The Royal Society of New Zealand. Trust Accounts. Hector Memorial Fund Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. TO Administration Expenses 1 15 0 By Capital Invested 1,184 18 1 "Hector Prize and Eng. Medal 50 19 6 " Balance Revenue Account at 31/3/55 87 18 11 "Balance 1,271 9 7 "Interest and Cash Premium 51 7 1 £1,324 4 1 £1,324 4 1 By Balance Capital Account £1,184 18 1 " Balance Revenue Account £86 11 6 Hutton Memorial Fund Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. TO Administration Expenses 1 15 0 By Capital Invested 1,506 8 6 " Hutton Grants 70 10 2 " Balance Revenue Account at 31/3/55 242 14 9 " Balance 1,732 17 0 " Interest 45 18 11 " Refund Hutton Grant Balance 10 0 0 £1,805 2 2 £1,805 2 2 By Balance Capital Account £1,506 8 6 " Balance Revenue Account £226 8 6 T. K. Sidey Summer-time Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. TO Administration Expenses 1 15 0 By Capital Invested and in P.O.S.B. 561 18 5 " Balance 706 6 9 " Balance Revenue Account at 31/3/55 118 19 7 " Interest Revenue Account, £24/9/5; Capital Account, £2/14/4 27 3 9 £708 1 9 £708 1 9 By Balance Capital Account £564 12 9 " Balance Revenue Account £141 14 0 Plant Diseases Trust Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. TO Administration Expenses 0 10 0 By Capital Invested 542 13 5 "Balance 788 7 2 " Balance Revenue Account at 31/3/35 217 19 5 " Interest 28 4 5 £788 17 2 £788 17 2 By Balance Capital Account £542 13 5 " Balance Revenue Account £245 13 9
Cockayne Memorial Fund Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. TO Administration Expenses 0 10 0 By Capital Invested 249 12 0 " Balance 401 14 1 " Balance Revenue Account at 31/3/55 135 12 7 " Interest 16 19 6 £402 4 1 £404 4 1 By Balance, Capital Account £249 12 0 " Balance, Revenue Account £152 2 1 Carter Library Legacy Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. TO Administration Expenses 0 17 6 By Capital Invested and in P.O.S.B. 162 19 0 " Balance 239 6 0 " Balance Revenue Account at 31/3/55 70 1 3 " Interest 7 3 3 £240 3 6 £240 3 6 By Balance, Capital Account £162 19 0 " Balance, Revenue Account £76 7 0 Hamilton Memorial Fund. Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. TO Administration Expenses 0 10 0 By Capital Invested and in P.O.S.B. 185 12 6 " Hamilton Prize 4 0 0 " Balance Revenue Account at 31/3/55 3 14 1 TO Balance 118 11 7 " Cash Premium 0 6 0 " Interest, Capital Account £1/14/6; Revenue Account, £1/14/6 3 9 0 £193 1 7 £193 1 7 By Balance, Capital Account £187 7 0 " Balance, Revenue Account £1 4 7 Endowment Fund Dr. Cr. £ s. d. £ s. d. TO Administration Expenses 2 0 0 By Capital Invested and in P.O.S.B. 2,636 2 5 " 2/3 Interest allocated to General Expenses 88 10 0 " Balance Revenue Account at 31/5/55 143 17 0 " Balance 2,922 13 3 " ⅓ to Capital Account allocated 1955 Annual Meeting 44 4 10 " Interest 188 19 0 £3,013 3 3 £3,013 3 3 By Balance Capital Account £2,680 7 3 " Balance Revenue Account £242 6 0
Pacific Science Congress. Statement of Receipts and Payments for the Year Ended March 31, 1956. Receipts. Payments. £ s. d. £ s. d. Balance at March 31, 1955 2,201 17 11 Audit Fee and Bank Charge 5 15 0 Sales of Proceedings 917 19 10 Imprest 10 0 0 Balance as Under 3,104 2 9 £3,119 17 9 £3,119 17 9 On Fixed Deposit at Bank of New Zealand 2,000 0 0 Current Account Bank of New Zealand 1,092 17 2 Cash in Hand 11 5 7 £3,104 2 9 S. Cory Wright, Hon. Treasurer.
