputation was arranged for 28th April. Kalinga Prize for Science Writing. The Standing Committee submitted the name of Professor C. A. Cotton for the Kalinga Prize of £1,000, and specimens of his published works were sent to UNESCO for the jury set up to decide the winner of the Prize. The jury which was appointed is as follows:—Dr. Julian Huxley, Dr. M. N. Saha, Mr. Paul Gaulthier. Overseas Conferences. Dr. J. T. Salmon had been appointed to represent the Society at the International Congress of Entomology in Amsterdam, but he found he was unable to spare the time from his studies in London. Dr. L. Bastings was appointed to represent the Society at the General Assembly of the International Council of Scientific Unions in Brussels if he is able to do so. Professor C. A. Cotton was appointed to represent the Society at the International Geological Congress in Algiers and the International Geographical Congress in Washington. Visiting Overseas Scientists. The Society's Branches had the privilege of hearing lectures from distinguished scientific visitors during the year. On notification from the Society's office arrangements were made for Sir Edward Mellanby, who was accompanied by Lady Mellanby, to address combined meetings in the four centres.

Professor D. R. Hartree, F.R.S. addressed meetings, his subject (the calculating machine) being of specific interest to physicists and mathematicians. Branches were also advised of the visit of Mr. C. F. Publow, assistant engineer of the Hydro-electric Power Commission, Ontario. This visit, however, was of more interest to the Engineering Societies, and, moreover, it came during the holiday recess. International Union for the Protection of Nature. As a result of considered opinion by the Society's Conservation Committee, the Forest and Bird Protection Society and the Pacific Science Council, the Standing Committee approached the Government urging it to become an affiliated member of the IUPN. The Minister of Internal Affairs replied that arrangements were being made for an officer of the Wild Life Branch of his Department to attend a meeting of the working committee of the Union, and Dr. C. S. M. Hopkirk had last year attended a meeting of the General Assembly of the Union as Government observer Any decision of the Government regarding membership of the Union is deferred pending consideration of these reports when they come to hand The Society would be advised later on the position. Conservation Committee's Report.—The report presented to the last annual meeting covering proposals for the establishment of a National Conservation Council for New Zealand were submitted to the Ministers concerned. Later, the Minister of Works, in acknowledging receipt of the report, stated that serious consideration is being given to the question of organizing and control of soil conservation and that the Society's report will be taken into account. He stated that it may even be necessary before amending legislation is drafted to hold a conference of interested parties. Fuel and Power Utilization. The report presented at last Annual Meeting was redrafted for submission to the Rt. Hon. the Prime Minister, who replied that he greatly valued the findings of the Society's Committee on the fuel and power position in New Zealand, and that he had referred the matter to the Government's advisers for study and report. As no further reply had been received the matter was again placed before the Prime Minister. In the absence of the Prime Minister the Hon. Mr. Fortune, assistant to the Prime Minister, had referred the report to the Ministers concerned for direct reply. Rutherford Memorial. A sub-committee consisting of the President, the Hon. Treasurer, and Dr. L. Bastings (convener) was set up by the Standing Committee in June and ultimately advice was received from the Canterbury Organizing Committee that the University Colleges in the centres had been asked to act as committees in conjunction with other interested organizations. Dr. Bastings was appointed convener of the Wellington committee, and at the March meeting of the Standing Committee he reported that Wellington had raised £2,230, and it was hoped that New Zealand would raise approximately £10,000. Matters Arising From Last Annual Meeting. Several matters which were briefly discussed at the last Annual Meeting were referred to the Standing Committee for consideration and report. In some cases there has not been time nor the opportunity to do more than set up sub-committees to bring down preliminary reports; (a) Present function and status of Fellows: A sub-committee consisting of Dr. Archey (convener), Dr. Salmon, Professor E. Beaglehole. Dr. Barnett, was set up to report This has not yet been received. (b) National Collections: An exploratory committee consisting of Dr. Marwick (convener), Dr. H. H. Allan, Dr. Miller, Dr. Oliver, was set up to report when, if necessary, a larger and more representative committee could be set up. An interim report was received. (c) Endowment Fund: The Hon Treasurer and the Secretary were asked to report on this Fund. No action is yet reported. (d) Obligations and needs of the Society: Research Grants Fund A committee to deal with these matters was set up at the annual meeting but it has not yet reported. Archaeological Sites: The Hawke's Bay Branch submitted proposals for the preservation and marking of archaeological sites in Hawke's Bay. These were approved by the Standing Committee and the Branch was advised that action in this direction could well be patterned on similar schemes adopted in Great Britain and Canada with much success. Storage Accommodation: The store-room in the basement of the General Assembly Library in Parliament Buildings for many years in use by the Society is now required by the Assembly Library, but so far no alternative accommodation has been found by the Standing Committee.

Revision of the Index Faunae Novae Zealandiac. Some observations on the preparation and publication of this work made by Dr. Miller were referred to the Otago Branch's Revision Committee for consideration. Sainsbury's MS. On Mosses. This work has now been undertaken by the Dominion Museum as it holds the collection of Mr. Sainsbury's mosses. Annual Meeting, 1952. It was with regret that the Standing Committee decided against holding the Annual Meeting in Nelson. On an examination of comparative costs of a meeting in Nelson and Wellington it was felt that the Society was not justified at the present time in accepting the cordial invitation from Dr. D. Miller, Sir Theodore Rigg and the Nelson Philosophical Society to hold it in Nelson. The President moved and Dr. Falla seconded the adoption of the Standing Committee's Report. Matters arising out of the report:— Obituary Notice. It was agreed that the Otago Branch should be asked to arrange for an Obituary Notice of Mr. George Simpson. Publication Matters., Members expressed their approval of the new format of the Transactions as indicated by the separates of the Proceedings which were distributed to members. A. and N.Z. A.A.S. Dr. G. Archey was appointed to represent the Society at the 1952 meeting of the A. and N.Z. A. A. S. Pacific Science Congress. Dr. Marwick reported on the position of the printing of the Proceedings of the Seventh Pacific Science Congress and he suggested that a deputation to the Government Printer might assist in hastening the completion of the volumes in the press and succeeding volumes. The President read a letter from the Hon. Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research which stated that Cabinet had approved a special grant from the Consolidated Fund to defray the cost of the remaining volumes of the Proceedings. Further it instructed the Royal Society of New Zealand to endeavour to secure the best terms for the printing of these volumes. Gratification was expressed by Dr. Archey and others that it will now be possible for the remaining volumes to be published. On the motion of the President the Council's thanks were conveyed to the deputation for its successful work. The President had already expressed to the Minister and to Cabinet the Society's sincere thanks for the grant, approximately £8,500. Rutherford Appeal. Professor R. S. Allan reported that the amount of the Appeal now stood at £8,700. He paid a tribute to Nelson for its response to the appeal. Dr. Miller stated that a large proportion of the amount had been raised by a Science Exhibition for which Sir Theodore Rigg was largely responsible. Function and Status of Fellows. The committee set up to report on this matter presented its report as follows:— “The Committee appointed to consider possible functions and activities of Fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand, having in mind that Fellows are elected solely on account of their research achievement, that already over half of the present Fellows serve in office or on the Councils of the Royal Society or its Branches, and that Fellows are also entitled to elect two representatives on the Council of the Royal Society, is of opinion that no further formal activities or service should be expected of them, except that, because of

their research achievement, they would normally be looked to for advising the Council on matters within their sphere of investigation. “The Committee does not consider it advisable that other duties should be expected of them lest this should become to be regarded as a qualification for the Fellowship in addition to or even taking precedence over the present achievement in research.” On the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Dr. Salmon, the above report was adopted. National Collections. The Exploratory Committee (Dr. J. Marwick, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, Dr. H. H. Allan, Dr. D. Miller) set up by the Standing Committee presented a report which is to be submitted to the Standing Committee for consideration and if necessary a larger and more representative. Dr. Marwick commented on the recommendations in the report emphasising the need for better housing and maintenance of national collections involving additional finance. The President said the Royal Society is the proper body to take up such questions. On the motion of Dr. Marwick, seconded by Dr. Oliver, the report was adopted for action by the Standing Committee. The report of the Standing Committee was adopted. Lunch Adjournment. The President announced that the lunch would be taken at 12.20 p.m. and he invited all members to be his guests at Kirkcaldie and Stains. Afternoon Roll Call. All members responded to the afternoon roll call. Report of Honorary Treasurer I present the Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st March. 1952, which show that the Society has completed the year with a small credit balance of income over expenditure by £157 only because two quarterly parts of the Transactions (Volume 79, Parts 1 and 2) have been issued and paid for during the period. When the double part ¾ of Volume 79 just issued is taken into account, there will be a loss of some £500 carried into next year. As stated in the last Annual Report, the Government was requested to increase the previous grant of £1,250 to £2,500 in order to meet. (a) Greatly increased costs of publishing the Transactions. (b) Arrears of binding in the Library. (c) Library assistant. (d) Greater expenses of the Society. Our President pressed the Society's claim, but only £500 extra was allowed, making the year's Government grant £1,750 This will only permit the publication of two or possibly three quarterly parts of Transactions in the year instead of the four quarterly parts programmed. I must therefore again emphasise that, while we have to be grateful for the present grant of £1,750, it will be inadequate to permit the full printing programme to be maintained. The cash balance as shown in the Statement of Receipts and Payments is £3,750 11s 8d, as against £2,752 10s 2d last year This increase of about £1,000 is due to the above credit balance on the year of £157, and £850 received as a D.S.I.R. grant which has to be transferred to the Canterbury Branch for the printing costs of the N.Z. Science Congress Volume 1951, and so this increase in the cash balance is of no significance. The Canterbury Branch Committee responsible for the publication of this volume has been instructed that the cost must be kept within the £850 grant plus the balance of Congress funds in their hands. The Trust Funds continue to be in a healthy condition. There has been little call during the year for grants from the various Funds, so that expendable credit balances are accumu-

