The Royal Society of New Zealand

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 83, 1955-56, Page i

The Royal Society of New Zealand Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council, May 17, 1955. The Annual Meeting of the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand was held on Tuesday, 17th May, 1955, in the Council Room, Victoria University College, Wellington. The President, Dr. D. Miller, was in the chair. Representation and Roll Call: The following responded to the roll call:—Dr. D. Miller, President; Professor L. H. Briggs, Vice-President; Government Representatives—Dr. G. Archey, Mr. F. R. Callaghan, Dr. R. A. Falla, Dr. C. A. Fleming; Immediate Past President—Dr. W. R. B. Oliver; Auckland Institute—Mr. S. G. Brooker, Professor K. B. Cumberland; Wellington Branch—Mr. K. R. Allen, Professor L. R. Richardson; Canterbury Branch—Professor R. S. Allan, Mr. C. E. Fenwick; Otago Branch—Mr. O. H. Keys; Waikato Scientific Association—Dr. E. B. Davies; Rotorua Philosophical Society—Dr. J. K. Dixon; Hawke's Bay Branch—Mr. N. L. Elder; Nelson Institute—Dr. H.O. Askew; Co-opted Member—Dr. J. T. Salmon; Fellows' Representatives—Professor C. A. Cotton, Dr. F. G. Soper; Honorary Treasurer—Mr. S. Cory Wright. Apologies were received from His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Willoughby Norrie; the Hon. Mr. Algie, Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research; Dr. M. A. F. Barnett, Vice-President; Miss B. Brewin, representative of Otago Branch; Dr. G. H. Uttley, representative of the Southland Branch. These apologies were sustained. President's Remarks. In his opening remarks the President referred to the death of three Honorary Members of the Society, Dr. Albert Einstein, Sir Alexander Fleming, and Sir Arthur Keith. The Council stood in respect to the memory of these three Honorary Members. The President then extended the Council's congratulations to Professor W. P. Evans, one time President of the Society and one of its Fellows who had recently reached the age of 90 and to Professor J. S. Tennant, of Nelson, formerly Professor of Education at Victoria University College, who had reached a like age. Congratulations also were extended to Professor C. A. Cotton on his being awarded the Andre Dumont Medal of the Geological Society of Belgium and to Dr. M. A. F. Barnett on his being elected a Vice-President of the World Meteorological Organisation. Dr. Miller then paid a tribute to Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, who was retiring from the Council, for his yeoman service to the Society over a long period; he had been Government Representative for 25 years (1929-1954), President of the Society (1953 and 1954), and the Society's representative at the Eighth Pacific Science Congress in Manila in 1953, as well as having given active service on many of the Society's committees and acting as Honorary Editor from 1950-1952. Mr. A. T. Pycroft had retired from the Council and Dr. Miller spoke of the active part he had taken in the welfare of the Society. He had represented the Auckland Institute on the Council for the past twenty-one years.

Dr. Miller welcomed Dr. Archey on his return from overseas, and the new representatives on the Council elected since last annual meeting—namely, Professor K. B. Cumberland, Mr. S. G. Brooker (Auckland Institute), Dr. E. B. Davies (Waikato Scientific Association), Dr. J. K. Dixon (Rotorua Philosophical Society), Dr. H. O. Askew (Nelson Institute). The President formally welcomed the Rotorua Philosophical Society as a Member Body of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Concluding his remarks, Dr. Miller mentioned that it had been announced that the Government intended making a grant of £50,000 to the proposed Antarctic Expedition. He reminded members that there was a long Agenda in front of them, and asked for their co-operation in dealing expeditiously with the various items. Dr. Miller also announced that the Wellington members would act as hosts at luncheon for which the meeting would adjourn at 12.30 p.m. Notices of Motion were called for and handed in. Hector Award. The President read the following report from the Convener of the Hector Award Committee:— “… As Convener of the Hector Award Committee for 1955 consisting of Professor R. J. LeFevre, University of Sydney, Dr. I. W. Wark, Chief of the Division of Industrial Chemsitry Csiro, Melbourne, and myself, I wish to report that we unanimously recommend that the Hector Medal and Prize for 1955 should be awarded to Dr. F. B. Shorland, M.Sc. (N.Z), Ph.D., D.Sc. (Liverpool), F.N.Z.I.C., Director Fats Research Laboratory, Welling ton, for his contributions to chemistry, particularly in the chemistry of fats. “L. H. Briggs.” The recommendation of the Award Committee was adopted, and it was resolved that the amount of the prize be £50. T. K. Sidey Summer-time Award. The convener of the Award Committee telegraphed that the report would not be available in time for the meeting, and in an explanatory letter he stated that Dr. Barnett, a member of the Committee, was overseas. He recommended that the Committee's report be deferred until Dr. Barnett's return, when it would be desirable that the Committee should meet. It was resolved to authorise the Standing Committee to make the award on receipt of the Award Committee's report. Hamilton Prize. The President read the following report from the Award Committee: “The Committee unanimously recommends that the Hamilton Prize for 1955 be awarded to Mr. Richard K. Dell, Dominion Museum, Wellington.” (Signed) C. A. Fleming L. R. Richardson R. A. Falla.” On the motion of Dr. Fleming, seconded Professor Richardson, the Committee's recommendation was adopted, and it was resolved that the amount of the prize be £4 as in the past. Election of Fellow. Dr. Miller, convener of the Fellowship Selection Committee, reported that the Committee recommended that Dr. L. E. Richdale be elected a Fellow. It was resolved that the Committee's recommendation be adopted.

Number of Fellows to be Elected in 1956. It was resolved that two Fellows be elected in 1956. Honorary Members. An election for an Honorary Member resulted in Dr. Carl F. A. Pantin being elected. Vacancies in Honorary Membership. It was resolved that three Honorary Members be elected in 1956 to fill the vacancies previously announced. Vote of Thanks. On the motion of the President a vote of thanks was accorded to the Award Committees for their work. Annual Report of the Standing Committee for the year ended 31St March, 1955. The Standing Committee presents its annual report for the year ended 31st March, 1955. Meetings. In accordance with a resolution of the last annual meeting that meetings of the Standing Committee be held on specified dates, and because of the increasing amount of business which has had to be transacted, it was decided that meetings be held monthly on the fourth Friday. Nine meetings were held during the year, the attendance being as follows:—The President, Dr. D. Miller (Nelson), 4; Dr. M. A. F. Barnett, Vice-President (Wellington), 6; Mr. K. R. Allen (Wellington), 9; Mr. F. R. Callaghan (Wellington), 6; Mr. S. Cory Wright, Hon. Treasurer (Wellington), 7; Professor C. A. Cotton (Wellington), 8; Dr. J. K. Dixon (Wellington), 2; Dr. R. A. Falla (Wellington), 6; Dr. C. A. Fleming (Wellington), 5; Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, Past President (Wellington), 8; Professor L. R. Richardson (Wellington), 8; Dr. J. T. Salmon (Wellington), 9; Dr. G. H. Uttley (Wellington), 9. Half-yearly Meeting. Following the decision made at the last annual meeting that the time had come to relieve the pressure of work on the annual meeting by holding two meeting of the Council each year, the Standing Committee immediately undertook the preparation of the second meeting It decided that it should be held in November, and it set up an Agenda Sub-committee consisting of Mr. K. R. Allen (Convener) and Dr. R. A. Falla, representing the Standing Committee, and one representative from each Member Body to determine what should be discussed and to adopt means which would be productive of well informed discussion at that meeting. It was further decided that policy matters should predominate, but that other urgent matters requiring attention should not be excluded. At the August meeting the Sub-committee reported and produced data on which the various items were based, and Member Bodies were given an opportunity to add further items before the following meeting after which no matters could be introduced unless by the unanimous decision of the Council meeting itself. At the meeting the items on the Agenda were supported by full reports circulated beforehand, and but for the controversial nature of many of the policy matters arising the full Agenda might have been concluded in the time available. As it was, an important National Collections Report had to be postponed together with some other items of topical interest. The minutes and reports of this meeting appear in Volume 82, Part 5. just published. Council. Some changes have occurred in the Council since the annual meeting. On taking over the office of President of the Society, Dr. Miller resigned as representative of the Nelson Institute and Dr. H. O. Askew was appointed in his place. Likewise, Professor Briggs, on assuming the office of Vice-President of the Society, resigned as representative of the Auckland Institute and Professor K. B. Cumberland was appointed to succeed him. The Rotorua Philosophical Society in November appointed Dr. J. K. Dixon as its first representative on the Council and the Waikato Scientific Association appointed Dr. E. B. Davies as its first representative. The President of the Otago Branch, Mr. O. H. Keys, returned from overseas and was reappointed representative on the Council in place of Dr. D. A. Brown, who was leaving New Zealand on refresher leave. Under the Society's Act, Dr. Oliver, immediate Past-President, has a seat on the Council for a year, and he has attended meetings of the Standing Committee. Leave of Absence. At the March meeting of the Standing Committee Dr. M. A. F. Barnett, Vice-President, was granted leave of absence as he was proceeding to Geneva and Great Britain and would be absent for two or three months. Obituary. At the September meeting the death was announced of Professor H. W. Segar, for many years a member of the Council representing the Auckland Institute.

Professor Segar was the last of the Original Fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand elected in 1919. The Chairman, Mr. F. R. Callaghan, paid a tribute to the late Professor Segar, referring to his outstanding academic attainments, and the service he had rendered to the Royal Society over a long period. Meeting with Hon. Minister. A small deputation was appointed to wait on the Hon. Minister and acquaint him with matters of moment discussed at the annual meeting of the Council and with the result of the Eighth New Zealand Science Congress. At a later date the delegation reported that the interview was a satisfactory one and the Hon. Minister appeared very interested in the Society's activities. Financial. During the year the finances of the Society have taken up a great deal of the consideration of the Standing Committee and its Sub-committees. In the terms of the resolution of the annual meeting last May. “That the Standing Committee be directed to conduct an investigation into the overall finances of the Society and prepare a budget for a period of at least five years, and in consultation with the Member Bodies report on the functions of the Society.” the Standing Committee at its June meeting appointed a sub-committee consisting of Mr. F. R. Callaghan and Dr. J. T. Salmon to prepare a memorandum for Member Bodies. Later Professor Richardson was added to the Committee to consider the replies from the Member Bodies and to prepare a report for the half-yearly meeting. A comprehensive report which appears in Volume 82, Part 5, Trans. R. S. N.Z., was brought down to that meeting and was given considerable thought, and finally, it was resolved to approach the Government for a grant to cover the requirements of the Society as set out in the report. A letter was accordingly sent to the Hon. Minister with a copy to Dr. Hamilton, Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Hon. Minister was asked to allow a deputation from the Society to wait on him. A memorandum for Member Bodies was prepared, and this sets out concrete proposals whereby the parent body could be assured of a regular income from Member Bodies irrespective of the number of Transactions issued to members. It was recognised that such a course would probably involve an increase of subscription to the members, but it was considered a necessary step if the Royal Society of New Zealand is to function in accordance with the policy outlined in the report accepted by the Council at its November meeting. Two graphs were also prepared to indicate the source of the total income of the Society from its inception related to the cost of publication and membership up to the present time, with a forecast of next year's budget. In order to clarify some of the points raised in the original circular letter to Member Bodies a further letter was prepared and it would appear from the replies already to hand that the Society's proposals are being given favourable consideration. The March meeting of the Standing Committee resolved to recommend to the annual meeting the principles outlined in the report referred to involving: (1) The principle of a general contribution from all members sufficient to meet at least the administration expenses of the Society. (2) The principle of setting aside each year a portion of the annual income of Member Bodies as capital saving. (3) The amounts required under (1) and (2) to be decided at the annual meeting. Member Bodies. The following reports and balance sheets have been received:—Auckland Institute, for the year ended 31st March, 1954; Wellington Branch, for the year ended 30th September, 1954; Canterbury Branch, for the year ended 31st October, 1954; Otago Branch, for the year ended 31st October. 1954; Rotorua Philosophical Society, for the year ended 30th September, 1954; Waikato Scientific Association, for the year ended 30th September, 1954. The Waikato Scientific Association and the Rotorua Philosophical Societies, having fulfilled the requirements for Member Bodies, were accepted at the annual meeting in May last and the half-yearly November meeting, 1954, respectively. A new Society has been formed in North Otago, under the title North Otago Scientific and Historical Society. The inaugural meeting was held in Oamaru on November 24, 1954, and subsequently the Society's Constitution was framed with the inclusion of rules which will allow of its becoming a Member Body on the expiration of the one year period of existence under the title North Otago Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. The Nelson Philosophical Society would like to alter its title to Nelson Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand and it applied for permission to do so The request, however,