In presenting the Balance Sheet and Statements of Accounts, Mr. Cory Wright drew attention to the amount of £4,412 incurred in publications, and consequently the reduced amount which can be carried forward to meet the current expenses until the receipt of the 1956–57 annual Government grant. This is relieved some what by the special grant voted by Cabinet, namely £2,000, but he pointed out that this amount is to meet the back-log of publications, and until such time as the annual grant is increased future publication expenditure must be kept within about £3,000 per annum. Mr. Cory Wright stated that the credit balance of £3,107 in the Pacific Science Congress Account, less an administration charge of £600 (that is, £100 per annum for six years) is to be handed back to the Government, and as from April 1, 1956, the Pacific Science Congress Account is to be closed and all monies accruing from sales of the Pacific Science Congress Proceedings thereafter are to be placed to the credit of the Royal Society of New Zealand. The Hon. Treasurer moved the adoption of the Report, Balance Sheet, and Accounts Seconded by Dr. Fleming and carried. On the motion of Professor Richardson, seconded by Dr. Archey, it was resolved that £100 of the 1955–56 Interest in the Endowment Fund be credited to the Endowment Fund Capital Account, and £88 19s to General Purposes of the Society. Report of the Honorary Editor for Year Ended March 31, 1956. On account of the shortage of finance for publications, it has been impossible to maintain, during the past twelve months, the publication time of six months attained a year ago in the Society's Transactions. The delay between receipt of papers and their appearance in print has extended again to twelve months, but with the increased finance which is to become available next year the Editors hope to retrieve this position. Bulletin No. 5, “Handbook of New Zealand Mosses,” by Mr. G. O. K. Sainsbury, F.L.S., was issued in May last. A printed order form for this Bulletin which was inserted in the Transactions has served to publicise this Handbook, and a steady flow of orders for it is reaching the Secretary's office. Bulletin No. 6, “Studies of Mosquitoes and Freshwater Ecology in the South Pacific,” by Dr. Marshall Laird, was issued in January of this year. Transactions. The first three parts of Volume 83 were issued in June, September, and January respectively; Part 4 should appear during April of this year. With Part 1 of Volume 83 a change was made in the colour and form of the cover for the Transactions, and this change has met with wide approval. With Volume 84 a new format of type will be introduced which is clearer and easier to read than the type which has been in use for the last decade. As this type became available during the current year it was used to print Bulletin 6, wherein members of the Council may see in advance the improvement which will result in the general appearance of the Transactions from Volume 84 onwards. The pressure on the Society from authors for publication of their papers in the Transactions and Bulletins continues to rise, and the following analysis of the position should, I think, indicate to Council members the problem confronting the Editor. For the year ended March 31, 1953, the Society was able to print 420 pages in its Transactions. This was nearly 200 pages short of the actual demand. In 1954 it printed 664 pages which, although an increase on the previous year, was still 120 pages behind the demand on publication space. In the year ended March 31, 1955, through the extra finance made available in the increased grant, it printed 1219 pages. However, 150 pages of this formed the report of the 8th N.Z. Science Congress, the costs of which were met from Congress funds, so that the net pages printed from Society's funds amounted to 1069, which almost met the actual demand on publication space. At the present time, March 1956, the actual demand on publication space in terms of pages required for papers actually in the Editor's hands amounts to 864 pages in addition to the 577 pages already printed during the period since March 31, 1955. This means that the total demand on publication space in the Transactions for the year ended March 31, 1956, if it could have been met, amounted to 1441 pages. The estimated cost of printing this amount is £3,262 6s 8d, to which must be added £1,500 for the cost of tables, graphs, line-drawings, half-tone illustrations, and contingencies such as authors' corrections, cost of reprints, package and posting, making a total amount of £4,712 6s 8d. The growing demand for publication space in the Transactions has been the major financial item in the Society's budget. In the past this increased demand has been met by more severe editing, deleting of illustrations, raising the standards, increasing the levy on members, and.
delaying publication of papers until finances became available. These measures now no longer suffice to meet the situation, although the pressure on publication was temporarily relieved by the increase in the Society's grant of three years ago. This increase, although most acceptable, fell short of the Editor's requirements, and this situation as it has developed is clearly shown in the accompanying graph. This graph also indicates the anticipated demand on publication in terms of pages and finance for the immediate future.