lating in most of the Funds, the Hutton Memorial Fund having now a credit in Revenue Account of £327. Report on the Endowment Fund. I seek a direction from the Council regarding the purpose of this Fund, and disposal of the expendable revenue for the past year under review. The capital of the Fund is £2,129 2s 5d, plus un-allocated revenue up to 31st March, 1951, of £550 16s 10d, which should be added to the Capital, making a total of £2,679 19s 3d in Capital Account. The past year's revenue is £110 18s 11d, obtained from interest on the Endowment Fund and also on the General Fund in the P.O. Savings Bank Account, and this can be allocated to any purpose by direction of the Council. It is suggested that the Council should now allocate this £110 18s 11d to General Income, so as to assist with publication expenses. The Standing Committee requested an investigation of the origin and purpose of the Endowment Fund, which appears to be as follows:— The Annual Meeting of the N.Z. Institute (now Royal Society) in 1918 adopted a motion by Dr. J. Allan Thomson: “That an Endowment Fund be set up, the interest of which may be spent in any year for any purpose of the Institute, but the principal may not be spent.” The nucleus was a refund of travelling expenses, £4 18s 1d, by a member of the Board of Governors, Professor A. P. W. Thomas, and additions of interest and other amounts were made year by year so that the capital fund is now £2,129 2s 5d. This Endowment Fund was guarded, particularly by the late Mr. B. C. Aston, who was exmphatic that any annual interest not voted in that current year for purposes of the Institute should be capitalised. Mr. Aston's idea was that eventually the fund might reach proportions to enable the Society to have its own building and so become a “building Fund,” but no actual minute or resolution to that effect has been found in the records. The Standing Committee, having considered this report, recommends that this Endowment Fund, at present amounting to £2,679 19s 3d, be set aside as a Building Fund as proposed by Mr. Aston, and I seek a direction from the Council on the matter. The Seventh Pacific Science Congress accounts, administered by the Royal Society, are set out in attached statements for the years ending 31st March, 1951, and 31st March, 1952. After paying £349 14s 5d for the Proceedings, Volume 1, the balance in hand is £1,589 15s 3d towards the cost of the other six volumes of Proceedings which are now estimated to cost about £13,000 to produce. Volumes 3 and 5 are now in the press, leaving Volumes 2, 4, 6 and 7 to follow later when finances have been secured for their production. Sales to date of Volume 1 have produced £22 11s 11d, and £113 more is expected from 189 copies sold. Sales of full sets and volumes of Proceedings when completed are expected to produce up to £2,000 income A deputation has been arranged to urge the Government to grat a subsidy of up to £11,000 to finance the cost of these Proceedings, but it is hoped that income from sales may reduce the actual subsidy required to about £8,500. S. Cory Wright, Honorary Treasurer

The Royal Society of New Zealand. Statement of Receipts and Payments for the Year Ended 31st March, 1952. Receipts. Payments. £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance at 31st March, 1951 2,752 10 2 Otago Daily Times Co., Transactions 79 (1,2) 1,335 14 9 Annual Government Grant 1,750 0 0 Salaries 500 0 0 D.S.I.R. Grant for 1951 N.Z. Science Congress Volume 850 0 0 Library Assistance 2 8 0 Sales of Publications 70 11 7 Hon. Editor's Honorarium 50 0 0 Levy, Volume 79 (1951) 300 7 6 Final Instalment 1951 N.Z. Science Congress 50 0 0 Travelling Expenses: Member Bodies' Share 29 14 0 Travelling Expenses 73 13 0 Donation 1 0 0 Stationery 20 0 7 Refund of Hutton Grant 5 13 9 Books 1 3 9 Hutton Memorial Fund, Interest 64 3 1 Charges (Telephone, Insurance, Typewriter Repairs, Code Address, Bank) 15 8 4 Hector Memorial Fund, Interest 51 9 3 Subscriptions, Inter. Scientific Unions 58 18 9 Sidey Summer-time Fund, Interest 25 13 9 Petty Cash (Secretary, Hon. Editor) 22 5 6 Cockayne Memorial Fund, Interest 12 5 6 Hutton Grants 86 16 11 Carter Library Legacy, Interest 6 15 6 Sidey Summer-time Prize and Charges 103 3 9 Plant Diseases Trust, Interest 19 6 11 Hector Prize and Charges 51 2 3 Hamilton Memorial Fund, Interest 2 9 6 Hamilton Prizes (1947, 1951) 8 0 6 Endowment Fund, Interest 110 18 11 Interest paid direct to Trust Accounts 137 1 6 Transfer from Trust Funds to General Account 225 1 4 Transfer from General Account to Trusts Accounts 11 11 6 Balance as Under 3,750 11 3 £6,278 0 9 £6,278 0 9 £ s. d. Bank of New Zealand 2,232 18 6 Less Unpresented Cheques 54 13 2 2,178 5 4 Post Office Savings Bank 1,558 7 11 Petty Cash in Hand 13 18 5 £3,750 11 8 S. CORY WRIGHT, Honorary Treasurer.

The Royal Society of New Zealand. Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31st March, 1952. Liabilities. Assets. £ s. d. £ s. d. Hector Memorial Fund Capital Account 1,184 18 1 Hector Memorial Fund: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £1,250) 1,184 18 1 Hector Memorial Fund Revenue Account 35 15 10 Hector Memorial Fund: P.O. Savings Bank Account 35 15 10 Hutton Memorial Fund Capital Account 1,506 8 6 Hutton Memorial Fund: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £1,570) 1,506 8 6 Hutton Memorial Fund Revenue Account 327 6 9 Hutton Memorial Fund: P.O. Savings Bank Account 327 6 9 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund Capital Account 554 10 0 Summer-time Fund: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £510) 500 2 6 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund Revenue Account 74 3 7 Summer-time Fund: P.O. Savings Bank Account 128 11 1 Plant Diseases Trust Capital Account 542 13 5 Plant Diseases: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £500) 500 0 0 Plant Diseases Trust Revnue Account 158 2 9 Plant Diseases: P.O. Savings Bank Account 200 16 2 Cockayne Memorial Fund Capital Account 249 12 0 Cockayne Memorial Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £260) 249 12 0 Cockayne Memorial Fund Revenue Account 98 1 7 Cockayne Memorial Inscribed Stock P.O. Savings Bank Account 98 1 7 Carter Library Legacy Capital Account 162 19 0 Carter Legacy: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £160) 162 19 0 Carter Library Legacy Revenue Account 49 1 0 Carter Legacy: P.O. Savings Bank Account 49 1 0 Hamilton Memorial Fund Capital Account 81 19 2 Hamilton Fund: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £60) 60 0 0 Hamilton Memorial Fund Revenue Account 1 3 3 Hamilton Fund: P.O. Savings Bank Account 23 2 5 Endowment Fund Capital Account 2,054 2 5 Endowment Fund: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £2,070) 2,054 2 5 Endowment Fund Revenue Account 735 10 9 Endowment Fund: Part General Account P.O. Savings Bank 735 10 9 Research Grants Fund 35 0 10 Sundry Debtors 215 5 2 Library Binding Fund 199 8 0 Bank of New Zealand 2,178 5 4 Publications Expenses Fund 283 12 7 Post Office Savings Bank 822 17 2 Account in Credit 0 6 1 Petty Cash in Hand 13 18 5 N.Z. Science Congresses Fund 50 0 0 1951 N.Z. Science Congress Volume 850 0 0 Balance of Assets over Liabilities 1,811 18 7 £11,046 14 2 £11,046 14 2 Property Assets: Estimated and Insured Value. Est. Value. Ins. Value. Library and Stack Room, V.U. College 11,592 12 0 4,500 0 0 Furniture 95 12 6 40 0 0 Stock in Cellar, Parliament Buildings 500 0 0 Carter Library, Dominion Museum (Jointly owned with Museum) 500 0 0 £5,540 0 0 The Audit Office having examined the Balance Sheet and accompanying Accounts required by law to be audited, hereby certifies them to be correct. C. J. ATKIN, Controller and Auditor-General. NOTE: The Controller-Auditor-General's certificate has also been attached to the 1951–52 Balance Sheet published in Volume 80, Part 1, before being audited.

The Royal Society of New Zealand. Statement of Income and Expenditure for the Year Ended 31st March, 1952. Expenditure. Income. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Printing Transactions, Vol. 79 (1, 2) Blocks 78 1,334 3 7 By Balance at 31st March, 1951 1,654 11 6 " Salaries 500 0 0 " Annual Government Grant 1,750 0 0 " Editor's Honorarium 50 0 0 " Levy, Volume 79 (1951) 434 12 6 " Library Assistance 2 8 0 " Donation 1 0 0 " Stationery 20 0 7 " Trust Funds Administration Expenses 5 2 6 " Books Purchased 1 3 9 " Sales of Publications 114 19 7 " Charges (Telephone, Insurance, Code, Bank) 15 8 4 " Subscription Int. Scientific Unions 58 18 9 " Travelling Expenses 43 19 0 " Petty Cash 22 5 6 " Science Congress, Annual Grant 50 0 0 " Library Binding, Annual Grant 50 0 0 " Balance 1,811 18 7 £3,960 6 1 £3,960 6 1

The Royal Society of New Zealand. Trust Funds for the Year Ended 31st March, 1952. Hector Memorial Fund. Dr Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Prize and Exg. (Dr. Turner) 50 1 3 By Capital Invested 1,184 18 1 " Engraving Medal 1 1 0 " Balance Revenue Account 31/3/51 36 8 10 " Administration Expenses 1 0 0 " Interest 51 9 3 " Balance 1,220 13 11 £1,272 16 2 £1,272 16 2 By Balance Capital A/c. £1,184 18 1 By Balance Revenue A/c. £35 15 10 Hutton Memorial Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Grants 86 16 11 By Capital Invested 1,506 8 6 " Administration Expenses 1 0 0 " Balance Revenue Account, 31/3/51 345 6 10 " Balance 1,833 15 3 " Interest 64 3 1 " Grant Refunded 5 13 9 £1,921 12 2 £1,921 12 2 By Balance Capital Account £1,506 8 6 " Balance Revenue Account £327 6 9 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund. Dr. Cr £ s. d. £ s. d. To Prize (Professor Bailey) 100 0 0 By Capital Invested and in Post Office 551 18 8 " Charges (cables, postage) 3 3 9 " Balance Revenue A/c. 31/3/51 155 4 11 " Administration Expenses 1 0 0 " Interest Revenue Account 23 2 5 " Balance 628 13 7 " Interest Capital Account 2 11 4 25 13 9 £732 17 4 £732 17 4 By Balance Capital Account £334 10 0 " Balance Revenue Account £74 3 7 Plant Diseases Trust. Dr. Cr. £ s d. £ s d. To Administration Expenses 0 2 6 By Capital Invested and P.O. Savings Bank 542 13 5 " Balance 700 16 2 " Balance Revenue Account, 31/3/51 138 18 4 " Interest 19 6 11 £700 18 8 £700 18 8 By Balance Capital Account £542 13 5 " Balance Revenue Account £158 2 9