was referred back to it for further investigation with the Nelson Institute as it is this body which is the recognised Member Body. Publication Matters. An increasing volume of papers has been submitted by the Honorary Editor for approval for publication. The Society's publication expenses for the year amount to £4,032 2s 10d, of which £465 4s 5d, the cost of the Eighth New Zealand Science Congress volume, will be met out of the balance paid over to the Society by the Congress Organising Committee. In addition, an amount of £34 3s 6d for the reprints of this volume, the bill for which came to hand after the 31st March, will be met from this balance. Since the 31st March another large part (Part 5) of Volume 82, containing 389 pp. (including 57 pp. of report of the half-yearly meeting) has been completed. This, together with approval for the first three parts of Volume 83, will amount to over £3,000, which is more than can be met out of the Society's present resources if an adequate carry over balance be maintained each year. Then it is possible also that the Bulletin on Mosses may come to charge in the coming year. At the February meeting of the Standing Committee the President, therefore, emphasised the need of caution in publication expenses until such time as the Society can be assured of increased revenue. This drew the Honorary Editor to remark on the difficulty of preparing in advance for a continuity of publication when there was no security of adequate finance ahead. It was suggested that the Hon. Editor prepare a statement on publications for the Hon. Minister. Assistant Honorary Editors. Owing to the increased editorial work, on the Honorary Editor's recommendation, Mr. R. G. Robbins (Botany) was appointed Associate Hon. Editor. Library. When the remaining half of the steel shelving has been installed in the new Library room it will be possible to give some much needed relief in the congestion in the Society's main Library. As one of the conditions attached to the Society's use of the new room in the top floor of the Biology Department was the release of the small stack room in the other building, those stocks and stack had first to be accommodated in the new room. This was done by a team of graduate students and junior staff of the Biology Department at a cost of £41, which was a very reasonable charge in view of the fact that all the books had to be carried up three flights of stairs to their new quarters. This cost was one-quarter of the price quoted by a firm of carriers for the work. Assistant: The appointment in September of Mrs. J. W. Brodie to the position of Library Assistant has been a great help, and arrears in the work in the Library is gradually being overtaken. Loans issued during the year amount to over 600 volumes, and this alone has justified additional staff. Facilities: The Ecological Society of New Zealand has been granted the use of the Society's Library facilities to house a small number of its exchanges. Fellowship R.S.N.Z. Five nominations were received from Member Bodies, and were sent to Fellows for selection of one to fill the vacancy declared at the annual meeting. The Fellowship Selection Committee will make its recommendation to the annual meeting. Hector Award. The presentation of the Hector Medal and Prize awarded to Mrs. Watson Smith (Lucy Cranwell) at the last annual meeting has been deferred pending her proposed visit to New Zealand in the near future. Hamilton Award. Applications were called for the Hamilton Prize, and an endeavour made to give wider publicity to the award through the New Zealand University Calendar but without success, the prize not being a University one. T. K. Sidcy Summer-time Award. Professor C. Watson Munro resigned from the Award Committee on account of his departure from New Zealand. Dr. M. A. F. Barnett was appointed in his place. Hutton Grants.—Dr. J. T. Salmon was granted £25 towards the cost of translation of a foreign paper. Subsequently it was resolved that in future Hutton grants would not be available for translation purposes. Dr. Salmon has not taken up the amount. Mr. C. B. Trevarthen was granted £30 for field study of marine biology round the coast of the South Island; Dr. Maxwell Gage was granted £50 for research in the Pleistocene History of Canterbury and the preparation of a map; Messrs. W. C. Clark and E. W. Dawson were granted £15 for study of the breeding biology of the white-fronted tern; and £25 was granted to Dr. R. L. Oliver towards the cost of sections and chemical analysis of igneous rocks collected on Campbell Island. Affiliation of National Scientific Societies. In an endeavour to reach some finality in regard to the question of the affiliation of scientific societies with the Royal Society of New Zealand. Mr. Callaghan prepared a statement outlining the machinery for such affiliation and forecasting the type of society which was likely to seek such affiliation.

The Standing Committee approved this statement for submission to members of the Council and Member Bodies. Subsequently, a sub-committee prepared a full report for submission to the November meeting. See Vol. 82 (5). This meeting approved the principle of affiliation of National Scientific Societies as set out in the report, and the Standing Committee was asked to codify rules and regulations and prepare a form of affiliation certificate in order to give effect to the decision. At its meeting on the 25th February, the Standing Committee approved the following rule, which is recommended to the annual meeting for adoption:— “Pursuant to the powers conferred on it by Clause 11 of the Royal Society of New Zealand Act, 1933, the Council may, at its discretion, approve affiliation to the Royal Society of New Zealand of national scientific bodies, provided (a) That any such body has a membership of not less than twenty-five persons; (b) That its Constitution and Rules are approved by the Council of the Royal Society; (c) That such a body gives proof of effective existence for a period of at least three years, except where the majority of members are already members of the Royal Society when affiliation may be granted immediately or at such time as decided by the Council; (d) That such a body pays an annual affiliation fee of £3 3s to the Royal Society of New Zealand.” Eighth N.Z. Science Congress. At the first meeting after the Congress the Standing Committee resolved: “That the Standing Committee conveys to the Auckland Institute and Museum its heartiest congratulations on the organization of the most successful Science Congress held last month and, realising the immense amount of work involved in securing that success, assures the President, the Honorary Secretaries, the Organizing Committee, the Ladies' Committee and all those responsible, of its sincere and very warm thanks and appreciation. “It also commends the Committee's foresight in securing such eminent guest speakers as Professor Oliphant and Dr. R. N. Robertson.” Later in the year, on receiving the final minutes of the Organizing Committee and the Hon. Treasurer's report which showed a credit balance of £589, congratulations were again extended to the Organizing Committee on the excellent financial result. As has been stated earlier, the Science Congress Volume (82, Part 4) has been met out of the above balance. It was decided that the volume should be distributed to all members of the Science Congress, and in order to do this it was found 600 copies in addition to those usually printed for members of the Society and Exchanges would be required. Future N. Z. Science Congresses.—The interest in the Society's Triennial Congress is increasing and enquiries regarding participation received. The latest applicant for inclusion is the N.Z. Association of Bacteriologists. Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science. It was decided at the last annual meeting to give support to the proposal to hold the A.N.Z.A.A.S. 1957 meeting in Dunedin. Sir Theodore Rigg, President of the Association, together with Dr. Miller, Dr. Hamilton and Dr. Soper, interviewed the Hon. Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research in connection with the proposed meeting, and the necessary financial support from the Government. It was later announced that the Government was prepared to give a grant of £4,500 to enable an invitation to be extended from New Zealand to hold the 1957 meeting in Dunedin. Previously it had been decided to forego the next New Zealand Science Congress in favour of the A.N.Z.A.A.S. meeting. The Standing Committee agreed, therefore, that the amount of £150 usually contributed to Science Congresses should be allocated to the Organizing Committee of the Dunedin Meeting. To meet the preliminary expenses of that Committee £20 was contributed to the Committee as an instalment. Pacific Science Association. The Society's contribution of £120 to the Pacific Science Council's Secretariat decided upon at the last annual meeting has been sent to the Secretariat in Honolulu, and warm acknowledgment has been received. Some delay in transmitting it was occasioned by the Reserve Bank withholding the permit, but on strong representations being made the permit was eventually obtained before the end of the Society's financial year. Seventh Pacific Science Congress Proceedings. The publication of the remaining volumes of the Proceedings, Volumes 4, 6 and 7 was completed during the past year and the distribution of all the volumes and reprints was completed.

It is rather a coincidence that in the Fourth Pacific Science Congress there were four volumes of Proceedings, in the Fifth Congress, there were five volumes, in the Sixth Congress there were six volumes, and in the Seventh Congress, held in New Zealand, there were seven volumes of Proceedings published. The cost of printing of the volumes, owing to the policy of giving contracts to many different firms, resulted in the whole of the Government grant for that purpose not being required. At the 31st March the credit balance in the Congress Account was £2,204 16s. Payments of accounts for volumes and reprints are still coming to hand, as are orders for volumes, so that it is not yet possible to state what the actual balance is likely to be. The stocks of the volumes held are as follows:—Vol. 1 (official), 198 copies; Vol. 2 (Geology), 35 copies; Vol. 3 (Oceanography and Meteorology), 53 copies; Vol. 4 (Zoology), 55 copies; Vol. 5 (Botany), 31 copies; Vol. 6 (Soil Resources and Agriculture), 16 copies; Vol. 7 (Anthropology and Social Sciences), 50 copies. Indexes to the Transactions. It was hoped that the preparation of the Indexes to the Transactions, Volumes 64-80 would have been completed, but owing to the amount of work involved in connection with the Proceedings of the Pacific Science Congress mentioned above in addition to the usual secretarial work it has not been possible to prepare the manuscript of the Indexes for the classification committee to complete. An early start on this work should now be possible. On comparative estimates being obtained, after much consideration it was decided to print in one volume a cumulative Index of the Transactions 1-80 at the same time revising the early Index Volumes 1-40, in which certain inaccuracies had been observed. The quoted price of approximately 188 pages is £408 for 1000 copies. Transactions. The Nelson Institute offered to hand over to the Society its surplus copies of Transactions, and the offer was accepted. Partial sets, comprising volumes held in supply have been given to the Rotorua Philosophical Society as a nucleus for its Library and to the newly established Oceanographic Institute. National Parks. The appropriate resolutions of the last annual meeting were transmitted to the National Parks Authority, which replied that it was willing to provide facilities for scientific work to be carried out in the Parks under its control. In the matter of representation on Park Boards, it stated that the Society or Branch could not be directly represented, but the Authority was willing to consider nominations from certain specified bodies. The matter was referred to the Conservation Committee for action. It was suggested to the Authority that it receive a delegation from the Society for a discussion regarding ways and means for scientific survey in the Parks under the Authority's jurisdiction. The Authority does not see much advantage in such a deputation and would prefer the Society to state its views in writing. Historic Places Trust. In the Historic Places Act, 1954, provision is made for a nomination from the Royal Society of New Zealand for representation on the Historic Places Trust. Member Bodies were asked to forward suggestions in order that a nomination may be made at the annual meeting. Prior to the passing of the Bill, the Standing Committee received a letter containing some criticism of various passages in the Bill and these were referred to the Conservation Committee for consideration in the immediate future, or at a later stage after the Act had been operating. Rutherford Memorial Committee. As instructed at the last annual meeting the Society offered its services to the Royal Society of London as a permanent committee in New Zealand. The General Secretary replied that it preferred for the present to act through its corresponding member in New Zealand, Dr. E. Marsden, and it would be within his discretion to consult with the Royal Society of New Zealand. Geophysical Year: 1957-58. The Chairman of the Society's Geophysical Year Committee. Dr. Barnett, submitted a copy of the report presented to the Int. Geophysical Year Committee He also wrote to the Rt. Hon. the Prime Minister drawing attention to the need for urgent action in regard to the recommendations made to the New Zealand Committee by the Special Committee of the International Council of Scientific Unions, one of which was the setting up by the New Zealand Government of an Antarctic Station at Ross Island. Antarctic Territories. At the request of the President of the Otago Branch that the Society should take action in regard to the proposed British Antarctic Expedition and the expressed wish of the Canterbury Branch that the Royal Society of New Zealand should

be associated with the Expedition, a letter was forwarded to the Prime Minister and to the Hon. Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research. Replies thanking the Society for its interest and its desire to co-operate have been received, and the matter will be further dealt with at the annual meeting in May. Overseas Congress Fund. The Wellington Branch made the first and so far the only contribution to date to the Overseas Congress Fund, which the last annual meeting agreed should be established. Overseas Meetings. Mr. E. G. Turbott was appointed to act as Observer at the Fourth General Assembly of the International Union for the Protection of Nature in Denmark in August-September, 1954. Invitations have been received to send delegates to the A.N.Z.A.A.S. meeting in Melbourne, 17th-24th August, 1955; Int. Congress of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Zurich, 21st-27th July, 1955; Int. Council of Scientific Unions General Assembly, Oslo, 8th-13th August, 1955; Int. Genetics Symposium, Tokio and Kyoto. 6th-12th September, 1956. Member Bodies have been asked to suggest names for any or all of the above. After some discussion on points raised, on the motion of Professor Richardson, seconded by Dr. Salmon, the report of the Standing Committee was adopted. Report of the Honorary Treasurer for the year ended 31St March, 1955. I have the honour to present the Balance Sheet and Statement of Accounts, subject to audit, for the year ended 31st March, 1955. The Government grant of £4,000 for the second year of this amount has enabled us to meet the increased expenses of printing, leaving a current balance of £2,255, which is about the normal required to carry on for the current year. It is necessary to have a balance of at least £2,000 to meet our expenses. The total cost of printing this year is £4,032, which includes a carry-over and also the extra cost of the 8th N. Z. Science Congress Volume specially provided for by that Congress. Printing costs, with our present level of income, must be kept within about £3,000. The steel shelving for the additional new room for the Library is costing £1,000, as already approved. About half is paid for in the year under review, and £500 is a charge on the next year. The Trust Accounts are all in a healthy condition. Fire insurances on the Library and Furniture have been increased from £5,500 to £8,800. The Seventh Pacific Science Congress accounts show a remaining balance of £2,204, all printing costs having been paid. S. Cory Wright, Hon. Treasurer.