An analysis which I prepared giving the sources of papers printed in Volumes 81–84 of the Transactions is very interesting, and is recorded here for future reference. Universities (staff) 49 Museums 7 Private Individuals 46 D.S.I.R. (staff) 42 Other Government Departments (staff) 3 In conclusion I must again record my appreciation of the help I receive from the numerous persons who assist me as referees of papers, of the efficient work of the Associate Editor, Mr. Robbins, and of the ready help and co-operation which is always forthcoming from Mr. V. Perry, manager of the Printing Department of the Otago Daily Times Co. Ltd. John T. Salmon, Editor. On the motion of Dr. Salmon, seconded by Professor Richardson, the Hon. Editor's Report was adopted. Professor R. S. Allan said the analysis of the sources of the papers published in the Transactions as stated in the Report was enlightening, and he considered that the Senate of the University of New Zealand should be advised that 51% of the papers published by the Royal Society of New Zealand came from Universities' staffs. In the discussion which followed on this suggestion there appeared to be divided opinion on such action being taken, but eventually Professor Allan moved, and it was carried: “That the information be sent to the Senate” Report of the Honorary Librarian Following on the appointment of the Library assistant and the completion of the shelving in the new stack-room, the Library is now undergoing a gradual rearrangement which offers also an opportunity to check the runs of journals and other holdings in the sections, as each is dealt with in turn. The arrears in the entry of accessions have now been overtaken, and the Library assistant is up-to-date in the handling of accessions. During the year the number of accessions was 1,983 individual items. Nearly 600 borrowings were arranged, which involved the Library assistant in some 1,200 further separate transactions, including the searching out of the item, recording the loan, wrapping and mailing, if an inter-loan, recording the return of the item and its replacement on the shelves. The Library assistant has totalled the face value of the accessions for a year: this amounts to £1,057 2s, a figure which indicates that the Library holdings have a face value in the order of at least £30,000 to £40,000, suggesting that the Society could well take further insurance covering the Library holdings. At the present time the cover is for £8,000, including £500 for the Carter Library and a further £500 on stocks stored in the Parliament Buildings. The Society's binder has been unable to undertake work for the past year, only one volume being bound. Checking has shown that our total number of Exchanges is now 416, a number lower than previously reported. This discrepancy represents mostly exchanges which have not become active since the end of the war, but these are slowly resuming—six more re-entered into exchange relations this year. This report brings ample evidence of the value to the Society of the Library assistant, and it is fitting to record here the excellent services which Mrs. J. W. Brodie has rendered in the past year. L. R. Richardson, Hon. Librarian. On the motion of Professor Richardson, the report of the Honorary Librarian was adopted. In speaking to the report, Professor Richardson referred to the monetary value of the Library based on figures which had been taken out on recent accessions, and he gave notice that he would move that the matter of revaluing the Library for an insurance policy commensurate with its value be referred to the Standing Committee. This motion was later carried. In discussing the reasons for the small amount of binding done during the past year, it was disclosed that the Society's binder had not been able to undertake work which had been prepared for him. Dr. Falla stated that the Dominion Museum was finding the Lumbeck method of binding suitable for many of the books in the Library, and it was much cheaper.