Cockayne Memorial Fund. Dr Cr £ s. d. £ s. d. To Administration Expenses 0 2 6 By Capital Invested 249 12 0 " Balance 347 13 7 " Balance Revenue Account, 31/3/51 85 18 7 " Interest 12 5 6 £347 16 1 £347 16 1 By Balance Capital Account £249 12 0 " Balance Revenue Account £98 1 7 Carter Library Legacy. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Administration Expenses 0 10 0 By Capital Invested and P.O 162 19 0 " Balance 212 0 0 " Balance Revenue Account, 31/3/51 42 15 6 " Interest 6 15 6 £212 10 0 £212 10 0 By Balance Capital Account £162 19 0 Balance Revenue Account £49 1 0 Hamilton Memorial Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. To Administration Expenses 0 2 6 " Capital Invested and in P. O. Savings Bank 80 14 5 " Prize, 1947 (Dr. Elizabeth Batham) 4 0 6 By Balance Revenue Account, 31/3/51 8 1 6 " Prize, 1951 (Dr. M. Laird) 4 0 0 " Interest Rev 1 4 9 " Balance 83 2 5 " Interest Cap. 1 4 9 2 9 6 £91 5 5 £91 5 5 " Balance Capital Account £81 19 2 " Balance Revenue Account £1 3 3 Endowment Fund. Dr Cr $ s d. $ s. d. To Administration Expenses 1 5 0 By Capital Invested and in P. O. Savings Bank 2,129 2 5 " Balance 2,789 13 2 " Balance Revenue Account, 31/3/51 550 16 10 " Interest 75 12 0 $2,790 18 2 " Interest P.O.S.B. Account 35 6 11 $2,790 18 2 By Balance Capital Account $2,129 2 5 " Balance Revenue Account $660 10 9

Seventh Pacific Science Congress. Statement of Recepits and Payments for the Year Ended 31st March, 1951. Receipits. Payments. £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance at 31st March, 1950 1,182 0 4 Salaries and Wages, Auckland Office 70 0 0 Balance UNESCO Grant from New York 921 2 10 General Running Expenses Auckland Office 3 1 7 Postages, etc. 20 0 0 Expenses, Accommodation Officer, Christchurch 7 3 10 Refund to Internal Affairs Department of Overpayment Official Guest's Hospitality 16 2 0 French Interpreter's Fees: Christchurch Session 19 0 0 Contribution Int. Union Protection Nature Conference 8 0 0 Audit Fees 11 5 0 Sundries 9 2 9 Bank Charges 0 11 3 Balance as Under 1,938 16 9 £2,103 3 2 £2,103 3 2 S. Cory Wright, Honorary Treasurer. £ s. d. Bank of New Zealand, Wellington 1,842 12 7 Less Unpresented Cheques 1 6 9 1,841 5 10 Balance Auckland Account 97 10 11 £1,938 16 9

Seventh Pacific Science Congress. Statement of Receipts and Payments for the Year Ended 31st March, 1952. Recepits. Payments. £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance at 31st March, 1951 1,938 16 9 Government Printer: Proceedings, Vol. 1 349 14 5 Sales of Proceedings, Vol. 1 22 11 11 Imprest Account (Distribution of Vol. 1) 22 0 0 Donation 1 1 0 Bank Charges 1 0 0 Balance as Under 1,589 15 3 £1,962 9 8 £1,962 9 8 S. Cory Wright, Honorary Treasurer. £ s. d. Bank of New Zealand, Wellington 1,492 3 10 Less Unpresented Cheque 0 10 6 £1,491 13 4 Bank of New Zealand, Auckland 98 1 11 £1,589 15 3

Mr. Cory Wright moved and Mr. Pycroft seconded the report of the Hon. Treasurer and the. (a) Statement of Receipts and Expenditure. (b) Statement of Assets and Liabilities. (c) Statement of Income and Expenditure. (d) Statement of Trust Accounts. (e) Statement of Pacific Science Congress 1950–51 and 1951–52. Mr. Cory Wright, in speaking to his report as Hon. Treasurer stated that he and the Secretary had been asked to report on the Endowment Fund. He outlined the history of the Endowment Fund stating that it was established in 1918 by resolution of the Board of Governors of the then New Zealand Institute on the motion of Dr. J. Allan Thomson. Since that date the fund has grown by accumulating interest and, for a period, by crediting it with the sales of the Society's publications, until at the present time it amounts to £2,789 13s 2d. The Hon. Treasurer asked for a direction regarding the accumulated interest in the Revenue Account. A great deal of discussion took place regarding the purpose of the Endowment Fund and finally on reference to the Declaration of Trust covering the Fund it was ruled that no specific object could be laid down for the Fund and that interest not allocated in the year in which it accrued must be capitalised. Mr. Cory Wright moved that the present year's income (£110 18s 11d) be allocated to General Income. Dr. Archey moved an amendment that £50 of the current year's income be added to the Capital and the balance to Revenue for printing. On being put to the meeting the amendment was lost. The motion was then put and carried. Government Grant. On the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Dr. Briggs, it was resolved that renewed representation be made to the Government for an increase in its grant to enable it to carry out its functions. Mr. Callaghan reported that an amount of £2000 was on the estimates for the current year for the Society's vote. He explained the procedure by which Government grants were allocated, stating that Treasury and the Goverment had to be impressed by the need before meeting calls for increased grants. Dr. H. H. Allan moved that the same deputation as waited on the Minister in connection with the Seventh Pacific Science Congress Proceedings be appointed to approach the Government and press for an increased grant. This was carried. The Hon. Treasurer's Report and balance sheet were adopted. Report of the Honorary Editor. Volume 80 of the Transactions, Part 1 of which should be issued shortly, is being printed in crown quarto size. The manuscript for the whole volume, provided the Council approves the issue of a double number, is now in the printer's hands Part 1 is in page form, Part 2 in galley form, and Part 3 (3–4) are being set up in type. There are now only a few manuscripts in hand for the next volume. In order that Volume 80 may be completed this year, I recommend that the last lot of manuscript sent to the printer be issued as a double part, namely Part ¾ Some comments are required on the wording of the title page In accordance with a resolution of the Council the title of the Transactions will be the “Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand,” the words “and Proceedings” being omitted. The words “Quarterly

Issue” are no longer required as annual volumes are not now issued, nor is the line “Issued March, 1952,” this information already being given with the volume number. Revision of the sentence “Edited and published under the authority of the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand” should be considered. I suggest, instead, “Published by the Royal Society of New Zealand. (Editor's name) Editor” The place of publication is not Dunedin, as would appear on the title page, but Wellington, and the publisher is the Royal Society of New Zealand. Consequently the statement should read, “Wellington, New Zealand. The Royal Society of New Zealand,” while on the back of the title-page or at the foot of the last page of each part should be the imprint, “Printed by the Otago Daily Times and Witness Newspapers Co. Ltd., Dunedin.” I have now completed nearly three years as editor of the Transactions, and find that the work takes up a considerable amount of time that I would rather use for research. Accordingly I have forwarded to the Secretary a letter of resignation which I trust the Council will accept. W. R. B. Oliver, Honorary Editor. On the motion of Dr. Oliver, seconded by Professor Richardson, the report of the Honorary Editor was adopted. Certain points in the report were referred to the Standing Committee for action. Resignation of Honorary Editor. Dr. Oliver had intimated to the Standing Committee that he wished to relinquish the office of Honorary Editor. Members spoke in appreciation of the work Dr. Oliver had given as Hon. Editor. On the motion of the President, it was resolved: “That this Council tenders to Dr. Oliver its appreciation and expresses its regret that he is unable to continue the work.” This was carried by acclamation. Report of the Honorary Librarian. The work of the Library has progressed as well as can be expected under present conditions. There is little opportunity for further additional shelving, and although present footage will still permit a few years under normal operation, this is possible only with occasional and laborious rearrangement. Additions continue at a reasonable level, approximately 1,900 periodicals or parts and books being received during the year. Loans to members, the University staff and honours students and institutions total 582 for the twelve months. Entering accessions, mailing loans, and maintenance of general orderliness in the Library is no small task, and the help of a part-time assistant, even though only two afternoons weekly, is of value. L. R. Richardson, Honorary Librarian. On the motion of Professor Richardson, seconded by Dr. Salmon, the report of the Honorary Librarian was adopted. Report of Representative on National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees met three times during the year. The senior representative of the Royal Society of New Zealand on the Board, Professor W. P. Evans, resigned on account of ill-health. He has been a member of the Board since 1935. The Board devoted considerable attention to proposals for the completion of the National War Memorial, in terms of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Act, 1930. The Art Gallery and Museum have been open to the public and well attended throughout the year, but the caterer who had contracted to run the tea-room had been unable to continue and that valuable amenity is no longer functioning. Several new Museum displays have been constructed, including a habitat group of Notornis and geological exhibits, and research work and general service by the staff increased. The Art Gallery held five special exhibitions. C. A. Fleming, Representative on the Board of Trustees.