The Royal Society of New Zealand. Statement of Receipts and Payments for the year ended 31st March, 1955. £ s. d. Balance at 31st March, 1954 2,785 16 8 Annual Government Grant 4,000 0 0 Levy on Transactions 226 10 0 Sales of Publications 142 5 0 Internal Affairs: Refund of Expenses of Address and Luncheon in connection with H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh 124 10 11 Auckland Institute: Balance from Eighth M. Science 588 12 3 Travelling Expenses: Share from Member Bodies (2) 8 10 0 State Forest Service: Reprints and Share of Cost of Printing Paper 339 10 0 Dr. Manter: Contribution Towards Cost of Paper 17 14 4 Purchase of Shelving from Stack Room 14 0 0 Overseas Congress Fund: Contribution Wellington Branch 5 5 0 Endowment Fund, Interest 132 14 10 Hector Memorial Fund, Interest 56 5 10 Hutton Memorial Fund, Interest 66 7 1 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund, Interest 24 14 1 Carter Library Legacy, Interest 9 410 Plant Diseases Trust. Interest 20 16 5 Cockayne Memorial Fund, Interest 13 4 0 Hamilton Memorial Fund, Interest 2 8 6 Trust Funds to R.S.N.Z. Account, transferred 216 5 10 £8,794 15 7 £ s. d. Otago Daily Times: Vol. 81 (4), 82 (1,2,3,4), Bull. 5, Labels 4,032 2 10 Salaries 936 9 11 Travelling Expenses: November Meeting 69 6 11 Stationery 87 6 6 Steel Shelving: New Library Room 425 12 6 Typewriter 57 10 0 Hutton Grants 167 17 3 Charges: Audit, Telephone Code Address, Advts., Bank Charges, etc. 21 3 3 Imprest 30 16 8 Editor's Honorarium 50 0 0 Editor's Petty Cash (Postages, etc.) 18 0 0 Summer-time Award: Advertisements 15 6 2 Binding Periodicals 79 13 9 Balance of 7th N.Z. Congress to 8th Congress Committee 39 8 3 Contribution to A.N.Z.A.A.S 1957 Meeting, Dunedin Committee 20 0 0 Subscription to Inter. Council Scientific Unions 70 14 2 Contribution Pacific Science Council's Secretariat 120 0 0 Labour: Removing Books from Stack Room to New Room 41 7 6 Interest Paid Direct to Trust Accounts 147 18 9 Transfer from R.S.N.Z. Account to Trust Accounts 12 10 0 Balance as Under 2,255 16 5 £8,794 15 7 £ s. d. Bank of New Zealand 2,091 0 7 Less Unpresented Cheques 1,409 13 1 681 7 6 Post Office Saving Bank 1,561 8 9 Cash in Hand 0 1 9 Petty Cash in Hand 12 18 5 £2,255 16 5

The Royal Society of New Zealand. Statement of assets and liabilities at 31st March, 1955. £ s. d. Hector Memorial Fund, Capital Account 1,184 18 1 Hector Memorial Fund, Revenue Account 87 18 11 Hutton Memorial Fund, Capital Account 1,506 8 6 Hutton Memorial Fund, Revenue Account 242 14 9 Sidey Summer-time Fund, Capital Account 561 18 5 Sidey Summer-time Fund, Revenue Account 118 19 7 Plant Diseases Division, Capital Account 542 13 5 Plant Diseases Division, Revenue Account 217 19 4 Cockayne Memorial Fund, Capital Account 249 12 0 Cockayne Memorial Fund, Revenue Account 135 12 7 Hamilton Memorial Fund, Capital Account 85 12 6 Hamilton Memorial Fund, Revenue Account 3 14 1 Carter Library Legacy, Capital Account 162 19 0 Carter Library Legacy, Revenue Account 70 1 3 Endowment Fund, Capital Account 2,636 2 5 Endowment Fund, Revenue Account 188 1 10 Research Grant Fund 35 7 4 Library Binding Fund 181 0 0 N.Z. Congress Fund 153 7 10 Overseas Congress Fund 5 5 0 Manawatu Branch, Balance 33 18 3 Accounts in Credit 7 1 1 Balance of Assets over Liabilities 1,976 6 2 £10,387 12 4 £ s. d. Hector Memorial Fund: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £1,250) 1,184 18 1 Hector Memorial Fund: P.O.S.B. Account 87 18 11 Hutton Memorial Fund: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £1,570) 1,506 8 6 Hutton Memorial Fund: P.O.S.B. Account 242 14 9 Summer-time Fund: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £510) 500 2 6 Summer-time Fund: P.O.S.B. Account 121 8 7 Plant Diseases: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £500) 500 0 0 Plant Diseases: P.O.S.B. Account 260 12 9 Cockayne Memorial Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £260) 249 12 9 Cockayne Memorial: P.O.S.B. Account 135 12 7 Hamilton Fund: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £60) 60 0 0 Hamilton Fund: Post Office Savings Bank Account 29 6 7 Carter Library Legacy: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £160) 162 19 0 Carter Library Legacy: P.O.S.B. Account 70 1 3 Endowment Fund: Inscribed Stock (Face Value, £2,670) 2,636 2 5 Endowment Fund: P.O.S.B. Account (Part) 188 1 10 Sundry Debtors: Levy 317 12 6 Petty Cash in Hand 12 18 5 Post Office Savings Bank 1,373 6 11 Bank of New Zealand 681 7 6 Cash in Hand 0 1 9 £10,387 12 4 Estimated Insured Value. Value. £ s. d £ Library and Stack Room, V.U.C. 11,592 12 0 5,800 Furniture and Library Fittings 1,540 0 0 2,000 Stock in Storeroom, Parliament Buildings 500 Carter Library, Dominion Museum (owned jointly with Dominion Museum) 500 S, Cory Wright, Hon. Treasurer. The Audit Office, having made such examination as was considered necessary, certifies that in its opinion these accounts are correct. C. J. Atkin, Controller and Auditor-General.

The Royal Society of New Zealand. Statement of income and expenditure for the year ended 31st March, 1955. Expenditure. £ s. d. To Printing Trans. Vol. 81 (4), 82 (1, 2, 3, 4) and Exchange Labels 3,780 2 10 To Stationery 69 4 6 To Typewriter and Addressograph Plates 57 15 3 To Steel Shelving 425 12 6 To Binding Fund Allocation 50 0 0 To Science Congresses Fund Allocation 50 0 0 To Editor's Honorarium 50 0 0 To Editorial Postages, etc. 18 0 0 To Imprest Account 30 16 8 To Travelling Expenses 152 2 5 To Salaries 936 9 11 To Annual Subscription Int. Council Scientific Unions 70 14 2 To Pacific Science Council Secretariat Allocation 120 0 0 To Charges: Telephone, Audit, Bank, etc. 20 18 6 To Library Stack Room Removal—Less Purchase of Shelving 27 7 6 To Balance 1,976 6 2 £7,835 10 5 Income. £ s d. By Balance at 31st March, 1954 2,093 18 10 By Annual Government Grant 4,000 0 0 By Levy, Volume 82 423 7 6 By Sales of Publications 79 1 5 By N.Z. Forest Service: Cost of Paper and Reprints 339 10 0 By Balance from Publications Fund (annual meeting, 1954) 283 12 7 By Author's Reprints and Contribution (Dr. Manter) 17 14 4 By Vol. 82 (4) Science Cong. Vol. from Congress Balance 465 4 5 By Trust Funds Administration Expenses 5 2 6 By Interest from Endowment Fund, voted Annual Meeting, 1954 127 18 10 £7,835 10 5

The Royal Society of New Zealand. Trust funds for the year ended 31st March, 1955. Hector Memorial Fund. Dr. £ s d. To Administration Expenses 1 10 0 To Balance 1,272 17 0 £1,274 7 0 Cr. £ s d. By Capital Invested 1,184 18 1 By Balance Revenue Account at 31/3/54 33 3 1 By Interest and Cash Premium (Con. Loan) 56 5 10 £1,274 7 0 By Balance Capital Account £1,184 18 1 By Balance Revenue Account (1954 Prize not paid) £87 18 11 Hutton Memorial Fund. Dr. £ s d. To Hutton Grants 165 14 9 To Administration Expenses 1 10 0 To Balance 1,749 3 3 £1,916 8 0 Cr. £ s d. By Capital Invested 1,506 8 6 By Balance Revenue Account, 31/3/54 343 12 5 By Interest and Cash Premium 66 7 1 £1,916 8 0 By Balance Capital Account £1,506 8 6 By Balance Revenue Account £242 14 9 T. K. Sidey Summer-Time Fund Dr. £ s. d. To Administration Expenses 1 10 0 To Advertisements Award 17 8 8 To Balance 680 18 0 £699 16 8 Cr. £ s. d. By Capital Invested 559 9 5 By Balance Revenue Account, 31/3/54 115 13 2 By Interest Revenue Account 22 5 1 By Interest Capital Account 2 9 0 24 14 1 £699 16 8 By Balance Capital Account £561 18 5 By Balance Revenue Account £118 19 7 Plant Diseases Trust. Dr. £ s. d. To Administration Expenses 0 7 6 To Balance 760 12 9 £761 0 3 Cr. £ s. d. By Capital Invested 542 13 5 By Balance Revenue Account, 31/3/54 197 10 5 By Interest 20 16 5 £761 0 3 By Balance Capital Account £542 13 3 By Balance Revenue Account £217 19 4

Cockayne Memorial Fund. Dr. £ s. d. To Administration Expenses 0 7 6 To Balance 385 4 7 £385 12 1 Cr. £ s d. By Capital Invested 249 12 0 By Balance Revenue Account. 31/3/54 122 16 1 By Interest 13 4 0 £385 12 1 By Balance, Capital Account £249 12 0 By Balance Revenue Account £135 12 7 Carter Library Legacy. Dr. £ s. d. To Administration Expenses 0 15 0 To Balance 233 0 3 £233 15 3 Cr. £ s. d. By Capital Invested and in P.O.S.B. 162 19 0 By Balance Revenue Account, 31/3/54 61 11 5 By Interest and Cash Premium (Con. Loan) 9 4 10 £233 15 3 By Balance Capital Account £162 19 0 By Balance Revenue Account £70 1 3 Hamilton Memorial Fund. Cr £ s. d. To Administration Expenses 0 7 6 To Balance 89 6 7 £89 14 1 Cr. By Capital Investment and in P. O. S. B. 84 8 3 By Balance Revenue Account. 31/3/54 2 17 1 By Interest Revenue Account 1 4 3 By Interest Capital Account 1 4 3 2 8 6 £89 14 1 By Balance Capital Account £85 12 6 By Balance Revenue Account £3 14 1 Endowment Fund. £ s. d. To Administration Expenses 1 15 0 To Interest allocated to General Purposes at Annual Meeting, 1954 127 18 10 To Balance 2,824 4 3 £2,953 18 1 Cr. £ s d By Capital Invested 2,636 2 5 By Balance Revenue Account 31/3/54 185 0 10 By Interest and Cash Premium 132 14 10 £2,953 18 1 By Balance Capital Account £2,636 2 5 By Balance Revenue Account £188 1 10

Seventh pacific science congress. Statement of receipts and payments for the year ended 31st March, 1955. Receipts. £ s. d. Balance at 31st March, 1954 2,535 8 7 Sales of Proceedings 662 1 0 Sales of Reprints 49 15 0 £3,247 4 7 Payments. £ s. d. Printing Volume 4, Reprints and Charges 306 7 4 Printing Volume 6 Reprints 702 13 6 Imprest Account 28 12 9 Audit and Bank Charges 4 15 0 Balance as under 2,204 16 0 £3,247 4 7 Bank of New Zealand 2,201 17 11 Cash in Hand 2 18 1 £2,204 16 0 S. Cory Wright, Hon. Treasurer.

Mr. Cory Wright presented the Hon. Treasurer's Report and Balance Sheet. A discussion on the amount of the current year's interest in the Endowment Fund to be voted for general purposes was deferred until later in the Agenda under 28 (Finances of the Society). On the motion of Mr. Cory Wright, seconded by Professor Richardson, the Balance Sheet was adopted. Travelling Expenses. It was resolved that Member Bodies should pay their share of the expenses of Council members to the half-yearly meeting, on the same basis as that of the annual meeting. Report of the Honorary Editor. The year just closed has been a heavy one for the Editor as, besides the usual parts of the Transactions, a special part containing the report of the Eighth New Zealand Science Congress has been issued, and the printing of Mr. G. O. K. Sainsbury's “Handbook of the New Zealand Mosses” has been completed. The Handbook is being published by the Society as its Bulletin No. 5, and it should be issued towards the end of April or early in May. Part 5 of the Transactions is also printed and will be distributed during April, thus completing Volume 82, which is a volume of 1,219 pages containing 70 research papers, 16 papers from the Science Congress, the Proceedings of two Council Meetings, and miscellaneous details of Congress symposia and titles, etc. Part 4, the Science Congress Volume, made up 150 pages of the total, so that the Society has printed this year 1,060 pages of research papers, which is an increase of 400 pages on Volume 81. This increase has been possible only through the increased finance available for printing the Transactions, and at the present time, more papers worthy of publication are offering than even the expanded finances of the Society can handle. To cope with this situation the standard of acceptance has been further raised, but this is tending to create a situation in which worth-while research results will not be published because of such shortcomings as insufficient use of available material, lack of conclusive results, etc. The recently instituted “Research Notes” section is being increasingly patronized, five of the papers published in Volume 82 being in this form. Since taking over the Editorship of the Transactions I have been striving to reduce the publishing time of papers to a minimum of six months from date of receipt of a paper to date of issue. In Volume 82 this has been attained with papers submitted in a reasonably presentable form not requiring severe editing nor their return to the author for extensive modification. There seems little chance of reducing the publishing time of papers to less than six months, but I should stress here that the rapidity with which a paper can be published rests almost entirely with the author. depending on the care with which he prepares and presents his ideas in writing. The printing of Bulletin No. 5 will absorb two years' allocation of Bulletin finance. It comprises 492 pages and 72 plates, and although its issue has been a major undertaking for the Society, it does indicate a further avenue along which the publishing facilities of the Royal Society of New Zealand are of immense service to New Zealand science as well as to the community at large. During the preparation of Volume 82 there has been a distinct improvement in the quality of the printing of the Society's publications. particularly in the quality of plates and figures. The cover has been further simplified and made more presentable with the issue of Part 5. Finally, I would like to record my appreciation of the help I have received from the recently appointed Associate Editor and from the various referees without whose help it would be impossible for an Honorary Editor to carry on. The Society's printers, the Otago Daily Times Co. Ltd., have co-operated willingly in bringing about the shortening of the publishing time and the improvement in the quality of the printing of the Society's Transactions and Bulletins and in this regard I would like to record my appreciation of the ready help I have always received from Mr. V. Perry, manager of the Printing Department. J. T. Salmon, Hon. Editor. In speaking to the Hon. Editor's Report, Dr. Salmon mentioned that the time lag between the receipt of a paper and its appearance in print had now