After some further discussion, on the motion of Dr. Fleming, seconded by Dr. Salmon, it was resolved that: “The Standing Committee explore possibilities of getting more binding done.” Mr. Collins asked if it would not be possible to publish in the Transactions a list of Incoming and Outging Exchanges. He thought members would find it most useful to have listed the names of the publications coming into the Library as well as the Institutions to which the Transactions are sent. He stated that such a list last appeared in Volume 64. It was suggested that a cyclostyled list might meet the need. After further discussion, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Collins, seconded by Mr. Keys, “That a list of incoming and outgoing exchanges be printed in the Appendix of the Transactions.” Reports of Hutton Grantees Mr. J. D. Campbell was granted £50 in 1951 and 1954 for research in New Zealand Triassic and Jurassic Brachiopods. He now reports that he has made no further claim on the Hutton grant and that he wishes to surrender the unexpended balance of £1 12s 3d. Messrs. W. C. Clark and E. W. Dawson were granted £15 for study of the breeding biology of the white-fronted tern. As Mr. Dawson is now at Cambridge, Mr. Clark has reported that in the meantime he is carrying on the work alone. Twenty-five visits have been paid to nesting sites at Lake Ellesmere Many observations have been made on pre-egg behaviour, and the main features of this part of the breeding biology elucidated During the 1954–55 season all eggs laid were eaten by Black-backed Gulls (Larus dominicanus) During the 1955–56 season no eggs were laid in the usual colonies at Lake Ellesmere, and no other suitable colony could be found. Further observations were made on pre-egg behaviour, but because of the above difficulties the work has not progressed as rapidly as was hoped. Coloured rings and spring balances have been purchased, leaving a balance of £9 8s in the grant. Three hundred and one coloured rings were used at the Waitaki River in January, 1955. Several of the birds ringed at this time have since been reported from the New South Wales coast. A paper has been prepared on the trans-Tasman migration of the White-fronted Tern. Dr. Maxwell Gage, who in 1955 was granted £50 for research in the Pleistocene History of Canterbury, has reported that field work was resumed at the end of 1955 university session. A cottage made available at Avoca provided an excellent base camp, and it was occupied on five occasions for varying periods. The work from Avoca confirmed earlier impressions of multiple glaciation, and advanced the investigation to the stage where the number of separate glaciations can be given with some confidence, and the extent indicated for all but one of them. The grantee reports in detail on the nature of the field work, stating that the major difficulty in the field continues to be in obtaining reliable height data The field programme for next summer is not yet decided but will probably be aimed at determining how far the Waimakariri chronology may be applied in other glaciated districts in Canterbury Expenditure in travelling and incidental requirements amounts to £14 11s 10d. Miss V. H. Jolly, who was granted £90 for an investigation of the plankton of New Zealand lakes, reports that the apparatus purchased is now in use on a Limnological survey of the Rotorua lakes. Miss Jolly has not expended any of the grant during the past year. Miss Aola Richards was granted £27 in 1955 for travelling expenses in studying the ecology and life history of the cave wetas at Waitomo Caves She reports that the whole of the grant was expended in two trips made to Waitomo Caves to continue and complete studies already commenced there. Information has been obtained on the length of the life cycle, courtship and mating behaviour of Rhaphidophorids and the problem of whether the eggs are laid inside or outside the caves has been solved. Studies of the embryology and hatching of the eggs have been made, and the results make an interesting comparison with North American members of the same family. The result of these studies is to be presented shortly as a thesis for the PhD. degree, and it will then be published. Much interesting information has also been obtained on the life history and behaviour of the glow-worms at the request of the Tourist Department. Dr. J. T. Salmon reports that the grant made to him for translation purposes is being used for work which is being carried out at present. In moving the adoption of the reports by Hutton Grantees, Professor Richardson said he thought the Standing Committee should survey the Hutton grants over the last fifteen years as a measure of the value of such grants. The reports were adopted.