On the motion of Professor Richardson, seconded by Dr. Oliver, the report of the representative on the Board of Trustees, Mr. C. A. Fleming, was adopted. It was resolved that the Council place on record its appreciation of the services rendered by Professor W. P. Evans on the Board of Trustees for a long period. Report of Representative on Medical Research Council. The inaugural meeting of the new Medical Research Council, as reconstituted under the 1950 Act, was held in Wellington in May 24, 1951, and a second meeting in Dunedin on October 2 and 3. It was announced that the Government had promised a grant of £40,000 per annum for the first three years, thus ensuring stability in the work of the Council at least during the initial period Research Committees were appointed in the following fields of investigation:— Clinical Medicine (Chairman, Dr. Smirk); Dental (Dr. Walsh); Neuro-physiology and Neuropathology (Dr. McIntyre); Endocrinology (Sir Chas. Hercus); Nutrition (Dr. Muriel Bell); Island Territories (Sir Charles Hercus); Obstetrics (Dr. Wright); and Tuberculosis (Dr. C. McDowell) In all these fields, research work which had been inaugurated under the previous regime, was reviewed, and plans formulated to ensure its active continuation in the future. Salaries of research workers and of technical staff were revised to bring them more nearly into line with those of university staffs of equivalent status. A proposal to initiate research into the problems of social medicine was not considered by the Council to be desirable at the present time, but arrangements have now been made, through the Social Science Section of the Wellington Branch of the Royal Society for a pilot survey to be carried out by senior students of the social sciences at Victoria University College, within a limited portion of this field This investigation is now under the control of the Head of the Department of Psychology, and, no doubt, when the survey is completed, a suitable approach would result in the final report being made available to the Council of the Royal Society through the Social Science Section. L. Bastings, Representative on Medical Research Council On the motion of Mr. Keys, seconded by Dr. Salmon, the report submitted by Dr. Bastings, the Society's representative on the Medical Research Council was adopted. It was determined to ascertain if the Medical Research Council would accept a proxy on the Council during the absence of Dr. Bastings and if so that Professor Richardson be appointed to act in that capacity. Report of Representative on Tongariro National Park Board. I was appointed to the Tongariro National Park Board at the Annual Meeting of the Royal Soceity of New Zealand last year. I attended the Board's meeting on the 27th October. This was the only full meeting of the Board held during the year. Prior to my appointment the Board had engaged Mr. A. Salmon as a full time ranger. Prior to this the Board had no officer in the Park other than the Warden, whose office is honorary and who lives in Raetihi. Mr. Salmon, who had been working at the Chateau for some time, had shown great interest in the Park, and had done valuable voluntary work with the Warden. It is an important advance for the Board to have a permanent employee in the area. A good house has been built for the ranger from a grant made by the Government. The most important topic before the Board is the consideration of a long term policy. This policy has not been completed. I hope that a satisfactory policy will be adopted by the Board before the National Parks Bill comes into operation with the changes of the constitution of the Board which this Bill entails. The efforts to eradicate gorse and broom have not been very successful. It is proposed to try chemical treatment This course seems justified in view of the fact that the area affected is very small. The Commissioner of State Forests has notified the Board of the Government's intention to add substantial areas to the Park. Included in the proposed additions is an area on the slopes of Mount Hauhungatahi, which is said to contain a very interesting stand of subalpine forest.

Considerable development continues in the Whakapapa area. There are now 13 Clubs with Club houses and huts in this area. The Ruapehu Ski Club expects to be able to accommodate 100 members when its fine club-house is completed. Other clubs can accommodate between 200 and 300 members. Greatly increased numbers of people are now using the ski-ing grounds in winter. A track useable by jeeps and tractors extends 500 feet above the head of the road. The development now taking place makes it particularly desirable that the Board adopt a long term policy which ensures preservation of much of the area of the Park as “wilderness”. In my opinion it is an important function of the Board to see that as much as possible of the Park is kept in its natural state. J. H. Rose, Representative on Tongariro National Park Board. On the motion of Professor Briggs, seconded by Dr. Archey, the report of the Tongariro National Park Board presented by the Society's representative, Mr. J. H. Rose, was adopted. It was resolved to strengthen the hands of the Society's representative by informing the Board that it is the policy of the Royal Society that as much as possible of the Park should be kept in its natural condition. Report of Representative on the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture During the past year I have represented the Royal Society on the Dominion Council of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, on which I also represent the University of New Zealand. While I am quite willing to act in this dual capacity, I might suggest that the Royal Society consider an alternative appointment either now or when some suitable person is available, as two actual voices are more important than two potential votes. Conference. The Institute held its annual Conference in New Plymouth in February, 1952, along with the conferences of other horticultural bodies and various horticultural activities including a flower show. The venue for a similar programme in February, 1953, has not been settled, but Wellington is favoured. Objectives. The Institute is at present reviewing its objectives, including its role in horticulture at the national and local levels; I am a member of the sub-committee handling this question. Plant Quarantine. The Institute was represented at discussions convened by the Director-General of Agriculture to consider local regulations, and gave its support to amendments giving more freedom to commercial importers. I doubt whether this policy would commend itself to the Royal Society, but the amendments have now been made. National Reserves. (1) The Institute, having apparently long advocated legislation of the kind which has recently been introduced, was disappointed that it was not given direct representation on the controlling authority, and has been seeking re-consideration by the Minister. (2) The Institute has asked its District Councils to report on any areas in their districts which they consider should be designated as reserves, mainly for the purpose of preserving adequate samples of New Zealand vegetation. Arbor Day. Members of the Institute participated in observances of Arbor Day in various parts of the country, and in publicity. These activities will probably be extended in the coming year. Examinations I am a member of the Institute's Examining Board which has been active in controlling this important part of the Institute's work. The Board is at present revising the prescriptions of the various subjects of examination for the National Diploma in Horticulture, and associated certificates. Registered students for the N.D.H (N.Z) totalled 250 at the date of the latest annual report; 88 of these sat some part of their examinations in 1951. Examination syllabuses have been completed and gazetted for two new awards. (a) National Diploma in Fruit Culture; (b) Certificate in School Gardening. Others are under consideration. H. D. Gordon. Representative on the Dominion Council Royal N. Z. Institute of Horticulture.

On the motion of Dr. Oliver, seconded by Dr. Marwick, the report of the Society's representative on the Council of the Royal N.Z. Institute of Horticulture, Professor H. D. Gordon, was adopted. It was resolved to inform Professor Gordon that the Society was quite happy that he should continue to represent it and to thank him for a comprehensive and interesting report. Report of Representative on Great Barrier Reef Committee. One meeting of the Committee was held during the past year (November 29, 1951). Funds for the proposed Marine Biological Station on Heron Island have increased from £2559 to £6868, the bulk of this being the Queensland Government grant of £3,750 to be paid when the Committee is ready to begin work on the island. An annual Government grant of £750 was also promised. The Committee discussed various questions relating to the project, including transport of building materials to Heron Island and the building of a hut for the workers and from which the larger constructional work could be done. The purpose of the station is research into reef biology, for training research workers in biological work, and for research into economic problems of fisheries, tourist development, etc. The financial statement of the Committee showed a balance of £1,214. W. R. B. Oliver, Representative on the Committee. On the motion of Dr. Oliver, seconded by Dr. Archey, the report of the representative on the Great Barrier Reef Committee was adopted. Dr. Oliver stated that the Marine Biological Station on Heron Island is the only research station of its kind in Australia and New Zealand waters. Report of Representative on the New Zealand Oceanographic Committee The New Zealand Oceanographic Committee was established in September, 1950, by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research to act as a national body to co-ordinate oceanographic research in New Zealand. The need for such a body had been emphasized in the resolutions of the Seventh Pacific Science Congress and in Dr. R. A. Falla's Presidential Address to the Royal Society of New Zealand (1950), and had been felt by the scattered workers in this subject in New Zealand. As constituted, the committee consists of representatives of the four metropolitan university colleges, Dominion and Auckland Museums, Marine Department, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Meteorological Office, Royal New Zealand Navy, and Portobello Marine Biological Station; two of the members also represent the Royal Society of New Zealand and the Standing Committee on Oceanography of the Pacific Science Association. The Committee has met twice a year since October, 1950. Its activities have included liaison with R.R.S. Discovery II, H.M.S. Challenger, and the Danish Deep-sea Expedition in the Frigate Galatea during their recent visits to New Zealand. A sub-committee has dealt with collections and records obtained by H.M.S. Lachlan during her hydrographic re-survey of New Zealand. Lists of New Zealand Library holdings in Oceanography and of oceanographic equipment, and news sheets covering current research activities have been compiled and circulated. Nine papers on oceanographic subjects have been published under the committee's auspices. On the committee's recommendation the Dominion Museum appointed an officer to handle and distribute collections from H.M. S. Lachlan and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research appointed an oceanographer to accompany the vessel during her survey work. Several applications for research grants were considered and transmitted to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. The committee endorsed a number of research projects, for one of which (Cook Strait), a great deal of data has been assembled. C. A. Fleming, Representative on Committee.