been reduced to a minimum. He referred to the help given to him by the Associate Editor, Mr. R. G. Robbins. Dr. Archey questioned the need for the inclusion of Research Notes in the Transactions, stating that he thought these could be published in the Journal of Science and Technology or in the Science Review. Professor Richardson referred to the immense amount of work done by the Honorary Editor, to the time involved and to the high standard reached in the production of the Transactions. These remarks were endorsed by acclamation and the report was adopted. Report of the Honorary Librarian. With the completion of the third floor on the Biology Block, a new internal room was made available by Victoria University College as a stack room for the Library of the Royal Society in exchange for the small stackroom in the old chemistry building. The new room is nearly the size of the present Royal Society room, 24 feet by 30 feet, and the Library has benefited considerably by the exchange of these rooms. Some 1,700 feet of steel shelving in 10 foot stacks have been installed in the new room, and the material from the old room has been transferred and is for the first time in many years properly available. Another 947 feet of steel shelving is on order and when installed this will give relief to the overcrowding in the present library. The Library should now operate with reasonable convenience for the next five years at least. The long-necessary appointment of a full-time assistant Librarian came in time to provide valuable assistance during the change-over and is permitting a proper handling of acquisitions and progress in re-ordering the Library to a more practical form. The New Zealand Library Association was contacted as directed at the last annual meeting, but it was recognised that a review of the Society's Library could be better considered following the rearrangement of the Library during the past year. There were 617 borrowings, direct and inter-loan, during the Society's year, as compared with 582 in 1952. It will be understood that essentially all borrowings are for genuine research purposes and that the demand grows in terms of the expansion of research activity in this country. In 1947, borrowings were 463. The holdings are listed in the N.Z.L.A. list of serials, and are fully accessible to all responsible borrowers throughout New Zealand. I can close my report this year with an expression of satisfaction at the improved conditions in the Royal Society's Library and of gratitude to Miss Wood and Mrs. Brodie for their efforts during the past strenuous year. L. R. Richardson, Hon. Librarian Professor Richardson stated that the new stack room on the top floor of the Biology Department was now in use, the contents from the smaller stack room in the other building having been transferred and shelved there. The remainder of the steel shelving would be installed in a month or two, and this would then give much needed relief in the main library, from which some overcrowded sections would be transferred to the new room. He hoped that eventually additional room on the top floor would be available for the Royal Society's Library. The report was adopted. Report of Representative on Great Barrier Reef Committee. The annual meeting was held in Brisbane on 9th November, 1954. At the Heron Island Marine Biological Station a fish trap has been constructed and observations made fairly regularly. The Department of Zoology of the University of Queensland and the Government Department of Fisheries have been assisting with the work of the station. Arrangements have been made for the Bureau of Mineral Resources to take gravity observations at 200 or 300 stations on the outer Barrier. the patch reefs, the high islands and the mainland between Cooktown and Townsville. Mr. T. C. Marshall reported that the coral formation on Lady Musgrave Island and Fairfax Island at the southern end of the Reef had been badly damaged by gunfire during

practices by the Navy during the war. An expedition consisting of twenty-one scientists ws made to the Reef of Low Isles in August, 1954. The subjects studied included physical and biological changes in the Reef, recent reef deterioration and the flora and fauna. Finance: The donations received up to October 31st, 1954, for the Iieron Island Marine Biological Station totalled £4,764 14s 9d. Included in this amount is the Queensland Government subsidy of £1,584 11s 10d. In addition. nearly £400 worth of goods was received. Altogether £4,377 2s has been spent on the building and on maintenance. W. R. B. Oliver, Representative on Committee. Dr. Oliver, representative on the Great Barrier Reef Committee, moved the adoption of the report. Carried. Report of Representatives on National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Board of Trustees. There is no progress to be reported in the Board's attempts to improve the professional staffing position at the Museum. Failure to obtain Cabinet approval for an increase in establishment above that of 1950/51 (when the Museum was already understaffed) has prevented the Board from appointing a senior botanist and entomologist and an assistant zoologist and junior trainee who are also required. To quote the annual report of the Museum Management Committee, “A combination of curatorial work and research should be regarded as a primary responsibility of a National Museum.” On the other hand, the long-delayed inspection by the Public Service Commission (referred to in our last report) has begun, and has led to revision of the Museum's filing system and to approval and advertisement of a new clerical position (C.V.). The Board's request to Government for additional professional staff was repeated, together with a request for an increase of £1,000 in general expenses, but these have not been granted. Judged by the tardy recognition in recent years of the claims of research in the Museum's budget, considerable improvements could be made in the administrative relationship between the Museum, the Government, and the latter's advisers on research policy. The National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Act, 1930, and its amendments, pursuant to which the Board operates, did not give the Dominion Museum a “Charter” expressing its functions in the community. To find a statement of the purposes of the Museum one must go back to the early years of the Colonial Museum (founded in 1865), when the Museum was closely linked with the only governmental research department, and was a repository for all scientific collections made at Government expense. The link between Museum and Government-sponsored research (then chiefly geological) is clearly stated in the Appendix to the Journal of the House of Representatives, 1866 (D.9) and is impht in the New Zealand Institute Act (and debates thereon) in the following year. This link was weakened by the transfer of the Geological Survey to the Mines Department (which became effective in 1893) and by the establishment of a special Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in 1926. Government research units have expanded considerably since 1926, and some of them have built up national research collections (in general with adequate staffing but inadequate accommodation), some of which compare more than favourably with the corresponding collections housed (with inadequate staff) by the Dominion Museum (whose finances are administered by a department which is not primarily concerned with research) and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (primarily concerned with research). Parliamentary procedure requires all grants of money to be administered by a Government Department. This being so, it appears to your representatives that the Museum's national functions in respect to the maintenance and study of research collections would benefit from closer liaison between the Museum and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, particularly in respect to the administration, professional staffing, and finance of its research activities. In this way, the traditional link between Government scientific research and the national museum could be restored with advantage to the country's scientific life. During the year, the Museum collections have received substantial additions in respect to Pacific ethnology, New Zealand mollusca and other marine invertebrates (particularly through field work in the Auckland Islands, Chatham Islands and Stewart Island regions).

Two important items were acquired by purchase, the G. O. K. Sainsbury Collection of New Zealand Mosses and a complete set of the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. C. A. Fleming, H. C. McQueen, Representatives on the Board of Trustees. Dr. Fleming moved the adoption of the report of the two representatives on the Board of Trustees. Carried. Report of representative on National Parks Authority. Four meetings of the Authority were held during the year ended 31st March, 1955. On December 6th, 1954, the meeting of the Authority was held at Milford Sound on the occasion of the reopening of the Milford Hotel. Much of the business of the meetings concerned by-laws, appointment of rangers, erection of huts, formation of tracks and leases of land for farming or other purposes. The Authority is well aware of the damage being done in the parks by introduced mammals, and is taking steps to control them. From most of the parks come reports of damage to the vegetation and to the native birds. In the Mount Cook National Park chamois and thar are damaging high level vegetation. They consume all kinds of plants. The increasing number of opossums in the Waikaremoana area is reported as serious, while goats, pigs and wild dogs are said to be increasing in the Urewera National Park. The park ranger for the Abel Tasman National Park is empowered to destroy any cat or dog found in the park if not under proper control. The Department of Internal Affairs is carrying on its work of deer destruction in national parks and other areas. A report on the ravages of the beech moth in Fiordland National Park was submitted to the Authority. The outbreak up to December 7th, 1953, had spread over an area estimated to be 50,000 acres. Most of the trees attacked were completely defoliated. It was, however, thought probable that the outbreak will terminate suddenly and the trees will recover. A general discussion took place on the protection of the takahe. It was reported that deer were fairly plentiful in the area where the birds were found and that stoats were on the increase. The matter was deferred until further information was available. The Royal Society's recommendation to the National Parks Authority that provision be made each year for the scientific investigation of various problems associated with each of the parks, together with a report by Mr. F. R. Callaghan, was considered by the Authority at its meeting on September 22nd, 1954 It was pointed out by the Chairman that it would not be possible for the Authority to assist with funds in a general way. After discussion the Authority resolved that specific scientific problems submitted by the Royal Society would be considered on their merits. The reports of two scientific expeditions which recently worked in Fiordland National Park were placed before the Authority. The Canterbury Museum expedition spent five weeks on field work in the Murchison Range early in 1953 Evidence of the presence of the Takahe was obtained in ten valleys. Early in 1954 the Geological Survey Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research explored the region between Lake Hauroko and Dusky Sound. A long term plan submitted by the Arthur Pass National Park Board for the development of the park was approved by the Authority it included the construction of a road from the top of the pass to the Bluffs, eradication or weeds, especially lupin and sweetbr erection of a 12-bunk hut in Edwards Valley, extension and improvement of the alpine garden, erection of an alpine museum, and the production of topographical maps. The authority also approved of an area of 29,900 acres of Arthur Pass National Park on the Westland side of the main divide being set apart as a Wilderness area. W. R. B. Oliver, Representative on National Parks Authority National Park Policy. The following report was presented by Dr. W. R. B. Oliver to the Standing Committee at its meeting on the 29th April, 1954:— At the last annual meeting of the Royal Society, held on 15th May, 1954, the following resolution was adopted:—

“That our Representative on the National Parks Authority be requested to report through the Standing Committee prior to the next Annual Meeting of the Society on scientific aspects of National Park policy.” The National Parks Act, 1952, section 3 (2) states. It is hereby further declared that, having regard to the general purposes specified in Sub section 1 of this Section, National Parks shall be so administered and maintained under the Provisions of this Act that (a) They shall be preserved as far as possible in their natural state; (b) Except where the Authority otherwise determines, the native flora and fauna of the Parks shall as far as possible be preserved and the introduced flora and fauna shall as far as possible be exterminated; (c) Then value as soil, water, and forest conservation areas shall be maintained; Section 29 reads: Save with the prior consent of the Authority, the Board shall not cut or destroy or authorise any person to cut or destroy any native bush in the Park. Section 34 provides that (1) The Board may, with the consent of the Authority, set apart any area of the Park as a wilderness area and may with the like consent revoke any such setting apart. (2) While any area is set apart as a wilderness area (a) It shall be kept and maintained in a state of nature: (b) No buildings of any description or ski tows or other apparatus shall be erected or constructed thereon: (c) No horses or other animals or vehicles of any description shall be allowed to be taken on to or used in the area; (d) No roads, tracks, or trails shall be constructed on the area except such foot tracks for the use of persons entering the area on foot as the Board deems necessary or desirable… The Authority laid down a general policy in which paragraph 5 reads as follows:— Scientific Surveys. To encourage surveys of scientific features and where appropriate signpost any unusual or interesting features…. At the meeting of the Authority on September 22nd, 1954, when discussing the Royal Society's proposals the Chairman explained that the Authority could not make outright grants for general investigations but, if the Society puts up a specific case, the Authority would consider the case on its merits. The Authority is fully alive to its responsibility to conserve the Parks as far as possible in their natural state, and welcomes investigations by scientists, granting them every facility for carrying out their work. Recently the Canterbury Museum organized an expedition to the Murchison Range and the New Zealand Geological Survey explored the region between Lake Hauroko and Dusky Sound. W. R. B. Oliver. Dr. Oliver, in speaking to his report as representative on the National Parks Authority stated that the Authority had considered the representations made by the Society at its last annual meeting, but decided that it was outside its scope to give monetary grants for the purpose of scientific surveys of national parks. Dr. Oliver also outlined in a separate report the National Parks Policy as laid down under the National Parks Act, 1951. Mr. Callaghan said he was disappointed that the scientific aspects of national parks had not been written into the National Parks Act. The report was adopted. Report of Representative on the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. Membership and Finance. During the year ended 30th September, 1954, membership increased from 1,853 to 1,944. Expenditure exceeded income by £201 15s, due in the main to a reduction of the Government grant from £569 to £300, and to an increase in expenditure Liquid assets at the close of the financial year totalled £768 10s 5d, in addition to fixed assets and trust funds. Conference. The Institute held its annual conference at Christchurch on 15th February, 1955. In the evening Associate Professor L. W. McCaskill delivered the Banks Lecture on “Our Indigenous Grasslands and Their Plants of Horticultural Importance.” Publications. The Institute still publishes its Journal as part of the monthly “New Zealand Gardener,” but hopes to begin independent publication soon. An Arbor Day bulletin was also published, several District Councils published local bulletins; and the Auckland District Council produced a book by Dr. H. Jacks on “Plant Protection Methods”.