Report of Representative on Great Barrier Reef Committee. The annual meeting of the Committee was held at Brisbane on November 4, 1955. A considerable amount of building, especially in fitting out the laboratory wing of the Heron Island Biological Station, has been carried out during the year. There is on the island a library of between 60 and 70 volumes of reference works bound in insect and damp proof plastic material. Students, scientists, Fulbright scholars, and underwater photographers have visited the island during the year. The Government subsidy to the station is £750 per annum. The estimate for completing the station is £5,750, of which £3,050 has still to be raised. The balance of the General Fund is £1,081, and of the Heron Island Biological Research Station Fund, £1,475 (including Government subsidy and donation to come). W. R. B. Oliver. Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, who had been invited to attend to present his two reports, was unable at the last minute to do so. On the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Dr. Salmon, the report was adopted. Report of Representatives on Board of Trustees of National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Your representatives feel that during the last twelve months some progress has been made in respect of the scientific staff of the Dominion Museum. The Board's attitude is entirely favourable to improvements in status and salary, and we hope that means may shortly be found to enable its wishes to be put into effect. Some attention has been given during the year to the condition of the various reserve funds held by the Board. We noted with surprise that transfers from these reserves to meet current expenditure were being made without the authority of the Board, mainly because the annual budget for general expenses of the Museum was quite inadequate. Reserves were built up during the war years when the Museum was occupied by the Armed Forces, but no continuing provision had been made for replenishing reserves in the future. An examination of the position is now being made. We have also been responsible for a change in the process of dealing with the annual estimates. Consequently, the Management Committee of the Museum was able to consider these for 1956–57 before March 31, 1956, and to make strong recommendations to the Board that proper provision be made for general expenses, an item of about £6,000. As our experience on the Board extends, we are more and more impressed with the need for changes in the administration of the affairs of the Museum. Every problem that has to be faced turns out in the end to be an administrative one, and we often feel frustrated by the multiplicity of authorities that must be dealt with under the present arrangements. We have, therefore welcomed a move from another member of the Board to have the constitution of the Board examined and, presumably, revised. C. A. Fleming. H. C. McQueen. Dr. Fleming presented the report of the two representatives, Mr. H. C. McQueen and himself on the Board of Trustees of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum. In his report Dr. Fleming had referred to the need for changes in the administration of the affairs of the Museum, and in reply to questions from members of the Council, Dr. Fleming went into more detail regarding his statement. He pointed out that in the personnel of the Board of Trustees there were only two scientists. However, he remarked, though a minority, “perhaps a vociferous one”, their views were given every consideration by the Board of Trustees, but it was in the later stages, when Government Departments became involved, that the administration suffered by conflicting views of scientific and non-scientific people and bodies. After further discussion and further amplification by Dr. Fleming, on the motion of Professor Richardson, seconded by Dr. Salmon, it was resolved: “That the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand is concerned at the small representation of science on the Board of Trustees of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum, and urges that scientific representation be increased at the earliest possible opportunity.”
Report of Representative on National Parks Authority. The status of the takahe in the Fiordland National Park and the question of banding birds was discussed by the authority. It was reported by officers of the Department of Internal Affairs that there had been little change in the numbers of takahe during the period that studies of the birds had been carried out. There was no direct evidence concerning depredation by stoats. Further discussion is awaiting a report from the Department. The Authority approved of 29,900 acres of the Arthur Pass National Park being set aside as a Wilderness Area. Roads may not be made nor huts built in a Wilderness Area. In the Taraiua National Forest Park all licences for cutting timber had expired. Abel Tasman National Park. In March of this year the Authority (six members present) made an inspection of this Park. The northern portion between Wainui Inlet and Totaranui was traversed by motor. The road passes through decomposed granite country, and the unstable foundation has been the cause of several slips, so that a good deal of improvement is required to make it suitable for much motor traffic. The eastern coast of the Park was inspected from a motor launch. Proposed National Park in Lake Rototti Region It is proposed to declare the catchment areas of Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa a national park. In order to appreciate the suitability of the area for a national park the Authority visited both lakes on March 22. The proposed park area includes 747,000 acres of forest, 315,000 acres of mountain tops, mostly grassland, and 152,000 acres of non-forested valley lands largely unsuitable for farming. The area of the two lakes to be included in the proposed park is 26,000 acres. Noxious Animals in National Parks. Reports communicated by the Secretary for Internal Affairs on mustelids, tahr and chamois show that stoats have been in the Fiordland National Park for a considerable period. They were