On the motion of Mr. Keys, seconded by Professor Adams, the report presented by Mr. C. A. Fleming, the Society's representative on the N.Z. Oceanographic Committee was adopted. Report of Representatives on the Carter Observatory Board. Board. The constitution of the Board at the end of the year was as follows:—Dr. E. R. Cooper, Mr. R. G. Dick, Mr. R. C. Hayes, Mr. W. M. Jones, Professor F. F. Miles (Government); Mr. E. P. Norman, Mr. M. A. Castle (Wellington City Council); Dr. M. A. F. Barnett, Mr. C. G. G. Berry (Royal Society of New Zealand). Mr. E. P. Norman and Professor F. F. Miles continued in their office as Chairman and Deputy Chairman respectively. Education Work. The Observatory was opened to the public regularly on Friday evenings from February to December, and on a few special occasions. There was a total attendance of 1,724 for 52 sessions. The first Martin Luckie Memorial Lecture was given in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on October 16. Solar Work. Observations of sunspots have been continued at the Observatory, and these have been supplemented by selected amateur astronomers in Wellington, New Plymouth and Christchurch. An investigation of the accurancies of sunspot numbers as deduced at the Observatory, was completed, showing that they are comparable with international standards. Spectrohelioscope observations have been made whenever possible, although with the decreasing solar activity the frequency of flares has decreased. Auroral Work. Auroral records have been kept as in former years from New Zealand reports, supplemented by valuable work by the parties on Campbell, Heard, and Macquarie Islands. The two latter islands are controlled by the Australian National Antarctic Expedition. Although there have been no very brilliant displays, the photographic stations at Taleri and Invercargill have performed splendid work in obtaining single station photographs of moderate activity Partial success has also been obtained between these two stations for duplicate photography and augurs well for the future. Information. Information on various astronomical phenomena, often requiring computation, was supplied in response to many requests. Telescope. The lens of the 9-inch telescope was received from England after cleaning and is now working very satisfactorily. M. A. F. Barnett, C. G. G. Berry, Representatives of the Royal Society on the Carter Observatory Board On the motion of Dr. Barnett, seconded by Dr. Miller, the report of the Carter Observatory Board, presented by Mr. C. G. G. Berry and himself was adopted. Dr. Barnett reported that Mr. I. L. Thomsen, Director of the Carter Observatory had just received news that he had been awarded a Fellowship for study overseas. Reports of Research Grantees Briggs, Professor L. H reports that the whole of the grant made in 1945, in 1948, and the re-arranged grant made in 1949 has been expended as reported last year, the research project being Plant Products of New Zealand. The apparatus bought from these grants is still being used and acknowledgment of assistance from the Royal Society of New Zealand appears in papers published in the Journal of the Chemical Society Professor Briggs has given details of the titles and the number of the Journals where twelve papers have been published. He writes: “May I again express to the Royal Society of New Zealand my sincere thanks for their generous help in our research work on New Zealand plants. Green, R. W. was in 1947 granted £25 for the purchase of a platinum crucible to enable him to carry out research on the adsorption of water vapour by the protein constituents of Collagen and Elastin. Mr. Green writes from the University of Malaya that the platinum crucible is still in good order in his possession and is being used for the purpose for which it

was purchased Since his last report he has submitted two papers for publication in the Transactions, and in each of these papers is due acknowledgment to the Society. He comments on the delay in the publication of these papers, which he submitted in November, 1950, and which had not appeared when he wrote on March 31. (Note.—These two papers are in Volume 79, Part ¾ just published.) Reports from Hutton Research Grantees. Campbell, J. D. Mr. Campbell, who was granted £20 for collecting material for research in New Zealand Triassic and Jurassic Brachiopoda has reported that he collected types in Southland during February, 1952, and the amount expended in rail fare was £3 6s 6d. Fisher, F. J. F. was granted £25 in August, 1951, for a study of cytogenetic relationships of the New Zealand species of Ranunculus He reports that during 1951 the choice of the genus Ranunculus has again been justified as good material for study in the field of experimental taxonomy. The pattern of distribution and variation in the genus provides every level of evolutionary divergence from geographical race to generic subsection. Work in 1951 has been carried on mainly along the lines prepared in 1950; further collecting expeditions including the discovery of some important plots with the associated problems of cultivation, breeding experiments and chromosome counts, and he gives in detail many of the mountains visited, as well as the methods used for maintaining Ranunculus in cultivation. He expressed his appreciation for the help given by the Royal Society of New Zealand. Gage, Maxwell, who was granted £25 for research on the glaciers of Canterbury and Westland, reports that he has visited the upper Wilberforce Valley, and the work is being covered in a paper in course of preparation. The grantee further reports that he was concerned with other geological matters at the same time and was merely one member of a party having varying interests He has found it difficult to determine the proportion of travelling expenses which could rightly be claimed from the Hutton grant and, moreover, he expects to be leaving New Zealand shortly for about a year and a-half In the circumstances he has thought it advisable to relinquish the grant, none of which has been claimed, and he conveys his thanks to the Council of the Royal Society for the encouragement given him. Laird, Marshall, who was granted £45 for the study of protozoan parasites at Norfolk Island, has reported that he spent a fortnight at Norfolk Island and made daily collecting trips to various parts of the coastline. Few fishes were found in the coral sandstone pools of the unreefed parts of the coast. However, when tide and swell allowed several very productive visits were paid to the fringing coral reef off-shore from Kingston. Some three hundred intertidal zone fishes, representing at least fifteen species were obtained by poisoning tide pools with rotenone Blood and gill smears were made on the spot, and wherever possible various internal organs were dissected out and preserved for examination for Myxosporidia. A representative collection of fishes has been shipped to Dr. Fowler, of the Philadelphia Academy of Sciences for determination Duplicate collection will be deposited in the Dominion Museum. A preliminary examination of the material obtained indicates that about a third of the species of fish concerned support ectocommensal ciliates (Trichodina sp) in the region of the branchiae. The incidence of trichodinids appears to be very much less than in New Zealand fishes of the intertidal zone Blood parasites are extremely scarce, as previously found to be the case among reef fishes of Fiji—this again contrasts with the situation in New Zealand, the incidence of Haemogregarina and Trypanosoma in our blennies and other tide pool fishes being quite high. An account of the protozoans encountered will be written up when the identifications of their hosts are to hand, and the paper will be submitted for publication in the Transactions The grantee expresses his sincere thanks to the Royal Society. Te Punga, M. T., who was granted £30 in 1946 for research on geological aspects of palaeobotany and coal petrography reports that an eye defect now prevents him from doing intensive microscopic work, and he is therefore compelled to abandon this study. He has refunded the unexpended balance of his grant (£5 13s 9d), and there is to his credit a further balance of £10 which he had not called on. Marples, B. J, who in 1945 was granted £20 for research in vertebrate palaeontology at Duntroon reports that no work has been done in the field during the past year and no expense

incurred. However, during a visit to Duntroon for other purposes, the bones of a fossil fish of considerable size were located, and he hopes to go there for the purpose of excavating this specimen. Turbott, E. G. and Woodward, T. E., who in 1950 were granted £20 for an entomological survey at Three Kings Islands, have reported that both grantees were members of the Auckland Museum Expedition to the Three Kings Islands from the 10th to 15th January, 1951. Dr. Woodward has in hand a taxonomic account of Hemiptera collected during the expedition. A portable Berlese funnel has been purchased and used to extract invertebrates from leaf mould obtained on Great and South West Islands. Expenses amounting to £13 were incurred in this purchase and in student assistance, £2 18s 11d having previously been expended. It is suggested that the balance be used for student assistance in sorting leaf mould material which it is hoped to obtain this year. On the motion of Professor Richardson, the reports submitted by Government research grantees and by Hutton grantees were adopted. Conservation Committee. Dr. Falla stated that the Committee was in some doubt as to its order of reference: no specific matters had been referred to it during the year, but there were a number of matters which could come within its scope for investigation; for instance the infiltration of insect pests, the lack of policy about rabbits and opossums, foot and mouth disease, and the necessity for co-ordinated effort for the emergence of a policy in regard to these and other matters. Despite repeated approach to the Ministers concerned no definite action had yet been taken to set up an Advisory Conservation Council. A letter from the Minister of Works was read. This stated that serious consideration is being given to the question of organizing and control of soil conservation and the Society's recommendations will be taken into account. “It may even be that a Conference of interested parties may be necessary before amending legislation is drafted,” the letter concluded. On the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Dr. Falla, it was resolved: “That the Council of the Royal Society reiterates its opinion that to attain co-ordinated policy and action in Conservation problems there should be established immediately a National Conservation Council representative of all Government Departments charged with responsibility for some aspect of conservation and representatives of organizations that could beneficially assist.” Fuel and Power. In reply to a question by Mr. Keys as to the Fuel and Power report submitted last annual meeting, the President replied that the Government had been reminded more than once of the Report which had been placed before it. In the first place the Prime Minister expressed his interest and stated that the Society's report had been referred to the Government's advisers. Mr. Callaghan stated that a recent development was the calling of a conference between the Ministry of Works and Mines and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. On the motion of Mr. Keys, seconded by Professor Adams, it was resolved that efforts to gain the Government's attention on the Fuel and Power report be repeated vigorously. Notice of Motion. Mr. Buchanan moved and Dr. Archey seconded the following Notice of Motion regarding archaeological and historic sites: 1. That, in view of the destruction of important archaeological and historic sites which have resulted from uncontrolled and inexpert excavation and collecting, the Government be urged to introduce legislation setting up

an Archaeological and Historical Board, with the necessary authority to control and encourage the investigation of such sites in New Zealand. 2. That the Royal Society of New Zealand suggests that the functions of the Board should include (1) The definition of “archaeological” and “historical” sites. (11) The establishment and maintenance of a system of archaeological and historical records on the lines set out in the accompanying memorandum. 3. That the Royal Society of New Zealand suggests that the constitution of the Board be: Two members appointed by the Minister of Internal Affairs, one of whom it is suggested should be a member of the N.Z. Geographical Board. Two members appointed by the Minister of Maori Affairs, one of whom it is suggested should be a representative of the Maori race. One member appointed by the Minister of Lands and Survey. One member nominated by the Polynesian Society. One member nominated by the Art Galleries and Museums Association. One member nominated by the Royal Society of New Zealand. One member nominated by the Dept. Scientific and Industrial Research. Dr. Falla stated that a private individual had recently prepared a very comprehensive report along the lines suggested by the Notice of Motion. He also referred to the measures adopted in Canada and Great Britain as being worthy of emulation. It was resolved that the following paragraph be added: 4. That the Society will regard its wishes as expressed in paragraphs 1 and 2 met if the above proposals should be considered as better embodied in any wider organization that may result from closely allied resolutions from other bodies. The motion as amended was adopted. Science Congress, 1954. Dr. Miller explained that it was because of the difficulties of securing adequate hotel accommodation in Nelson that the Nelson Philosophical Society could not see its way to undertake the organizing of the next Congress. Dr. Archey stated that the Auckland Institute was not yet ready to report as to whether it would undertake the Congress. The matter was held over pending a decision from the Auckland Institute. Election of Officers. The Nominations Committee reported that it had met and it recommended that Dr. W. R. B. Oliver be elected President and Mr. F. R. Callaghan and Dr. D. Miller be elected Vice-Presidents. Carried by acclamation. President, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver. Vice-Presidents, Mr. F. R. Callaghan and Dr. D. Miller. Honorary Editor, Dr. J. T. Salmon. Honorary Treasurer, Mr. S. Cory Wright. Honorary Librarian, Professor L. R. Richardson. Honorary Returning Officer, Mr. A. T. Pycroft. Co-opted Member, Dr. J. T. Salmon.