Objectives and Constitution.—Opinions remained divided on proposals to change the organization and objectives of the Institute, and although the last annual conference had approved a measure of decentralisation, this was rescinded by a special general meeting which resolved that there be no change in the Constitution of the Institute. History of the Institute. A substantial history of the Institute, compiled by the late Mr. M. J. O'Sullivan, of Auckland, has now been published in a limited edition. Copies have been distributed to District Councils of the Institute and to various libraries, and some copies have been placed on sale at 35s each. Eighth New Zealand Science Congress. The Institute, through its Auckland District Council, participated in the horticultural sub-section of this Congress. Arbor Day. Some District Councils organised tree-planting ceremonies. whist others co-operated in the activities arranged by local authorities. Land Use. The Institute has been concerned about the loss of market gardening land which has been used for housing, and set up a strong committee to study this problem. The committee gave special attention to procedure developed in Holland which has been the most active country in facing this problem. The Annual Conference of the Institute received and supported the committee's report, which drew attention to the existence of suitable regulatory powers under the Town and Country Planning Act. 1953. and the Town and Country Planning Regulations, 1954, and proposed to encourage and support the proper use of these powers on both the national and local levels. Examinations. I have continued to serve on the Institute's Examining Board, on its Committee of Moderators, and on several ad hoc committees handling parts of the Boards business. Examinations have been conducted for the National Diploma in Horticulture, and its associated certificates, for the National Diploma in Fruit Culture, and for the Certificate in School Gardening. In addition, the Seedsmens Certificate and Certificate in Vegetable Culture which were in prospect at the time of my last report are now available. and will doubtless increase the work of the Examining Board. Period of Absence. I shall be on leave from my duties at Victoria University College, and absent from the country from August, 1955, till May, 1956. I therefore suggest the Council replace me by another representative. H. D. Gordon. Representative on the Dominion Council, Royal N.Z. Institute of Horticulture. In his report Professor Gordon stated that he would be absent from New Zealand until May, 1956, and he suggested that the Council appoint another representative in his place. On the motion of Mr. Callaghan the report was adopted. Report of representative on New Zealand Oceanographic Committee. During the year the Committee held two meetings and has continued to serve the functions listed in my last report. Mr. J. W. Brodie has taken the place of the late Mr. W. M. Jones on the Committee, and has been succeeded by Mr. D. M. Garner as secretary. The Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, has announced the Department's future policy in oceanography. “It has been decided to increase substantially the oceanographic work carried out by the Department. The work will fall broadly into three sections, physical, oceanography, marine biology, and marine geology, and attention will be concentrated in the first instance on achieving an understanding of the oceanography of the New Zealand region. A team consisting of four physicists, four marine biologists, and three marine geologists, will be formed to undertake this work and to carry out research on fundamental and local problems arising from it. An ultimate fourfold increase in expenditure is anticipated This programme of development has been approved by the Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research In physical oceanography it is planned to investigate first the hydrology of the New Zealand region (up to 200 miles offshore). Work on waves and energy interchange will also be carried out along with harbour circulation and tidal stream studies. It is hoped to commence an investigation of the regional distribution of plankton and of the ecology of the continental shelf faunas. Marine fouling studies will be continued. Marine geological studies will be extended to include sedimentation processes Geological interpretation of submarine topographic features will be continued”. The research unit formed in 1949 as Oceanographic Observatory has been renamed the New Zealand Oceanographic Institute, under the superintendence of Mr. J. W. Brodie.

A protest submitted to U.N.E.S.C.O by the Bureau of the International Council of Scientific Unions at the draft articles on national sovereignty over the continental shelf adopted at the fifth session of the International Law Commission was submitted by the Royal Society of New Zealand to the N.Z. Oceanographic Committee for comment. The I.C.S.U. viewed with alarm the possible restriction of fundamental research on the continental shelf and asserted that research by any nation carried out with the intention of open publication is in the interests of all. The Committee endorsed the I.C.S.U. resolution in the strongest terms. Correspondence was continued with the British Committee for Nomenclature of Ocean Bottom Features in an endeavour to stabilise the names of features of the Sea floor near New Zealand. Research by New Zealand workers on collections of the 1954. Chatham Island Expedition is proceeding. and has already resulted in notable additions to the N. Z. marine invertebrate , particularly among the decapods, mollusca, and echinoderms. After its September, 1954, meeting, the Committee held a discussion on marine biological provinces in New Zealand, led by Mr. A. W. B. Powell. This proved so profitable that a seminar on “Marine Communities” lasting a day and a-half was arranged after the March. 195. meeting and was attended by other oceanographers in addition to committee members. C A. Fleming, representative of the R. S. N. Z. on N.Z. Oceanographic Committee. Dr. Fleming presented the report of the N.Z. Oceanographic Committee set up in 1949. The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research has now established the N.Z. Oceanographic Institute. Fourth General Assembly of the International Union for the Protection of Nature. Mr. E. G. Turbott who was delegate to the P. N. from the Forest and Bird Protection Society, acted as Observer for the Royal Society of New Zealand and reported to it through the Forest and Bird Society on the 11th September, 1954. The Fourth General Assembly was held in Copenhagen from 25th August to 3rd September. The following extracts are taken from Mr. Turbott's report. “First I might say that at a film evening I showed two colour films of the Notorius which I brought to England, one by Dr. Falla and the other my own. There was much comment on the successful efforts to ensure the protection of Notorius by the setting aside of the reserve and ecological research, and it was later decided to forward a resolution from the conference to New Zealand along these lines…Before referring to the three main topics under discussion in the technical meetings I can mention briefly a subject which of necessity takes precedence at meetings on conservation at present—the World's Human Population (Dr. Turbott submitted a separate report on this subject)…Subjects at the Technical meetings were (1) Protection of Arctic Fauna. (2) The Effects of Modern Insecticides on Mammals, Birds and Insects. (3) Various Methods and Means of Publicity for Nature Protection With regard to (2) Dr. Turbott stated that discussions were at a fairly technical level with chemists, botanists and zoologists participating. There was evidently wide concern at the increasing number of new compounds which have become available and might be used without due consideration of their effect upon the balance of nature…. A paper by Mr. Linduska (U.S.A.) emphasised the magnitude of the problem, stating that in the year 1951, nearly 150,000 tons of new insecticides were produced in the United States. The market value of these products has been estimated at 60 million dollars. While emphasising the value in agricultural development education in then use and control regulations were essential. Note: Mr. Turbott's full reports are on the Society's files. If required they can be circulated to members. Fourth General Assembly. This was attended by Mr. E. G. Turbott, as Observer. He submitted a full report, an extract of which was presented to the meeting. On the motion of Mr. Callaghan, Mr. Turbott was thanked for his report and for drawing attention to the danger of indiscriminate use of insecticide sprays without having regard to the possible effect on the balance of nature Professor Richardson pointed out that the great amount of research on the use of these compounds should not be minimised. The report was adopted.

Reports of Hutton Grantees. Mr. J. D. Campbell was granted £40 in 1951 and 1954 for research in New Zealand Triassic and Jurassic Brachiopods. He reported on the 15th April, 1955, that an extensive collecting trip to Marakopa and Kawhia Mesozoic brachiopod localities was undertaken in the summer of 1954. Collecting in Southland, particularly in the Kaihiku Ranges and Hokonui Hills was carried out in the summer of 1955. Travelling expenses in connection with these two trips was claimed during the past year, leaving a balance in the grant of £1 12s 3d. Dr. Maxwell Gage, who was granted £50 for research in the Pleistocene History of Canterbury and the preparation of a map reported on the 18th April that last year a series of three or four day excursions to the Waimakariri Valley was made. Two trips were made exclusively for purposes of this research and during others field observations were made in the course of other work. Grantee states that his interest in the glacial geology of the region antedates the work of the present grant by several years. Overseas experience in glaciated mountain regions in 1952-53 has been a useful guide in forming impressions of the duration of Pleistocene time represented by glacial features here, and in attempting to determine the status or magnitude of the recorded ice fluctuations. A recent tour of all the large glacial lakes east of the main divide as far south as Manapouri has been useful for comparative purposes, and he found sections exposed in the Lake Hawea hydro-electric works helpful in interpreting some features of the Waimakariri moraines. During 1954, moraines, gravel deposits of various kinds, and varved silts attributable to successive glacial advances and retreats were observed in the main Waimakariri channel, etc. A preliminary account of the work was delivered orally to the Canterbury Branch under the title “Multiple Glaciation of the Waimakariri Valley,” and later a paper will be presented for publication. Aerial photographs have been used for field mapping. Photographic material and travelling expenses amounting to £7 18s 10d have been incurred to date. Miss V. H. Jolly, who was granted £90 for an investigation of the plankton of New Zealand lakes, reported that during the 1954-55 period the only field trip made was in August to obtain temperature records in Lake Wakatipu. This showed there was a variation of less than 0.5° C. in the bottom temperatures between summer and winter, and the temperatures showed no variation from surface to bottom (1,240 feet) during the winter minimum. The equipment purchased under the grant is still in use and in good order. The present work in progress on Lake Taupo is to obtain similar data to that obtained in the Southern Lakes during the previous three years. There was no call on the grant during the year. Professor B. H. Marples asked that the small balance remaining to his credit in the Hutton Fund should be expended towards the cost of 200 miles of car travel representing two visits to Duntroon during the past summer for the purpose of collecting the skeleton of a small toothed whale discovered there. This specimen is quite a notable one, as it consists of the cranium, 10 vertebrate and some other bones, all in a good state of preservation. Most of the preparation work on these bones has already been completed, and it seems likely to be a new species of Prosqualodon. The balance referred to by the grantee is £3 13s. Dr. Brian Mason who, in 1953, was granted £100 for a geological survey of igneous rocks in the inland Kaikoura Mountains reported from the American Museum of Natural History in New York that since his last report work in the Kaikoura Mountains region was terminated. Some preliminary work on the rocks collected has been carried out. Thin sections are being cut for microscopical examination. It is anticipated that the £42 balance of the grant will be expended during the coming year for chemical analysis of some of the rocks and minerals. Mr. C. B. Trevarthen, who was granted £30 for field study of marine biology round the coast of the South Island reported in January that he had successfully completed his field trip. In November he stayed at the Portobello Marine Biological Station, where he had the opportunity of working with Dr. C. F. A. Pantin. At Stewart Island study was made of the parts of the coast near Half Moon Bay where apart from a large general collection of animals and plants from the Littoral, specimens of Ulva, Gigartina and Pachymenia species were collected for comparative studies. Further work was done at Portobello, the West Coast, and in Picton. The whole grant was spent in travelling expenses, photographic material, and freight costs of specimens. On the motion of Professor Richardson, the report of the Hutton grantees was received. It was resolved to allow Profesor Marples to transfer the balance

of his grant to expenses incurred by the discovery at Duntroon of the skeleton of a small toothed whale. Member Bodies' Reports and Balance Sheets. With the exception of the Hawke's Bay Branch report not yet received the reports were tabled. Eighth N. Z. Science Congress. Reporting that there had been a substantial credit balance in the account of the Eighth N. Z. Science Congress organised by the Auckland Institute and Museum in 1954, the President congratulated the organizers on the success, financial and otherwise, of the Congress. After meeting the cost of the Science Congress Volume (Trans. Volume 8, Part 4), there would be a net balance of £89 4s 4d, which it was resolved should be passed over to the Ninth N.Z Science Congress when it is held. A.N.Z. A. A. S. It was reported that preliminary action had been taken in regard to the proposed 1957 A N.Z. A. A.S. meeting in Dunedin, and that no further action would be taken until after the Melbourne meeting, when it was anticipated the official invitation would be extended. Affiliation of Other Scientific Societies with the Royal Society. At the request of the Auckland Institute a legal opinion had been obtained on the interpretation of the clause in the Act under which it was proposed to affiliate certain national scientific societies. This opinion, extracts of which were read by the President, stated that provision for affiliation could not be made under any existing clause in the Act. Professor Cumberland then moved, Professor Briggs seconding: “That we take no further action in the way of affiliating scientific societies.” Much discussion on this motion took place, Mr. Callaghan stating that many societies had indicated a desire for some form of affiliation and had been waiting for a decision on the matter from the Royal Society of New Zealand. It was suggested that as this was a policy matter it be deferred until the November meeting, and in the meantime the Standing Committee should seek ways and means of overcoming the difficulties. Professor Cumberland thought that the sections of the various Branches provided avenues through which the membership of other bodies could become associated with the Society. Mr. Keys moved, Mr. Fenwick seconded: “That this Council re-affirms its desire to proceed with some means of association of scientific bodies. and in view of the legal opinion refers the matter to the Standing Committee to report to the November meeting.” Dr. Soper moved as an amendment: “That this Council re-affirms its desire to formulate methods of association. either national or local, of scientific bodies and in view of the legal opinion refers the matter to the November meeting.” Dr. Archey said his Council protested against the proposal being adopted. He feared the affiliation of outside specialist societies might result in a reduction of the membership of the Royal Society. Professor Richardson said the matter had been given very considerable attention over a long period; sub-committees had drawn up comprehensive reports and the Council at its November meeting had endorsed the findings of the Committee. The Society was losing prestige by its vacillating attitude on this matter, and a decision should be arrived at immediately. At this stage the lunch adjournment was taken.