reported by Richard Henry on Resolution Island in 1901. Stoats were seen in all parts of the park visited by officers of the Department It was thought that the decline in the number of ground birds could in part be attributed to stoats. Chamois were not a serious threat in the Mount Cook region, while in the Arthur Pass National Park they can with little difficulty be maintained at a low level. The tahr population in the Mount Cook Park has recently been drastically reduced. In four months in 1955 2,366 animals were destroyed. W. R. B. Oliver The report submitted by the representative on the National Parks Authority, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, was adopted. Report of Representative on New Zealand Oceanographic Committee. The Committee has had two meetings, one of which was followed by a seminar-discussion on “Problems of New Zealand Fisheries,” the other by a visit to the New Zealand Oceanographic Institute (D.S.I.R.). At its meeting in October, 1955, the Committee discussed the desirability of establishing separate sections on Oceanography in future New Zealand Science Congresses and A.N.Z.A.A.S Congresses, and has since submitted its opinion that there should be an Oceanography section to Congress authorities. The most important event to New Zealand oceanography during the past year has been the commissioning of H.M.N.Z.S. Tui The “Tui” has been commissioned by the Government for three years, as a research vessel to be shared by the Oceanographic Institute and the Naval Research Laboratory, Auckland. Each group will have about four months sea time a year. The vessel will operate as a fleet auxiliary and will have cabin accommodation for six scientists. She is at present undergoing structural modifications and specialized equipment will be installed later in 1956. C. A. Fleming. Dr. Fleming presented the report as representative on the N.Z. Oceanographic Committee, which was adopted. Report of Representative on Carter Observatory Board. Board. The constitution of the Board at the end of the year was as follows:—Royal Society of New Zealand, Dr. M. A. F. Barnett, O.B.E. Wellington City Council—Mr. E. P. Norman, Mr. M. A. Castle. New Zealand Government—Mr. R. G. Dick, I.S.O., Mr. R. C. Hayes, Mr. J. T. Martin, C.B.E., Professor F. F. Miles, Mr. W. Pilliet Pringle. Mr. E. P. Norman was nominated Chairman and Dr. Barnett, Vice-Chairman of the Board and elected. With the departure to England of Dr. G. L. Rogers, the second representa-
tive of the Royal Society of New Zealand, early in 1956, a vacancy existed on the Board. This has since been filled by the appointment to the position of Professor D'Arcy Walker, of the Physics Department of Victoria University College. The Board wishes to express its appreciation of the interest taken in the affairs of the Observatory by Dr. Rogers. Regular meetings of the Board have been held, and routine business has been the main occupation. The building and equipment are in a satisfactory condition, and the deterioration noted in the lens of the main telescope in the last report has not increased. It would seem that such deterioration has at least been temporarily halted. 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 2,752, giving a total of 20,622 since 1946. This completes a ten-year period. Assistance has been given to amateur astronomical societies whenever possible, and popular articles supplied to the Press and magazines. Solar Work. Regular projection drawings and photographs of the photosphere have been taken, as in previous years. Spectrohelioscope observations in the red line of hydrogen have been made as often as time and weather permit. The results of all these observations have been forwarded to the appropriate international authorities for inclusion in published records. The sun has shown a rate of increase in activity much greater than was expected, with the result that maximum may be sooner than roughly predicted and may be of greater intensity than the last maximum. Auroral Work. The studies of records for the past 25 years were completed with the aid of a contract with the U.S. Air Force At the end of the year the bulk of the work had been typed and cyclostyled. Auroral activity at Campbell Island has shown a considerable rise in sympathy with the solar activity, but New Zealand observations are not yet very numerous. Radio Disturbance Forecasts. Forecasts of general radio conditions have continued to be supplied to the appropriate radio authorities in New Zealand. The effects of sunspot conditions are now beginning to be apparent, although they are not yet the dominating influence. General Astronomy. Stellar observations as required were carried out, but no regular programmes were followed during the year owing to weather and circumstances. General. Information on a large variety of astronomical subjects was supplied to enquirers during the year. Visitors. Overseas visitors to the Observatory were as follows: Mr. B. J. Seung (Korea), Mr. B. H. Blackman (England), Mr. Emar Surudimadja (Indonesia), Dr. Paul A. Siple (Little America and Arlington, U.S.A.), Major Murray A. Wiemer (U.S.A.F., Little America and Alexandria, U.S.A.). An informal visit was paid by the Hon. J. R. Marshall, M.P. International Geophysical Year. A considerable amount of time has been taken up with preparations for work in connection with the International Geophysical Year. The Observatory is undertaking solar work, the organisation of