Representative on Great Barrier Reef Committee, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver. Representative on Royal N.Z. Institute of Horticulture, Professor H. D. Gordon. Representative on N.Z. Oceanographic Committee, Mr. C. A. Fleming. Election of Committees. Hector Award Committee, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, Mr. A. W. B. Powell with power to co-opt one other. Hutton Award Committee, Dr. D. Miller, Dr. H. H. Allan, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver and Professor W. N. Benson. Fellowship Selection Committee, Dr. D. B. Macleod, Professor R. S. Allan, Dr. D. Miller, Dr. H. D. Skinner, Dr. M. A. F. Barnett. Nominations Committee, Mr. F. R. Callaghan (Convener), Dr. R. A. Falla, Dr. G. Archey, Professor W. N. Benson, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, Dr. H. H. Allan. Library Committee, Professor L. R. Richardson, Dr. J. Marwick, Professor C. A. Cotton, Dr. J. T. Salmon. Research Grants Committee, Dr. R. A. Falla, Dr. J. Marwick, Dr. D. Miller. Conservation Committee, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver (Convener), Dr. G. Archey, Mr. C. A. Fleming, Dr. J. T. Salmon, Mr. N. H. Taylor. Votes of Thanks. On the motion of the President, Mr. Callaghan, it was resolved to convey a warm vote of thanks to Victoria University College for the use of the Council Room: also to the press for its attendance throughout the day. Retiring President. Dr. Falla conveyed to the President, Mr. Callaghan, the sincere and very warm thanks of the Council for his Presidency during the past two years, and for his chairmanship for the meeting that day. Mr. Callaghan replied and thanked all those who had assisted him during his term of office. The meeting concluded at 6 p.m. In the evening the Presidential Address was delivered by Mr. Callaghan before a largely attended meeting of the Wellington Branch, it being necessary to transfer the meeting to the Museum Lecture Hall. It was resolved that the President allow his address to be printed in the Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Dr. G. Archey moved the vote of thanks to Mr. Callaghan for his illuminating, interesting, and inspiring address. Confirmed. June 4, 1952. (Signed) W. R. B. Oliver, President.

Reports of Member Bodies Wellington Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand Annual Report for the Year ended September 30, 1951 Membership. Membership of the Branch shows a slight increase over last year with 305 Full Members receiving Transactions and 100 Associate Members. The Council recorded with regret the deaths of Dr. Patrick Marshall, Mr. B. C. Aston and Dr. H. J. Finlay. Meetings. The General Meetings of the Branch were as follows:—April 26: Mr. C. M. Smith, Director, Botany Division, D.S.I.R., “Dominion Over the Plants”; May 30: Dr. J. S. Cumpston, Official Secretary, Australian High Commissioner's Office, “Description and Recent History of the Antarctic Continent”; June 27: Mr. T. A. Rafter, Dominion Laboratory, Wellington, “Atomic Research Establishments Abroad”; July 25: Professor C. A. Cotton, Professor of Geology, Victoria University College, “The Wellington Coast-line”; August 22: Hudson Lecture, Dr. H. H. Allan, “Botany in the Service of the State”; September 26: Mr. Dermot Straker, Officer-in-Charge, Occupational Psychology Research Station, D.S.I.R., “Psychological Aspects of the Compulsory Military Training Scheme”. On Wednesday, November 29, 1950, Dr. E. Marsden spoke on the “Impressions of British Science To-day.” On Friday, August 17, and Tuesday, August 21, 1951, Professor D. R. Hartree, F.R.S. Plummer Professor of Mathematical Physics, University of Cambridge, spoke on “The Automatic Calculating Machine,” and “Organizing the Calculating for the Machine.” These were particularly successful and well attended meetings arranged in conjunction with Victoria University College and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. To these meetings members of the Wellington Branch of the New Zealand Institution of Engineers were invited. The Hudson Lecture. The Hudson Lecturer this year was Dr. H. H. Allan, who spoke on August 22 on “Botany in the Service of the State.” The lecture is to be printed in the New Zealand Science Review and offprints of it will be circulated to members. Cockayne Memorial. The Branch representatives of the Cockayne Memorial Committee, Dr. G. Cone and Mr. A. L. Poole, reported early in the year that no progress had been made towards removing to Otari the greywacke boulder which had been selected for the memorial some considerable time ago. Hereupon, correspondence with his Worship the Mayor led up to a deputation from the Branch Council waiting upon him in July. Representations made on this occasion resulted in prompt action, and the stone has now been transported to Otari and placed in position. As soon as the marble panel carrying the inscription has been affixed to it, as previously planned, the Council proposes to arrange for a suitable dedication ceremony, in co-operation with the other interested bodies. Thus it is hoped before the end of 1951 to see brought to a satisfactory conclusion a project which originated shortly after Cockayne's death in 1934. Rutherford Memorial Appeal. The Council has undertaken to sponsor the Rutherford Memorial Appeal by organizing a Provincial Committee to conduct the campaign in Wellington City and Province. A sub-committee was set up in September with instructions to canvass other scientific and kindred societies requesting them to appoint representatives to this Provincial Campaign Committee. In this way it is hoped to build up a comprehensive working party to prosecute the campaign. Astronomy and Geophysics Section. July: Combined meeting with Physics Section, “Physics in Geothermal Investigations,” by Mr. C. J. Banwell and Mr. B. H. Olsson (first paper in a symposium on “Geothermal Power”). August: “Remarks on the Constitution of the Planets,” by Mr. I. L. Thomsen September: Combined meeting with Physics Section, “Geophysical Prospecting of the Thermal Area,” by Mr. N. Modriniak and Dr. E. I. Robertson (second paper in a symposium on “Geothermal Power”). Biology Section. October, 1950: Symposium on “Unravelling Forest History in New Zealand,” containing the following contributions, “New Zealand Plants and Their Story—Clues to the Past,” by Mr. W. H. Harris; “Age Determination by Radiation Methods,” by Mr. G. J. Ferguson; “Evidence from Earlier Times,” by Mr. R. A. Couper. November: Symposium on “Better Scientific Reporting,” arranged in conjunction with the Wellington Branch of the New Zealand Association of Scientific Workers. April: “Evolutionary Trends in New Zealand Plants and Animals,” by Dr. W. R. B. Oliver. May: “Parasites of Marine

Fishes,” by Dr. Harold W. Manter. June: “A Study of a Herd of Mule Deer in California,” by Mr. T. A. Riney. July: “An Evaluation of North American and New Zealand University Instruction in Biology,” by Professor L. R. Richardson. August: “Some Botanical Effects of the Introduction of Opossums Into New Zealand,” by Mr. L. T. Pracey. September: “The Bounty and Antipodes Islands Expedition, 1950,” by Mr. R. K. Dell. Geology Section. October, 1950: “Petroleum in New Zealand,” by Mr. H. E. Fyfe. June: Discussion on “Structure of the Southern Half of the North Island,” led by Dr. E. I. Robertson. July: “Magmatism,” by Mr. J. Bradley. August: “The Upper Pliocene of Cape Kidnappers and its Correlation with Wanganui,” by Mr. C. A. Fleming. September: “Post-Hokonui Orogeny and the Pre-Notocene Surface,” by Professor C. A. Cotton, and “New Zealand Pleistocene Tectogenetic Chronology,” by Mr. M. T. Te Punga. Physics Section. April: “Engineering Seismology,” by Mr. J. B. C. Taylor. May: “Cosmic Ray Research Projects at Manchester University,” by Mr. N. V. Ryder. June: “An Attempt to Investigate the Propagation of Sound in Solid Media,” by Dr. F. F. Evison. July: (Combined with Astronomy and Geophysics Section) “Physics in Geothermal Investigations,” by Mr. C. J. Banwell and Mr. B. H. Olsson (first paper in symposium on “Geothermal Power”). August: “Solar Radiation and the Energy Supply for Atmospheric Circulations,” by Dr. J. F. Gabites. September: (Combined with Astronomy and Geophysics Section): “Geophysical Prospecting of the Thermal Area,” by Mr. N. Modriniak and Dr. E. I. Robertson (second paper in a symposium on “Geothermal Power”). Social Science Section. April: The commencement of a symposium of papers on “Social Problems of Health in New Zealand.” (1) “One Hundred Years of Health in New Zealand,” by Dr. J. P. Kennedy. (2) “Changes in the Health of Children in New Zealand,” by Dr. Thos. C. Lonie. (3) “Social Implications of Some Infectious Diseases,” by Dr. J. M. Wogan. (4) “Health Problems Among the Maori People,” by Dr. G. M. Smith. (5) “The Social Medicine of Old Age,” by Dr. G. L. McLeod. (6) “Mental Health in New Zealand,” by Dr. R. W. Medlicott. The last paper in the symposium, still to be delivered, will be (7) “Industrial Health in New Zealand and its Social Implications,” by Dr. T. O. Garland. Technology Section. May: “The Heat Pump,” by Mr. N. W. Vere-Jones. August: “Timber Preservation,” by Mr. D. B. Carr. September: “Some Modern Mining Conditions,” by Mr. H. R. Schoen. Two visits were arranged, in April to the Wellington Railway Station, and in June to the New Zealand Free Lance printing works. Papers for Printing in the Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand. (a) Papers read by title at meetings of the Branch Council: “New Haemogregarines from New Zealand Marine Fish,” by Dr. Marshall Laird, October 25, 1950; “Notes on the Apparent Absence of Haematozoa from the Warm Blooded Vertebrates of Macquarie Island, with a New Host and Locality Record for an Endoparasite of Flies, Herpitomonas calliphorae Swingle, 1911,” by Dr. Marshall Laird, October 25, 1950; “Studies of the Earthworm Fauna of New Zealand, Part I,” by Mr. K. E. Lee, October 25, 1950; “Studies of the Earthworm Fauna of New Zealand, Part II,” by Mr. K. E. Lee, November 29, 1950; “Ammonoids from Beaumont Station, Wairakei Survey District (with an Appendix by Dr. J. Marwick),” by Mr. R. A. S. Browne, November 29, 1950; “A New Species of Myxine from Cook Strait,” by Professor L. R. Richardson, November 29, 1950; “An Example of Hernia in Hyla aurea, and its Interpretation,” by Professor L. R. Richardson, November 29, 1950; “The Early Post-larval Stages and Systematic Position of Eurynolambrus australis M.E. and L. (Brachyura),” by Miss Shirley Krefft, November 29, 1950; “A New Species of Erythroneura (Typhlocybinae, Hem.-Hom.) from Arundo conspicua Forst. (Toetoe), by R. A. Cumber, March 15, 1951; “A Revision of the Genus Dracophyllum Supplement,” by Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, April 26, 1951; “Studies on the Earthworm Fauna of New Zealand, Part III,” by Mr. K. E. Lee, May 30, 1951. (b) Papers read by title at Biology Section meetings (prior to 1951 and not recorded in a previous Branch Annual Report): October, 1949, “The New Zealand Flycatchers of the Genus Petroica Swainson, Part I,” by C. A. Fleming; April, 1950, “Remarks on the Blood Vascular System of the Frog Leiopelma hochstetteri—Fitsinger,” by Dr. H. Szarski (communicated by Dr. K. Wodzicki); October, 1950, “New Marine Mollusca from the Cook Strait Area and of Southern New Zealand,” by R. K. Dell; “Studies on the Amphipoden Fauna No. 1—Family Cyamidae—The Whale Louse,” by Mr. D. E. Hurley, May 29, 1951; “The Genus Codium in New Zealand, Part I, Systematics,” by Miss Vivienne Dellow, August 28, 1951; “The Genus Codium in New Zealand, Part II, Ecology, Geographic Distribution,” by Miss Vivienne Dellow, August 28, 1951; “The Occurrence of Aquatic Oligochaetes in Soil,” by Mr. J. D. Stout, August 28, 1951; “A Preliminary Study of the Land Operculate (Murdochia pallium),” by Mr. J. E. Morton, August 28, 1951.