Roll Call. On resuming, the roll was called and it was as for the morning session. The discussion on the affiliation of scientific societies was continued. Dr. Archey said the proposed machinery for affiliation did not set out the rights, privileges, duties and obligations of those societies which were considering affiliation. Mr. Cory Wright said he thought the whole matter should be reconstructed in the light of the legal opinion. Mr. Keys' motion having been withdrawn, Dr. Archey moved, Mr. Cory Wright seconded: “That the Standing Committee he requested to continue, in conjunction with the Member Bodies, its investigations into the possibility of association of national scientific societies with the Royal Society of New Zealand.” Dr. R. S. Allan moved the following amendment: “That the Council re-affirms the principle of affiliation and instructs its Standing Committee to draft alterations to the Royal Society of New Zealand Act, 1933, to make this possible.” On being put to the meeting, the amendment was lost. The above motion by Dr. Archey and Mr. Cory Wright was then put and carried by eleven votes to ten. Report of representatives on the carter observatory board. Board. The constitution of the Board at the end of the year was as follows:—Royal Society Members—Dr. M. A. F. Barnett (Deputy Chairman), Dr. G. L. Rogers; Wellington City Council Members—Mr. E. P. Norman (Chairman), Mr. M. A. Castle; N. Z. Government Members: Mr. R. G. Dick, Mr. R. C. Hayes Mr. J. T. Martin, Professor F. F. Miles, Mr. W. Pilliet Pringle. Meetings of the Board have been held at regular intervals, and much attention given to the possible future work of the Observatory. The building and equipment have been maintained in a satisfactory condition. The 9-inch lens of the main telescope has shown a tendency to slight deterioration, which is not affecting its usefulness at the moment. Additional protection is being provided, but the Board is looking into the possibility of having to replace the lens ultimately. Educational Work. The Observatory has been open to the public every Friday evening except for the months of December and January. Demonstrations were given with the telescope on every possible occasion, and lectures illustrated by lantern slides and films have been given regularly. Attendances for the year totalled 3,075, giving a total of 17,392 since 1946. Assistance has been given to amateur astronomical societies whenever possible and popular articles supplied to the press and magazines. Solar Work. Regular solar observations have been taken and forwarded to the appropriate authorities overseas. It is now clear that sunspot minimum was passed in the middle of 1954, and that solar activity is now on the increase. Auroral Work. Studies of past records have been continued under the contract with United States Air Force and four Scientific Reports submitted. Progress towards a complete review of past auroral activity in the New Zealand region over the last twenty years is satisfactory. Auroral activity during the year remained low, but there was an unexpected display on 24th October, 1954, accompanied by ionospheric and magnetic disturbances. Nothing on the sun could be correlated with it. Radio Disturbance Forecasts. Forecasts of periods of general disturbance in radio reception have continued to be supplied to the appropriate radio authorities in New Zealand. With the low state of solar activity however these have been based on M-region patterns sigrams are now being received by courtesy of the Royal New Zealand Navy. General Astronomy. The following general observation programmes were continued (a) Visual observations of the planet Mars. (b) Occultations of Stars by the Moon. (c) Photographs of Eta Carinae. (d) Photographs of the Moon. Visitors A visit was paid by then Excellencies. Sir Willoughby and Lady Norrie, on 11th August, 1954, for the purpose of inspecting the Observatory.

Visits were also received from Messrs. F. Schmeidler and W. P. Heintz of Munich Observatory, Germany, and Colonels John L. Sullivan and C. Ross Greening, U.S. An Attaches at the American Embassy, Melbourne. General. From the large number of miscellaneous enquiries, it is obvious that the Observatory is also performing a practical public service. Information has been supplied to the press, radio legal firms, police, architects, calendar printers and Government Departments whenever requested. By virtue of the continuous relations with individuals and institutions within the Dominion as well as a large number overseas, the Observatory's activities are by no means local. Owing to the absence from New Zealand of Dr. Barnett this report is submitted with his approval under my signature. G. L. Rogers Representative Carter Board Dr. G. L. Rogers, one of the representatives on the Carter Observatory Board, was present by invitation and presented the report of the representatives on the Board. In reply to a question by Mr. Callaghan, Dr. Rogers explained the slight deterioration which was stated to be setting in in the 9-inch telescope and the methods of protection being used. He also amplified the report in regard to auroral work and other activities under the control of the Board. Dr. Miller thanked Dr. Rogers for his illuminating report and for the interest he was taking by representing the Society on the Carter Observatory Board. Report of representative on Medical Research Council. The Medical Research Council has now entered upon its second triennial period. In view of the expanding established activities, together with increasing salary and other costs, a substantial increase in the annual Government grant for the period was sought by the Council. Although the full amount asked for was not agreed to a sum of £55,000 per annum (i.e., a 37 ½% increase) has been approved by Cabinet for the three year period. When the Council's budget for the year under review was reconsidered in the light of this allocation, it was found desirable to urtail expansion in certain of its normal activities, and to postpone other contemplated extensions of its work. However, at the half-yearly review, the situation appeared more buoyant. Consequently it was found possible to authorise grants in support of two privately sponsored research projects based on Auckland (one in Haematology and one in Chemical Pathology), as well as a clinical investigation based on New Plymouth. Also a substantial contribution to the funds of the New Zealand Branch, British Empire Cancer Campaign Society was reinstated. The established activities of the Council, based on Dunedin, and the Island Territories work, continue to flourish. Publications during the previous financial year on work sponsored in whole or in part by the Council include some two dozen original papers, together with a number of reports and surveys in various technical and popular journals. The Council continues to maintain two Research Fellows, one of whom is making a physiological investigation at Auckland Hospital, and the other, engaged in the field of endocrinology, is a guest worker for a year in a research laboratory in Canada. L. Bastings. Royal Society's Representative on Medical Research Council Dr. L. Bastings, the Society's nominee on the Medical Research Council, attended by invitation to present his report on the work of the Medical Research Council. In reply to a question by Dr. Falla, Dr. Bastings stated that there was no definite association between the National Institute of Health and the Medical Research Council. In reply to a further question regarding the South Pacific Commission, Dr. Bastings stated that research in the South Pacific area is under the advisory guidance of the Medical Research Council, but it is financed by the Island Territories Department, which is associated with the South Pacific Commission. Dr. Bastings was thanked for his report, which was adopted, and for his attendance.

Report of Fuel and Power Sub-Committee. 1955. The Fuel and Power Production and Utilisation Sub-committee, revived by the Standing Committe in April, begs to submit to the Council the following report. The Sub-committee's 1951 report was published in the Proceedings for that year. Briefly it reviewed the problem on a broad basis, and pointed out fields of production and especially of conservation in utilisation which had not been given adequate consideration. It went on to suggest that the Government be recommended to set up some overall technical authority to co-ordinate the field and keep the position in up-to-date review, and detailed an organisation which was thought would profitably meet the situation. Council resolved that the report should be transmitted to the Government; and it was accordingly forwarded to the Prime Minister in June, 1951. Apart from a formal acknowledgment, no reply was received, but a reminder addressed to him in 1953 was replied to by the Minister in charge of the State Hydro Electric Department to the effect that the Government had decided no action would be taken in the matter along the lines suggested by the Society at that time. The Sub-committee is now of the opinion that a fresh approach to the problem should be made; and, reporting to Standing Committee on April 26, suggested that a series of popular press articles of an educative nature should be prepared. Standing Committee gave its general approval to the idea, and instructed the Sub-committee to report further on the matter to this Annual Meeting. The Sub-committee proposes to prepare for press release about half a dozen articles. The first is submitted herewith, for consideration by Council, and if approved, for immediate release. It reviews the present situation broadly, and makes a specific recommendation of major importance. Further articles would deal with such specialised topics as the following: The problem of the gas industry. The growing importance of the oil industry. The decline in the coal contribution. The domestic load and its problems. Conservation of power in industry. Co-ordination of the problem over the whole field. It is suggested that the Council consider authorising that these reports be issued to the press as they become ready, and in the name of the Royal Society Sub committee. L. Bastings, Convener S. Cory Wright, E. Marsden. R. W. Willett. Dr. Bastings then presented the report of the Sub-committee on Fuel and Power which proposed that half a dozen articles should be prepared by the Sub-Committee for press release, and it asked that the Council should authorise the issue of these reports. The first of the proposed articles was appended to the report. It was moved by Professor Richardson, seconded by Mr. Allen: “That the Council urges the Sub-committee to take steps to have the articles published.” Mr. Cory Wright said that the Committee was indebted to Dr. Marsden for drawing up the first article. The articles on different phases of the Fuel and Power problem would be of educative value to the public. The opinion was expressed that the articles should appear over the names of the Sub-committee and not as expressing the considered opinion of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Dr. Bastings took exception to this, stating that as the members of the committee were departmental officers it would not be politic to accept this suggestion. Profesor Richardson said that the sub-committee should be given authority to publish under the Society's name as it was a committee set up by the Society. Finally, Professor Richardson amended his previous motion to read as follows:— “That the proposed articles be published as from a sub-committee set up by the Royal Society of New Zealand”—Carried On the motion of Mr. Keys, seconded by Mr. Fenwick, it was resolved:

“That the Council instruct the Standing Committee to give consideration to the formation of a Technical Council for Fuel and Power, in consultation with the Sub-committee, and that it be given power to act.” Finances. Member Bodies' Contributions. In opening the discussion on the proposal that Member Bodies should contribute more to the finances of the Parent Body, Dr. Salmon moved and Mr. Allen seconded: “That the Council approve of a general contribution to the Parent Body from all members of the Society.” Dr. Salmon then went on to report on the attitude of the Member Bodies which had expressed an opinion on the matter as follows:— Canterbury Branch agrees to a contribution up to 20s per member. Otago Branch agrees to a general levy but wants administration expenses reviewed. Nelson agrees to a general levy from full members but not from associate members. Professor Briggs explained that Auckland Institute differed from other Member Bodies in that a large proportion of its membership, probably 80 per cent, was primarily interested in the Museum which was financially supported by local bodies. Dr. Archey stated that his Council was opposed to a general contribution from all members, but he thought that those contributing by levy to the Transactions should contribute at a more realistic purchasing price. A discussion on the relative aims and objects of Member Bodies ensued. The Waikato Scientific Association and the Rotorua Philosophical Society stated that the Transactions appealed to only a small minority of their members. Some members felt that to require a large contribution towards the Parent Body might endanger the goodwill at present existing between it and the Member Bodies. It was felt by others that Branches, by their yearly programmes of meetings and the building up of their libraries, were contributing to the total activities of the Royal Society, and that the Society had no need to feel apologetic to the Government in asking for increased funds. Professor Richardson compared the Government's small financial assistance to the Royal Society with that given to other institutions. He instanced the Royal N. Z. Aero Club. Dr. Salmon thought that all members should make a contribution, not only those who take the Transactions. After much further discussion along similar lines it was moved by Professor Cumberland, seconded by Mr. Brooker, and carried. “That the Standing Committee nominate for approval by the Council at its November meeting an impartial authority to be established to consider the relative contributions of Member Bodies to the aims and objects of the Royal Society and to determine accordingly the proportion of administration costs of the Royal Society to be borne by the Member Bodies.” Chair. At this stage Dr. Miller had to leave the meeting, and the Chair was taken by the Vice-President, Professor Briggs. Seventh Pacific Science Congress. Referring back to an earlier suggestion by the Hon. Treasurer that authority might be obtained to use the credit balance in the Seventh Pacific Science Congress Account towards the erection of the steel shelving in the Society's new Library room, Dr. Archey stated that he was strongly opposed to such action. The Government had been exceedingly generous in its treatment in assisting towards the publication of the Proceedings of the Seventh Pacific Science Congress, and any credit balance should be offered to be refunded. Dr. R. S. Allan supported Dr. Archey.

Election of Officers. The election of officers was then proceeded with as follows:— Vice-Presidents: Professor L. H. Briggs and Dr. M. A. F. Barnett were re-elected. Honorary Editor: Dr. J. T. Salmon, re-elected. Honorary Librarian: Professor L. R. Richardson, re-elected. Honorary Treasure: Mr. S. Cory Wright, re-elected. Honorary Associate Editor: Mr. R. G. Robbins, re-elected. Honorary Returning Officer: Mr. K. R. Allen. Co-opted Member: Dr. J. T. Salmon, re-elected. Representative, Great Barrier Reef Committee: Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, re-elected. Representative, Royal N.Z. Institute of Horticulture: Professor V. J. Chapman. Representative, N.Z. Oceanographic Committee: Dr. C. A. Fleming, re-elected. Representative, Historic Places Trust: Mr. J. D. H. Buchanan. Election of Committees. The following committees were elected:— Hector Award: Dr. H. D. Skinner (Convener), Professor E. Beaglehole, Mr. J. C. Andersen. Fellowship Selection Committee: Fifth Member, Dr. J. T. Salmon. (Dr. M. A. F. Barnett, Dr. F. G. Soper, Professor E. Beaglehole, Professor C. A. Cotton, Dr. J. T. Salmon). Library Committee: Professor L. R. Richardson, Mr. F. R. Callaghan, Professor C. A. Cotton, Dr. J. T. Salmon, re-elected. Conservation Committee: Dr. C. A. Fleming (Convener), Dr. G. Archey, Mr. F. R. Callaghan, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, Dr. J. T. Salmon, Mr. N. H. Taylor. Research Grants Committee: Dr. R. A. Falla (Convener), Mr. F. R. Callaghan, Dr. D. Miller. National Collections: Dr. W. R. B. Oliver (Convener), Mr. F. R. Callaghan. Dr. D. Miller, Dr. J. T. Salmon, re-elected. Election of Delegates to A.N.Z.A.A.S. Meeting. Professor L. H. Briggs, Dr. C. A. Fleming, Professor G. T. Baylis. November Meeting. On the motion of Professor R. S. Allan, seconded by Mr. C. E. Fenwick, it was resolved that the November half-yearly meeting be held in Christchurch. Annual Meeting, 1956. It was resolved that the next annual meeting be held in Wellington at a date to be arranged. Endowment Fund. The deferred discussion of the interest in the Endowment Fund took place, and it was finally resolved that two-thirds of the current year's income be paid over for general purposes and one-third credited to the Endowment Fund Capital Account. Hamilton Fund. A Notice of Motion, proposed by Dr. C. A. Fleming “That Clause 4 of the Rules under which the Hamilton Memorial Fund is administered shall be amended by substitution of the words ‘not more than three years’ for the words ‘not less than three years’.” was carried after an explanation by Dr. Fleming, Convener of the Hamilton Award Committee, to the effect that the present restriction of awarding the