Appointments. During the year Mr. R. Carey, Librarian at the Dominion Museum, was appointed Branch Librarian, in succession to Mr. R. K. Dell, to whom the Council wishes to express its thanks for his services as Librarian. In August, the Council appointed Mr. J. Brodie to the office of Asistant Secretary. Auckland Institute and Museum Annual Report for the Year ended March 31, 1952 Obituary. We record with regret the deaths of the following members:—R. E. L. Aubin, Sir Peter Buck, B. D. Buddle, Major G. A. Buddle, Austin Carr, Mrs. W. Cocker, W. J. Crowther, Sir Albert Ellis, H. R. Hesketh, C. S. Lees, J. V. Macky, Dr. G. K. Sutherland, A. Howey Walker, J. W. Williamson and W. R. Wilson. Membership. The membership roll at the end of the year was 876, including 261 life members, after the removal of 56 names through death, resignations and deletions, and the election of 46 new members. Visiting Scientists. The Council accorded welcomes to the officers and scientists of H.M.S. Challenger, of the British oceanic research expedition, and to the Royal Danish Research Ship “Galathea.” The opportunity for interchange of ideas between members of these expeditions and members of the Museum staff, as recorded in the present annual reports, has been much appreciated. Meetings. During the past year we again had the pleasure of hearing lectures by distinguished overseas visitors: Dr. T. Dobzhansky, who spoke on “Some Aspects of Evolution,” and Professor Raymond Firth on “Social Anthropology and Modern Problems.” We acknowledge also interesting lectures given by Mr. Maxwell Clarke, Ch.M., F.R.C.S., F.R.A.C.S., who gave the British Medical Association lecture on “The Evolution and Development of Surgery Through the Centuries”; Professor D. Brown, Ph.D., “Atomic Research Activities Overseas”; and Dr. T. R. Vernon, “Newly Discovered Allies of Penicillin.” Sunday Afternoon Lectures. Visitors continue to acknowledge, by the numbers who attend, their appreciation of the Museum Sunday afternoon lectures. For a programme of wide interest we have to thank: Mr. Johannes C. Andersen, M.B.E., “The Bird as an Artist in Music”; Professor P. A. S. Smith, Ph.D., “Some Scenic Gems of North America”; Mr. R. B. Sibson, M.A., “Birds in Britain”; Mr. V. F. Fisher, M.A, “Melanesian Fishing Methods”; Mr. A. A. Kirk, B.A., “Stories of New Zealand's Famous Ships”; Miss M. W. Crookes, M.A., “The Ways of Ferns”; Mr. L. H. Millener, M.Sc., “A Botanist in England”. The Anthropology Section syllabus commenced with the Chairman's address, “Mythology and Social Life of an Australian Tribe,” by Professor R. O. Piddington, Ph.D. Other contributions were from Mr. M. Te Hau, B.A., Mr. Johannes C. Andersen, M.B.E., Professor A. B. Fitt, Ph.D., Mr. B. Hardie, B.A., Mr. B. G. Biggs, and Mr. M. Winiata, M.A. The Astronomical Section held regular meetings in the Physics lecture room. Assistant Director. The year has been a notable one for the opportunities afforded in oceanography by the visits of the Admiralty Survey Ship, H.M.S. “Challenger,” and the Royal Danish Research Ship “Galathea.” Commander Ritchie, of H.M.S. “Challenger,” generously offered to carry out dredging operations at prescribed localities. He secured for the Museum two rich hauls from 109 fathoms off the Great Barrier Island and four dredgings, as well as comprehensive shore collections, from Funafuti Atoll, Ellice Group. At the invitation of Dr. Anton Fr. Bruun, members of the Museum staff accompanied the Danish Deep Sea Expedition on two cruises, Wellington to Auckland and the first investigation of the Kermadec Deep. The combined trips occupied about three weeks and afforded ample opportunity for learning something of their methods, taking part in laboratory routine and working on research material. Field researches into native land snail populations in Northland were rounded off by two further visits to North Cape and Cape Maria van Diemen. Field work also included short visits to Parengarenga Harbour and to Warkworth. On the latter an investigation of the distribution of the New Zealand frog in two forest areas was made in company with Dr. N. G. Stephenson. Education Service. Cold, wet seasonal conditions and curtailed services resulting from industrial disputes seriously affected the work of the year. The weather conditions resulted in wide variations in the flow of children for lessons. Transport restrictions upset the regular delivery of loan cases to provincial schools, in a number of instances eliminating complete

circuits for a term. Despite these hindrances 60 city and 170 provincial schools were serviced. Summary of attendances for one hour lessons: Primary, 20,899; Intermediate, 3,171; Secondary, 5,028. Total, 29,098. An outstanding feature has been the attendances for instruction or observational purposes of all the second year students from the Ardmore and Auckland Teachers' Training Colleges, the outgoing students from the Loretto Hall Training College, and a party from the Kindergarten Training Centre. One hundred and twenty-one students (including 10 post primary) have been attached to the Museum for teaching practice. Library. A total of 865 books was added to the library during the year, 540 being purchased from the Edward Earle Vaile Trust Fund. The most notable addition this year to the overseas institutions with which the library exchanges material is the Science Council of Japan, from which a large collection of journals on botany, zoology, geography and geology, with the text mainly in English, has been received. Canterbury Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand Annual Report for the Year ended October 31, 1951 Membership. Ordinary membership of the Society has increased from 243 to 278. Associate membership remains at 11. Obituary. The Society records with deep regret the death of two members during the year—Mr. E. G. Hogg, M.A., F.R.A.S., and Mr. L. J. Vangioni, M.B.E., of Akaroa. Scientific Photographic Section. Early in the year it was known that a small group of members were interested in forming a section covering the field of scientific photography and microscopy, and that a number of persons outside the Society's membership were also interested in this field. A meeting of both groups was called by the Society on October 8, when it was decided to ask the Council to form a section. As a result of the meeting 12 persons applied for membership in the Society. The Council has given its approval to the Section, and Mr. G. A. Knox was appointed Chairman, with Messrs. E. C. Gough, J. A. Veale, K. A. Donaldson and R. N. Luff as an interim committee. The new section expects to commence active work early in the year. Closer Relations with the Canterbury Museum. Faced with the ultimate removal of the University College to Riccarton, the Council considered during 1950 the question of a permanent home for the Society which for many years had enjoyed the hospitality of the College. An approach was made to the Canterbury Museum Trust Board, which received a deputation from the Council and discussed the possibility of provision being made for the Society in the new museum building. The Society asked for the use of the main lecture hall, a meeting place for the Council, provision for storing the records of the Society, and laboratory accommodation for the Field Club Section. The Museum Trust Board agreed to all these proposals, with minor changes, and the Society is grateful to members of the Board for the action they have taken. Although no change can be made until the new Museum building is built, it has now become possible to store many of our records at the Museum. The Society must always be grateful to the Canterbury University College authorities for the privileges which it enjoys at present. Seventh New Zealand Science Congress. Congratulations are extended to Dr. O. H. Frankel as Chairman, to Mr. G. Stokell, as Treasurer, to the General Secretaries, Dr. G. H. Uttley and Mr. R. R. Forster, and to the members of the Organising Committee for the highly successful management of the Royal Society's Seventh Science Congress, which was held at Christchurch from May 15 to 21. In addition to maintaining the new standard set by the Sixth Congress at Wellington, in 1947, it is submitted that the 1951 Congress made a distinct advance in the organisation of the programme into symposia and the pruning of unrelated Papers. Programme. The following addresses were given:—March 7, “Fifty Years of Genetics” (Presidential Address), Dr. O. H. Frankel; April 4, “Experiments on the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiations—Gamma rays, X-rays, Neutron rays, and Alpha rays,” Dr. John Read; May 2, “Ecology,” Mr. J. S. Watson; July 4, “Evolution,” Dr. E. J. Godley; August 1, “Radio Astronomy; the Hydrogen Bomb,” Dr. C. D. Ellyett; September 5, “Oceanography,” Mr. G. A. Knox. October 3, “Physical Optics” (Demonstrational Lecture), Professor F. C. Chalklin and Mr. E. R. Mangin; November 7, “Milk Borne Diseases with special reference to the Typhoid Epidemic at Kaikoura,” Dr. J. H. Blacklock; December 5, “The Kon-Tiki Expedition,” Dr. R. S. Duff.