Hamilton every three years debarred some worthy young scientists from applying for the Prize. The Chairman then announced that Dr. Fleming had donated £100 to the Hamilton Memorial Fund. This announcement was received by acclamation, and Dr. Fleming was warmly thanked for his generous donation. Antarctic Expedition. The President was authorised to appoint a representative to the Committee being set up in connection with the proposed Antarctic Expedition, when the official invitation is received from the Department of External Affairs. Balance of Agenda. Matters on the Agenda not dealt with—namely, National Collections, Road Accident Research, Wildlife Management, Manuka Blight, Scientific Manpower Resources of New Zealand, Delivery of Scientific Addresses and the Reading of Scientific Papers, were referred to the Standing Committee to take such action as was possible. Votes of Thanks. Votes of Thanks were accorded to the Chair, to the Secretary, to the Press, and to Victoria University College Council for the use of the Council Room. The meeting closed at 6.30 p.m. Confirmed. D. Miller, Chairman. June 24, 1955. Evening Meeting. The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. Miller at a well-attended meeting of the Wellington Branch in the evening of the 17th May, when Mr. K. R. Allen, President of the Branch, presided. The 1954 Loder Cup was presented to Mr. Norman Elder by the Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs, in the absence of the Hon. Minister of Agriculture. At the conclusion of the Presidential Address, Mr. F. R. Callaghan proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Dr. Miller and formally moved that the Address be printed in the Society's Transactions. Reports of Member Bodies. Wellington Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Annual Report for Year ended 30th September, 1954. Council. The Council has held eight meetings during the year under review, and the previous Council held one meeting prior to the Annual General Meeting. Attendances at the eight meetings have been as follows:—Mr. K. R. Allen (President) 8, Mr. R. A. McLennan (Vice-President) 6, Dr. J. T. Salmon (Vice-President) 7, Dr. M. A. F. Barnett 4, Dr. L. Bastings 7. Mr. J. Bradley 1. Mr. R. A. Couper 3, Mr. R. K. Dell 5, Dr. J. K. Dixon 7. Dr. J. F. Gabites 7, Mr. W. G. Hughson 6, Mr. J. L. Mandeno 2. Miss L. B. Moore 8. Mr. A. L. Poole 5, Professor L. R. Richardson 7, Dr. E. I. Robertson 1, Mr. D. A. Viggers 6, Mr. J. W. Brodie (Secretary-Treasurer) 8. Mr. Couper resigned in May, his place being taken by Mr. Bradley as Chairman of the Geology Section. Dr. Barnett and Dr. Robertson were granted leave of absence from August, during their absence overseas. Mr. R. W. Willett was appointed Assistant Secretary in September. Membership. There are 278 ordinary members, 21 life members, nine life members of other branches, and 72 associate members; 200 of these receive Transactions. Twenty-four new members and associates were elected, and nine transferred to the branch, 29 members resigned or died, 13 transferred to other branches, and one member was written off. Meetings. The following general meetings were held:—October 28: Annual General Meeting (1953). April 28: Presidential Address by Mr. K. R. Allen, “The Wildlife Problem

A Question of Values.” May 26 “Continental Drift, by Mr. J. Bradley. June 23: Conversazione at Dominion Museum. July 28: Hudson Lecture: “Notocenozoic: the New Zealand Cretaceo-Tertiary Era,” by Professor C. A. Cotton. August 25 “Some Growing Points in Science and Their Applications,” by Dr. E. Marsden. September 22: Demonstration of work of the Soil Bureau, D.S.I.R. A Special General Meeting was held on September 7, at which Dr. C. F. A. Pantin, of Cambridge University, spoke on “Organic Design.” The Branch joined with other Wellington scientific societies, Victoria University College, and the Society of Friends in sponsoring a meeting on September 25, at which Professor Kathleen Lonsdale spoke on “The Right Use of Science.” Papers Submitted for Printing in the Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Papers read by title: (a) At meetings of the Branch Council: 28/10/53, B. G. Hamlin, “Studies in New Zealand Carices: I—The Section Acutae Fries.” 28/10/53, J. D. Stout, “Some Observations on the Ciliate Fauna of an Experimental Meat Digestion Plant.” 28/10/53, J. T. Salmon, “A New Genus and Species of Phasmidae from New Zealand.” 28/10/53, J. T. Salmon, “Two New Species of Collembola” 28/10/53, J. A. F. Garrick, “A Description of Dasyatis brevicaudata (Hutton) Batoider, with a Review of Records of the Species outside New Zealand.” 17/11/53. A. J. Healy, “Contributions to a Knowledge of the Naturalized Flora of New Zealand, No. 4.” 17/12/53, Ella O. Campbell, “Marchasta areolata, a New Montypic Genus of the Marchastiaceae”. 17/2/54. Ella O. Campbell, “The Structure and Development of Marchasta areolata. Camp”. 17/2/54, Harold W. Manter, “Some Digenetic Trematodes from Fishes of New Zealand” 17/2/54, M. J. Ineson, “A Comparison of the Parasites of Wild and Domestic Pigs in New Zealand” 17/2/54, J. T. Holloway “Forests and Climates in the South Island of New Zealand.” 16/3/54. J. A. F. Garrick, “A New Species of Triakis (Selachii) from New Zealand.” 16/3/54, M. D. Murray, “Calliphora neozelandica sp.nov., a New Blowfly from New Zealand.” 16/3/54, J. D. Stout, “The Effect of Environmental Factors on the Life History of the Ciliate, Vorticella microstoma.” April, 1954, D. R. McQueen, “Fossil Leaves, Fruit and Seeds from the Wanganui Series (Plio-Pleistocene) of New Zealand.” 28/4/54, D. R. McQueen, “Upper Paleozoic Plant Fossils from New Zealand.” 28/4/54, H. B. Fell, “New Zealand Fossil Asterozoa: 3—Odontaster friscus sp. nov. from the Jurassic.” 28/4/54, J. C. Yaldwyn, “Nephrops challengeri Balss 1914 (Crustacea, Decapoda Reptantia) from New Zealand and Chatham Island Waters.” 28/4/54, D. A. Crawford. “Studies on New Zealand Clavariaceae, I.” 28/4/54, R. K. Dell. “The Occurrence of Priapulus in New Zealand Waters.” 28/4/54, R. K. Dell “The Land Mollusca of Fiordland, South-West Otago.” 28/4/54, A. M. Richards, “The Systematics and Ecology of the Genus Macropathus Walker 1869 (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae).” 23/9/54, Henry W. Fowler, “A Collection of Coral-reef Fishes made by Dr. and Mrs. Marshall Land”. (b) At General Meetings: 26/5/54, J. D. Stout, “Environmental Factors Affecting the Life History of Colpoda, Ciliata.” 26/5/54. J. D. Stout, “The Response of Ciliates to Environmental Factors in Relation to their Ecology.” (c) At meetings of the Biology Section: 14/4/54, Aola M. Richards, “Feeding and Cannibalism in Macropathus filifer.” 14/4/54. Aola M. Richards. “Notes on Behaviour and Parasitism in Macropathus filifer.” Hudson Lecture. The Hudson Lecture for 1954 was given by Professor C. A. Cotton, who spoke on “Notocenozoic: the New Zealand Cretaceo-Tertiary Era.” The Lecture has been printed and will be distributed to members. Annual Programme. Council endeavoured to arrange more varied meetings, and the attendance of members at general meetings has increased markedly. Two tea-meetings (in May and August), commencing at 5.15 p.m. with a buffet tea, were held; each was attended by 70 members, and two conversazioni (at the Dominion Museum and Soil Bureau, D.S.I.R.) were equally well attended. Abstracts of addresses to sections have been printed on the monthly cards Auckland Institute and Museum. Annual Report for Year ended March 31, 1955. Another milestone in our history occurred on November 29, 1954, when we commemorated with a conversazione the twenty-fifth anniversary of the opening of the present War Memorial Museum. Sir James Gunson, President from 1917 to 1926, was the guest speaker for the occasion. The War Memorial Committee has announced that plans are well in hand for the extensions to the Museum as the Auckland Provincial Memorial to the Second World War. Membership—Our membership continues to increase, and our roll now stands at 1,049, of whom 312 are life members. Fifty names were removed from membership through death,

resignations and deletions, while 83 new members were elected It is hoped that the appeal for new members will succeed in increasing our membership still further in keeping with the growth of Auckland and the extensions to the Museum. Eighth New Zealand Science Congress. This Congress, organized by the Auckland Institute as a member body of the Royal Society of New Zealand, in conjunction with national scientific bodies, was highly successful. Two hundred and twenty-two papers in twelve different sections were presented to a total of 814 members, a record attendance for a New Zealand scientific conference. Nearly one thousand attended the evening conversazione in the Museum. Council, staff and Institute members did excellent service in organizing the Congress. The proceedings of the Congress have been published as part of the Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Royal Society of New Zealand. With the election of your President to the Vice-Presidency of the Royal Society of New Zealand, his position as representative of the Council has been filled by the appointment of Professor Cumberland. The Director, Dr. Archey, continues to serve on the Royal Society Council as a Government Representative. Canterbury Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Annual Report for the Year ended October 31, 1954. Membership. At the end of the financial year, the ordinary membership showed an increase of 13, from 274 last year to 287. Twenty-three new members have been elected; seven have been transferred to us from other Branches; and one Associate has been transferred to full membership. Nine members have resigned, one has been transferred to another branch, fon have died; and four have had then names removed from the roll by order of the Council. Three former members have been transferred to the newly-created retired list, and two present members will be transferred to this list from the beginning of the next financial year. The number of Associate Members remains the same as last year—15. Six new Associates have been elected; two have resigned; one has been transferred to full membership; and two have had their names removed from the roll. Council. Up to the end of the financial year twelve meetings of the Council had been held. Records of attendance are as follows (ex-officio members marked*): *Allan 7, Blair 8, Chalklin 3 (died during the year), B. W. Collins 10, C. W. Collins 11. Duff 6, Ellyett 11, Fenwick 11, Forster 10, *Garlick 12, *Knox 11, Labatt 9, Maling S, Percival 9, Pilgrim 4 (appointed in June), Russell 12, *Sawyer 10. General Meetings. The following was the year's programme—March 3: “Some Notes and Photographs Illustrating the Early History of Lyttelton Harbour” (Presidential Address), Mr. C. E. Fenwick. April 7: “The Recent Expedition to the Chatham Islands,” Mr. G. A. Knox May 5: “Pictorial Impressions of the Science Congress in the Philippines,” Dr. R. S. Duff. June 2: “Some Notes Upon the Use of Models in Engineering, with Particular Reference to the Lyttelton Harbour Model,” Mr. J. A. Cashin. August 4: “Theory and Practice in the Management of Inland Fisheries.” Professor E. Percival September 1 “Multiple Glaciation in the Waimakariri Valley. Dr. M. Gage October 6: “Science and the State: an Historical Perspective,” Professor N. C. Phillips. November 3: “The Problem of Canterbury's Rivers—Control and Irrigation.” Mr. F. D. Grant and Mr. H. M. Reid. (This meeting was open to the public.) December 1. Annual General Meeting At last year's Annual Meeting, on December 2, 1953. Mr. C. W. Collins gave an illustrated address on “Some Aspects of Libraries as they Affect the Scientific Worker.” Papers. At an ordinary meeting of the Branch on July 7 the following paper was read: “The Shore of Pegasus Bay: a Study in Instability.” Messs. E. W. Dawson and R. J. MacIntyre. The following papers were lead by title December 7, 1953: “Forests and Climates in the South Island of New Zealand,” Mr. J. T. Holloway. March 3: “Introductory Note to Cyto-Taxonomic Studies on New Zealand Ferns.' Mr. G. Brownlie. April 7: “The Geology of the Arahura and Pounamu Series of the Kokatahi River,” Drs. B. H. Mason and S. R. Taylor. “The Oretian Stage of the New Zealand Triassic System,” Mr. J. D. Campbell. October 6. “Some Rotifers of the Gold Coast. West Africa,” Mr. C. R. Russell. Otago Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Annual Report for Session 1954 (85th Session). Officers of the Branch. President: Mr. O. H. Keys. Vice-Presidents: Professor W. E. Adams and Mr. H. S. Tily. Hon. Secretary: Mr. J. B. Mackie Hon. Treasurer. Mr. W. Thomson. Hon Solicitor: Mr. J. M. Paterson. Hon. Auditor. Mr. J. G. Butler. Council: Miss