Special General Meetings. April 26, “The Concept of Race,” Professor T. H. Dobzhnasky; August 20, “The Organisation of Calculations for Automatic Calculating Machines,” Professor D. R. Hartree, F.R.S.; October 8, “The Chemical Adulteration of Goods,” Sir Edward Mellanby. Ordinary Meeting. June 6, the following Papers were read:—“The Life History of Caliciphoron ijani, the Liver Fluke Parasite in New Zealand Cattle,” Miss Shirley Jonathan. (Presented by title only, Council Meeting, December 6, 1950); “The Intertidal Ecology of Taylor's Mistake,” Mr. G. A. Knox; “Additions to the Rotatoria of New Zealand, Part IV,” Mr. C. R. Russell; “Contributions to Galaxias Taxonomy,” Mr. G. Stokell. Council Meeting. (By title). August 20, “A Study of the Genus Uropalata Selys from New Zealand.” (Read by title before the Council), Mr. L. S. Wolfe. The Riccarton Bush. The dense thickets of exotic weeds have now been cleared from the area of bush previously attached to the Riccarton estate. Regular attention will be necessary to keep regrowth in check and some thousands of trees and shrubs will need to be planted to provide a cover of indigenous plants. It is urgently necessary that a nursery be established on the spot to grow the trees. The original bush has benefited from the wet summer and autumn of 1951, and many of the trees and shrubs have made remarkable growth. Native birds continue to visit the bush for short periods, the latest arrivals including four tuis, attracted by the free flowering of the kowhai. Magpies soon drove them away; the destruction of all magpies in the area has been decided on. The 1843 homestead, restored by the Christchurch Rotary Club, has now been handed over to the Board. Canterbury Museum. The Canterbury Colonists' Exhibition closed a nine months' display in May, having earned £3,536 4s 3d in gross taking for the Centennial Museum Fund. These receipts represented a paid attendance of 77,224, in addition to 30,000 children admitted free in organised school classes. The centennial year has stimulated interest in provincial history, and the Archives have received valuable additions, in particular, the Lord Lyttelton manuscripts, those of Clifford, Rolleston and Dobson, as well as the ledger books of the Cheviot estate. Outstanding in the recent additions to the Archives are the sketches and water colours of Fitz-Gerald, Preston and Hambroe. Field Club Section. The membership list is 49, comprising 13 full and 4 associate members of the Society and 32 section members. During the year there were seven field trips held and nine film evenings at the Museum. The section is now affiliated to the Youth Hostels Association of New Zealand. Library. The Society's Library is shelved, under a merger agreement, with the Canterbury University College Library; and the resources of both libraries are available to members on application to the Hon. Librarian, care of the College Library. Otago Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand Annual Report for Session 1951 Membership. The total Branch membership is now 177. This is an increase of four on last year's total. Representatives on the Museum Management Committee. Miss Beryl Brewin and Mr. George Simpson served in this capacity during the session. Representatives on the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Dr. C. M. Focken and Mr. O. H. Keys were the Branch representatives this year. Fellowship of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Your Council nominated Dr. F. B. Shorland, of the Fats Research Laboratory, Wellington, and Professor F. C. Chalklin, Professor of Physics at Canterbury University College, for this honour. Both were elected by the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Pre-sessional Activity. In conjunction with the Science Faculty of the University, the Branch held a meeting to welcome the scientific members of the complement of the Royal Research Ship “Discovery II,” which visited Dunedin early in the year. Percy Smith Medal for Anthropology. At the second ordinary meeting (May 1), Dr. R. S. Aitken, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago, presented the above medal to a distinguished member of the Branch, Dr. H. D. Skinner, F.R.S.N.Z., for his outstanding researches into the material culture of the Maori. Index Faunae Novae Zealandiae. A combined sub-committee from the Canterbury and Otago Branches is still considering possible means of effecting a revision of this work.

The Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand, on the motion of Dr. Focken, resolved at the Annual Meeting to support the production of a new edition. Special Meetings. A special meeting, in conjunction with the Otago Division of the British Medical Association, was held on October 1 this year, when a distinguished medical research worker, Sir Edward Mellanby, F.R.S., delivered an address on Chemical Adulteration of Food. Rutherford Memorial Fund. A special appeal, sponsored by the Royal Society of London, has been launched to commemorate the services of Lord Rutherford of Nelson to science. Since Lord Rutherford was a New Zealander it is felt by many scientists in this country that New Zealand's contribution should be as large as possible, and a special drive is accordingly being made to secure donations for this worthy cause. Conversazione. This function, held jointly by the Association of Friends of the Museum and the Branch, again provided a very pleasant evening for members. Mr. J. E. P. Murphy, lecturer in design and craft at the School of Home Science, spoke on ceramics, and members were later able to view some recent acquisitions of pottery displayed in the Museum. Items of Interest from the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand. On the motion of Dr. Frankel, seconded by Dr. Archey, it was resolved that the Standing Committee prepare a report on the present function and status of Fellows (of the Royal Society of N.Z.), and on ways by which their usefulness to the community and to science could be furthered. On the motion of Dr. Miller, seconded by Dr. Oliver, it was resolved that the question of development of National Collections, their extension, care and housing, be referred to the Standing Committee for examination and report. Historical Section. Eight meetings have been held, and topics were well spread between subjects of New Zealand and overseas interest. Astronomical Section. Beverly-Begg Observatory: The winter observing season consisted of 27 Saturday evening sessions from March 31 to September 29, 12 nights being overcast. Committee members conducted these public nights on a rota system, and in addition utilised many other clear evenings to entertain interested parties. Exclusive of Associate Members, 500 people visited the Observatory, an increase of 100 on the 1950 total and a heartening reward for the Committee's efforts. Occultations. Only two results were obtarned, though attempts were made to observe many more without success. Aurorac. During the current year, to the end of October, Messrs. Sutherland and Couling have, between them, sent reports of 22 displays, large and small, to Carter Observatory. The aurora of May 2 was the most spectacular, while those of September 20 and 21 were fine displays. Jessie Hamilton Crust Bequest. During the year the Section benefited by the generosity of the late Mrs. Crust, from whose estate was received a legacy of £200. Mrs. Crust was the mother of the late Alex. G. C. Crust, one of the Dominion's foremost amateur astronomers. Membership. This now stands at 13 full members and 26 associate members. Nelson Philosophical Society Annual Report for Year ended September 30, 1591 Membership. The total membership for the year was 50, including 41 full and nine associate members. Meetings. The following addresses were given:—October 22, 1950, Annual Meeting, with an address by Mr. E. S. Gourlay on “Cacti and Succulent Plants”; April 23, 1951, Mr. T. A. Oxley, “Some Aspects of Wheat Storage”; May 21, 1951, Mr. J. Hurrrel. “Presidential Address, Some Local Experiments in Soil Conservation”; June 21, 1951, Mr. R. D. Lucas, “The Development of Newspaper Production Over the Past 100 Years”; July 16, 1951, Mr. E. S. Gourlay, “Alpine Flowers of the Western United States”; August 20, 1951, Mr. L. J. Dumbleton, “Sandflies”; September 17, 1951, Mr. Alex Bowman, “Town and Country Planning”. Attendance. Attendance at our monthly meetings varied from 19 to 42, the average about 29.

Hawke's Bay Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand Annual Report for Year ended December 31, 1951 Meetings. At the Annual General Meeting Mr. Peel spoke on “Cloud Formation and Precipitation”; at a Special General Meeting Dr. Archey lectured on “The Moa,” and at the quarterly meetings addresses were given by Mr. Benseman on “Frosts and Frost Fighting,” by Dr. Kingma on “The Development of Land Vertebrates,” and by Mr. George Lowe on “The New Zealand Expedition to the Himalayas.” Membership. At present there are 108 members of the Branch. Colenso Memorial. No decision has as yet been made for a memorial, and the money is still in the Post Office Account. Observatory. The establishment of an Observatory in Hastings was again taken up during the year with the Hastings Borough Council, but owing to the high cost of building, the matter is still in abeyance. Library. The books in the Napier Public Library have been catalogued, and some which were out of date have been sold. Rutherford Memorial. The Branch is keen to assist in providing a suitable memorial, and the matter is being studied in conjunction with other local societies interested. Sections. During the year the Photographic Section decided to become an independent body operating in Hastings. The Historical Section had been active in making recordings of old Maori songs and in collecting data in connection with archaeological sites. Sections of the Branch now operating are the Astronomical, Geographical, Meteorological and Ornithological, and these Sections met regularly during the year. The Joint Historical Committee of the Royal Society and the Art Society has also had a busy year and are at present engaged in a contemporary survey of Napier. Southland Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand Annual Report for the Year ended March 31, 1952 For the Council, the past year proved to be one of unexpected difficulty. The restriction of train services caused the original programme to be severely modified for visiting lecturers found it impossible to fulfil their engagements. Fortunately, the Council was able to secure, in some cases at short notice, local speakers, and it is grateful to all who helped to make the series of lectures an interesting one. Meetings. April, Annual General Meeting, address by Dr. C. C. Anderson on “Some English Country Inns”; May, Mr. A. S. Robinson spoke on “Aero-modelling”; June, the President, Mr. A. J. Deaker, spoke on “The Wakatipu District”; July, the Rev. Laurence Ker spoke on “Manchuria-Manchukuo—What Next?”; October, Mr. O. H. Keys, Government Analyst, spoke on “Science and Public Fraud”; November, Professor R. C. McLean, Professor of Botany at the University of South Wales, spoke on “National Parks and Nature Conservation in Great Britain”. Membership. Life Members, 6; Members, 39; Total, 45. Representation on Council of the Royal Society of N.Z. Dr. H. H. Allan expressed his willingness to represent the Southland Branch. Rutherford Appeal. This Branch sponsored the appeal in Southland, and sent out 200 cyclostyled letters to possible contributors. The amount received by the end of March was £50 14s.