B. Brewin, Dr. D. A. Brown, Dr. D. S. Coombs, Mr. B. W. Campbell, Mr. F. H. Rogers, Mr. G. G. Couling (Astronomical Section), Dr. Basil Howard (Historical Section). Membership. The total membership stands at 173. This is a decrease of nine on last year's total. New members elected: Mr. B. H. Guthrie, Mr. J. J. Hall. Dr. R. W. Hornabrook, Mr. L. H. Martin, Dr. A. McIlroy, Dr. G. Blake Palmer. Mr. P. Smithells, Mr. S. Treves; Student members: Mr. R. R. Marples and Mr. Peter Wardle. Resignations: Mr. G. B. Beath, Mr. J. A. Chisman, Dr. Greta Cone, Mr. C. R. Edwards, Professor G. Manton and Mrs. McPhee. Transfers to the Branch: Mr. J. D. Raeside, from Canterbury Branch. Transfers from the Branch: Mr. P. J. Brook, to Auckland Branch: Mr. I. C. McKellar, to Southland Branch: Mr. Wendelken, to Canterbury Branch: Transferred to Life Membership: Miss Ella Campbell. Removed from the roll: Five. Deceased: Miss Edith Howes, Hon. J. A. Hanan, and Professor J. Malcolm. Conversazione. The annual conversazione held in the Museum under the auspices of the Association of Friends of the Museum and the Branch, took place on the evening of October 27. This popular function again bore testimony to the sterling work of the Relieving Director. Dr. H. D. Skinner, F.R.S.N.Z., and his staff. Main Branch Meetings. The following meetings were held by the Branch:—April 13: Professor Bradley Patten, of Ann Arboi, Michigan: “The First Heart-beats and the Beginning of the Embryonic Circulation.” May 4: Dr. J. D. Freeman: “Head Hunting Rituals Among the Iban of Sarawak.” (Joint meeting with the Historical Section.) June 8: Dr. H. Mun: “Research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.” July 13: Professor II. P. Treffers, of Yale University, “Drug Resistance in Micro-organisms and the General Biologist.” August 10: Dr. W. G. H. Edwards, “Some Aspects of Alchemy”. September 14: Professor A. K. McIntyre, “The Functions of Muscle Sense-organs.” October 12: Mr. O. H. Keys. Presidential Address, “Forensic Science”. (Visit of President of the Royal Society of N. Z., Dr. David Miller, to the Branch.) November 9: Annual General Meeting, followed by an address entitled “Species and Aesthetic Appreciation,” by Dr. C. F. A. Pantin, F.R.S. of Cambridge University. Historical Section Meetings. April 13: Dr. J. G. A. Poeock. Some Popular Fallacies”. May 4: Joint meeting with the Otago Branch to hear Dr. J. D. Freeman. June 15: Mr. N. G. Howard, “New Zealand Naval Policy. 1885-1921.” July 22: Professor Harold Mattingly, “The Twelve Caesars” (Illustrated). (Joint meeting with the Federation of University Women.) August 17: “1854 and All That.” A Centennial Retrospect. A Symposium by members of the Honours History Class, Otago University. September 21: Mrs. Angus Ross and Dr. Basil Howard, “The Otago Peninsula”. October 18: Professor W. P. Morrell and Dr. Angus Ross, “Errors in the Teaching of History.” Original Papers. The following papers were read by tule and abstract before the Branch during the session:—” Studies on the N. Z. Amphipodan Fauna. No. 6. Family Colomastigidae, with Descriptions of Two New Species of Colomastix,” by Dr. D. E. Hurley. “Studies on the N.Z. Amphipodan Fauna. No. 9. The Families Acanthonotozomatidae, Pardaliscidae and Liljeborgiidae,” by Dr. D. E. Hurley. “Studies on the N. Z. Amphipodan Fauna No. 10. A new species of Cacao.” by Dr. D. E. Hurley. ‘Chromosome Number and Distribution of Solanum aviculare Forst. and S. laciniatum Ait.,’ by Professor G. T. S. Baylis “Rust Fungi on N.Z. Clematis,” by Professor G. T. S. Baylis. “A Check List of the Marme Algae of the Dunedin District,” by Dr. Margaret Naylor. “Note on the Type Specimen of the Mao Rat,” by Mr. R. R. Marples. Nelson Philosophical Society. Annual Report for year ended September 30, 195 The following officers were elected to the 1953-54 Session—President. Mr. R. S. S. Meicdith. Vice-President: Mr. L. Gur Hon. Secretary-Treasurer. Mr. R. J. Monk Committee Mrs. J. Hodgson, Dr. H. O. Askew, Messis B. H. Wood, A. W. Bowman. G. M. Smart, E. Gourley. Representative on Council: Dr. D. Miller. Hon. Auditor: Mr. T. Christie. During the Session Dr. Miller was elected President of the Royal Society of N. Z. and Dr. Askew was elected to substitute for him as representative on the Council. Meetings. During the Session seven meetings were held. The July meeting was made the occasion for the presentation of the Loder Cup to Mis. P. Moncrieff. At the other six meetings addresses concerning a wide range of subjects were given. These were “Problems of Railway Organisation in England,” by Mr. W. S. Booth. “Wood Collecting as a Hobby.” by Mr. C. G. Cullen. “Colonial Administration,” by Mr. J. Calder. “Animal Behaviour,” by Mr. L. Guir. “Power in Nelson and Marlborough.” by Mr, R. S. S. Meredith. “Child-Welfare Service in N.Z.,” by Mr. J. L. Hills.

Membership. During the session the death occurred of one member, Dr. G. F. Pattie. Two members resigned, one full member transferred to Associate membership, and one member was removed from the roll for failing to pay three years' airears in subscriptions. One new member joined the Society. The total membership has therefore decreased, and is now 43, comprised of 31 Full and 12 Associate members. Attendances. The attendance at the monthly meetings continues to be poor. The greatest number present was 25 and the smallest 11. Only 17 members attended the anual meeting. Southland Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Annual Report for the Year ended 31st March. 1955. Membership. During the year six new members were elected and two were transferred from Otago Branch. while seven resigned or removed. leaving the membership at 31st March, 1955. as 51 (6 Life Members and 45 Members). Meetings. There were eight meetings held, as follow:—24th March, 1954: “Ecology of a Sub-Antarctic Island,” J. H. Sorensen, 4th May: Annual Meeting. Presidential Address, “Psychology,” A. J. Deaker. 26th May: “Recent Travels in England and France,” (illustrated by films), Dr. R. K. McFarlane. 30th June “Some Recent Advances in Drugs,” S. Little. 28th July. Film evening; five films of scientific interest. 22nd September: “The Search for Radio-active Minerals,” Dr. G. J. Williams. 19th October: “Roman Coins and Roman Life,” Professor Harold Mattingly. 10th November: “Recent Research on the Earth's Magnetic Field.” Dr. T. Ilatherton. Hawke's Bay Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. The 81st Annual Report of the Council of the Hawke's Bay Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand Incorporated, for the year ended 31st December, 1954. Science Exhibition. A “Science at Work” Exhibition was held for one week beginning on the 28th March, 1954. Exhibits were provided by Government Departments and large firms, and some of the latest machinery and equipment were placed on view, including television, aerial mapping, metering and insulating, pre-stressed concrete, jet engine and signals, telephones and accounting. Exhibits were also on display from the Forestry Department, the Geological Survey Department and the Harbour Board. Over 2,000 people attended, and the local schools also sent parties from their senior forms. Although Branch members helped considerably with the staging of the exhibition, your Council would like to place on record its gratitude to the Hawke's Bay Art Society. On 12th July, Mr. George Sutherland gave an address on the European Influence on Maori Art, showing the difference in the use of the old Maori songs and chants by the modern Maori. On 29th July, Mr. Grant Taylor lectured to members on the Geological History of the Heretaunga Plains, using numerous clear maps by which he was able to show the movements that have taken place and are probably continuing in the coastline of Hawke's Bay. Ball's Clearing. Your Branch has worked during the year to arouse interest among the public and action by the authorities to preserve this unique piece of New Zealand bush. Sections. The sections, Ornithological, Meteorological and Historical, where the main work of the Branch is carried on, continue to be active. I should perhaps mention that there is the closest possible co-operation between the Branch and the H. B. Art Society. The Branch now has a small office in the basement of the museum and space has been provided for displays. Library. In addition to the volumes in the Napier Public Library, purchases of books and magazines are made on behalf of the sections. Membership of the Branch remains at 104. of whom six are Life Members. Apart from the Science Exhibition, the Branch has not had many public meetings during 1954. Rotorua Philosophical Society. President's Report for the year 1953-54. At the end of the first year of the Society's existence it is appropriate to record how it originated. The initiative came from Mr. S. A. Cooper, who asked me to attend an informal meeting at his house in July, 1953, and to meet Dr. W. J. Watt and Messrs. L. Clark and J. Healy. Mr. Cooper had already obtained from the Royal Society of New Zealand and some provincial branches copies of constitutions and by-laws. After reading and discussing them we decided that we could expect good support for the formation in Rotorua of a society which would eventually qualify as a branch of the Royal Society. These hopes were justified by

the well attended inaugural meeting on 18th September, 1954, when Dr. G. E. Archey and Professor L. H. Briggs, Fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand, explained that Society's objects and the conditions to be fulfilled for a society in Rotorua to become affiliated to it. At the meeting the Rotorua Philosophical Society was born. The provisional committee then nominated (Messrs. Healy, Clark, Cooper, Dr. Watt and myself) presented a draft Constitution to the first annual general meeting of the society on 29th October, 1953, and it was accepted with minor modifications. The committee then elected consisted of myself, as President, Mr. Cooper, as Hon. Secretary, Mr. Clark, as Hon. Treasurer, with Messrs. W. G. Harwood, Healy and C. G. Vucetich and Drs. R. N. Beale and Watt as members. On their behalf I now present an account of our stewardship. Nine ordinary meetings have been held, one of them a film show and the others lectures on subjects ranging from the cosmos to the proton. The actual programme was —18th March, 1954: Presidential Address, “Interesting Animals of Burma.” 13th April, 1954: Symposium, “The Geology of Rotorua,” Messrs. F. E. Studt, A. C. Beck and C. G. Vucetich. 4th May, 1954: Address, “The World in Space,” Mr. I. L. Thomsen. 3rd June, 1954: Address, “A Geologist in the Philippines,” Mr. J. Healy. 1st July, 1954: Address, “The History of Rotorua,” Mr. R. C. Webb. 21st July, 1954: Film evening. 19th August, 1954: Address, “A New Approach to the Study” of the Earth,” Mr. T. A. Rafter. 14th September, 1954: Address. “The Forests of the Rotonia District,” Mr. A. L. Poole. 12th October, 1954: Address. “Antibiotics in the Community,” Dr. R. S. Edward. Speakers, both our own members and visitors, have achieved an excellent standard of material and presentation. A wide range of interests has been served and the very good attendances have been most gratifying. The membership roll has now increased from the 56 foundation members to 80. The Society arranged an exhibit of bird photographs kindly supplied by the Auckland Institute and Museum. It was on display for a fortnight in the Municipal Library, and a lecture was given there one evening by Mr. Black. The qualifications for the Society to become affiliated to the Royal Society of New Zealand are, briefly:—(1) A minimum membership of 25. (2) A minimum existence of one year. (3) Allocation of at least one-third of the annual income to a local museum, library or other approved activity or alternatively to a contribution to the Royal Society. The first two requirements have been satisfied. In regard to the third, the Committee offered the Rotorua Borough Council help to improve the Treasure House in the Municipal Building, and a deputation discussed the subject with the Finance Committee of the Borough Council, which appeared to receive the proposals favourably The question of the entrance fee charged at the Treasure House was discussed informally with members of the Royal Society Council, who indicated that this did not detract from the eligibility of the Treasure House for our assistance. However, acceptance by the Borough Council for our proposition was so long delayed that your committee explored other methods of using the funds and decided to establish a Philosophical Society Library. The offer to the Borough Council has not been withdrawn We may well be able to give advice and help in re-arrangement and better display of the Treasure House collection without any great drain on our finances. To start off the library subscriptions are being arranged to “Discovery” and “The Journal of Science and Technology.” Negotiations are in progress to acquire as complete a set as possible of the Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand. A few copies have been made available by the generosity of our members and others are obtainable from the Society on payment when the issue is scarce but free when ample supplies are available. Waikato Scientific Association. Annual Report for the Year ended 30th September, 1954. Executive. The Executive has met regularly during the year. Membership. At the beginning of the year the nominal membership was 98. The names of the members with subscriptions more than two years in arrears were immediately deleted, and a further group resigned during the year on notification that the current subscription was due. These two groups totalled 16 members. Eight new members joined the Association, bringing the current financial membership to 80. Affiliation with Royal Society of New Zealand. At a special general meeting of the Association in April the Constitution was amended to pave the way for affiliation with the Royal Society of New Zealand. Following this, formal application was made to the Royal Society and finally, on the 15th May, affiliation was granted by that body.

Lectures. Seven were given this year: Mr. C. G. Hunt, “Geinstones.” Dr. E. B. Davies (Presidential address). ‘Trace Alements in Plant Nutrition.’ Mr. R. Shannon,” planetary Flight” Mr. R.E.C. Taylor, “Refrigeration” Mr. A. C. A. Caldwell, “220,000-Volt Transmission Lines.” Mr. C. J. W. Parsons. “Roads and Highways.” Mr. J. Healy, “Geothermal Power Investigations.” Other activities were an Exhibition of Bird Photographs in July and a Scientific Display Evening in October. Exhibits at this latter evening included the Hamilton City Council railway model a chromatography display, a chromium analysis display and a demonstration of remote control and servo-mechanism (Rukuhia); an exhibit on spectrographic analysis and a set of lantern slides on plant nutrition (Ruakuhia); a private automatic exchange and a Creed teleprinter (P. & T.); a display of road and concrete testing equipment (Ministry of Works); an exhibition of relays and switchgear (State Hydro Dept.); and a demonstration of methods of typing blood and operating a Blood Bank (Waikato Hospital). In addition, a film on Dental Care “was shown at intervals during the evening (South Auckland Dental Association). Field Trips During the year, the Executive investigated the possibility of organising field trips—e.g., to an open-cast coal-mine. Though no definite arrangements were made, we feel that such trips could be of great interest, and we wish to record the suggestion for future years.

Graph to illustrate fluctuations in membership of the Royal Society compared with population and income from 1868 to 1954, the decades being in heavy type. Population and income are presented in different but reduced scales as compared with membership (in columns). The blanks covering membership for 1931-34 and 1936-43 are estimated, while the crosshatched columns (1912, 1922 and 1925) represent the year when no Transactions were issued. The arrows in 1947-49 and 1951-53 indicate special Congress grants from Government.