auroral work and preparing to undertake moon position observations for longitude and geodesy under the direction of the U.S. Naval Observatory. D. Walker. (in the absence of Dr. M. A. F. Barnett). Professor Richardson moved the adoption of the Carter Observatory Board, which was adopted. Mr. Collins congratulated the compilers of the report in setting out the Constitution of the Board. This was a decided advantage to new members of the Council and an example which could well be followed by other representatives in submitting reports. Report of Representative on National Historic Places Trust. The inaugural meeting of the Trust was held on September 20, 1955, and two other meetings were held before March 31, 1956. These meetings were concerned mainly with the formulation of a broad policy for the Trust's activities, the drawing up of a set of rules, and discussions on the constitution of Regional Committees and their establishment. The Secretary, Mr. John Pascoe, has laid the foundation of a comprehensive filing system for the recording of information about places and matters of historical interest. The Departments of Internal Affairs and of Lands and Survey have done a great deal in the past in
preserving and maintaining historic sites and buildings. The Secretary has had the ready co-operation of officers of these Departments in recording on the Trust's file sites and buildings which are already being cared for. Seventeen Regional Committees will be set up during 1956, to promote local interest in the Trust's activities and to advise the Trust on projects within their regions. Local bodies and other organisations and societies have been invited to nominate suitable persons, from among whom these Committees will be appointed. Committees of the Trust are working out details of policy concerning the numerous categories of projects, and investigating some specific projects. As soon as this preliminary work is completed and the financial resources of the Trust are certain effective decisions will be possible. J. D. H. Buchanan. On the motion of Dr. Salmon, seconded by Professor Richardson, the report submitted by Mr. J. D. H. Buchanan, the Society's nominee on the Trust, was adopted. Report by Convener of Conservation Committee. Following the resignation of Dr. C. A. Fleming as Convener of the above Committee and my appointment to this position, the Committee has taken up the question of the indiscriminate use of insecticides. This matter is being investigated firstly with a view to gathering together sufficient evidence on which to base a report and recommendations upon which the Society as a whole may act. J. T. Salmon, Convener. Dr. Salmon, convener of the Conservation Committee, moved the adoption of the report. Carried. Report of the National Committee for the International Geophysical Year. Membership and Meetings. The National Committee is now composed of the following: Dr. M. A. F. Barnett, Director, Meteorological Services (Chairman); Mr. G. W. Markham, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (Secretary); Mr. R. G. Dick, Surveyor-General, Department of Lands and Survey; Dr. E. I. Robertson, Director, Geophysics Division, D.S.I.R.; Mr. N. V. Ryder, Physics Department, Victoria University College; Mr. I. L. Thomsen, Director, Carter Observatory; Mr. W. H. Ward, Director, Dominion Physical Laboratory, D.S.I.R. The members and Secretary of the National Committee are also members and Secretary of the Interdepartmental Committee, which comprises in addition: Dr. R. G. Simmers, Assistant Director, Meteorological Services; Lieut.-Commander G. S. Ritchie, Commanding Officer, H.M N.Z.S. “Lachlan,” Navy Office, Wellington; Lieut.-Commander E. P. Reade, Director of Plans, Navy Office, Wellington; Dr. T. Hatherton, Geophysics Division, D.S.I.R. The Committee has met several times both as the National Committee and as the Inter-departmental Committee, to plan and implement the programme approved by Cabinet in August, 1955. The dual nature of the Committee has proved most effective in reaching decisions to carry the programme forward and in negotiations with Government agencies and the C. S.A.G.I. Special Committee for the International Geophysical Year (C S.A.G.I) Close contact has been maintained with the C.S.A.G.I. and its agencies in carrying forward the New Zealand programme and informing the international scientific bodies concerned of New Zealand plans. The Antarctic Group of the C. S. A.G I. is holding a meeting in Paris towards the end of June, whilst C. S. A. G. I. is meeting in July-August in London. It is expected that New Zealand will be represented at both meetings. New Zealand I.G.Y. Programme. Having secured Cabinet approval to the main outline of the programme and the additional finance required to implement it, planning and preparation have proceeded apace. Details of the programme have been finalised, and workers in D.S.I.R., Meteorological Services, University Colleges and Carter Observatory are engaged in construction and acquisition of equipment. In broad outline the programme consists of intensification of existing scientific work such as meteorology, geomagnetism, ionospherics, and the establishment of additional stations at key places to study specific phenomena of importance to the aims and objects of the International Geophysical Year. Special stations will be established at the Scott Base, McMurdo Sound (in company with the Trans-Antarctic Expedition), Invercargill, and existing stations of D. S.I.R and Meteorological Services will be used to intensify and add to their existing programmes. The following table summarises the programme:
Subject. Scott Base, McMurdo Sound. N.Z./Pacific Islands. Geomagnetism Magnetic station, standard magnetic recording; measurement of transient phenomena (Magnetic Survey, D.S.I.R.). Magnetic stations Amberley, Apia; intensification existing magnetic programme. Aurora Auroral station, auroral photographic and visual observations (Carter Observatory). 1. Auroral station Carter Observatory, photographic observations, intensification existing programme. 2. Auroral visual observations N.Z. and Campbell Island stations. 3. Auroral station, Invercargill, radar observations and aurorae. Solar activity Solar observations Carter Observatory; intensification of existing programme. Ionosphere Ionospheric station, panoramic ionosonde recording, h't recording. (Geophysical Observatory, D. S. I.R.) 1. Ionospheric station, Christchurch, Campbell Island, Rarotonga; intensification existing programme. 2. Ionospheric drift station D.P L. Wellington; intensification existing programme. 3. Canterbury University College radio and radar field station, Christchurch; survey of meteor showers, ionospheric winds, D region echoes. Radio propagation Propagation through auroral zone, pulse transmitter at Scott Base, receivers at Invercargill, Port Lockroy (Graham Land), Hobart, Adelie Land (French Antarctica), Mawson (Australian Antarctica), Camp-bell Island. (Dominion Physical Laboratory, D.S.I.R.) 1. Angles of arrival, Antarctic transmissions, Invercargill; extension of Seagrove Radio Research Station, Auckland University College. 2. Radio whistlers, D.P.L.; intensification existing programme. Cosmic Rays 1. Neutron recording Victoria University College, Wellington, and Invercargill. 2. MU2 recording, Invercargill. 3. Cosmic ray recording, Christ-church. Latitude and Longitude 1. Latitude and longitude observations, Seismological Observatory, Wellington, new activity. 2. Lunar observations, Carter Observatory; new activity. Oceanography 1. Sea level recording, longwave recording and circulation studies at stations in New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Scott Base, and on passage between New Zealand and the Antarctic; intensification existing programme. (N.Z. Oceanographic Institute.) Seismology Seismograph station equipped 3 Benioff seismographs (Seis. Obs.) Gravimetry Gravity profile from Scott Base to Antarctic Plateau with Trans-Antarctic Expedition and in collaboration U. S.A. Meteorology Radiation recording; adjacent USA station doing radar wind and radiosonde observations. Radar wind, radiosonde radiation. Cloud observations at existing stations throughout New Zealand and Pacific; intensification existing programme. (N.Z. Meteorological Services.)
Finance. The approved finance of £68,600 provided for additional costs which D.S.I R. and Meteorological Services could not meet from their normal votes and for grants to Victoria University College, Auckland University College and Carter Observatory to assist them in the programme they were undertaking. All the participating institutions will in addition expend moneys from their normal funds. Personnel. Dr. Trevor Hatherton has been appointed Chief Scientist of the I.G.Y. Antarctic Expedition, and Mr. R. S. Unwin, Dominion Physical Laboratory, has been given the task of establishing the station at Invercargill and co-ordinating the programme to be undertaken there. Applications have been called for the Antarctic parties of five men for 1957 and eight men for 1958. Some 40 applications were received from officers in Government Departments and students of University Colleges. The Personnel Sub-committee of the Interdepartmental Committee has interviewed 26 of these applicants, and initial appointments are now being finalised. Some of the staff for the Invercargill station will be drawn from D.S I.R., whilst Auckland University College and Carter Observatory are providing some members of the party. Comprehensive Report. The National Committee had hoped to present to the Council a comprehensive and detailed report. This report is now in preparation, and copies will be issued to Council members as soon as it is completed. The report will give a complete account of the New Zealand programme as well as introductory sections to convey to the lay reader the significance of the I.G.Y. and the science which are being studied. The report will serve three purposes: as a report to the Council of the Royal Society, as the New Zealand report to the C.S.A.G.I. meeting in July/August, and as an information brochure to the lay reader. E. I. Robertson, Deputy Chairman G. W. Markham, Secretary. On the motion of Dr. Salmon, seconded by Professor Briggs, the report on the I.G.Y. Committee prepared by Mr. E. I. Robertson, Deputy Chairman, and Mr. G. W. Markham, Secretary, was adopted. Mr. Collins stated that the subject of “Glaciology” did not appear to be included in the I.G.Y. programme of work, and after some discussion it was resolved that Mr. Collins' comment be referred to the Chairman or Deputy Chairman of the I.G.Y. Committee. The President thought the Society should express its appreciation of Government action in providing the necessary financial support for the I. G.Y. and Transantarctic Expedition schemes. On the motion of Professor Richardson, seconded by Dr. Archey, it was resolved that the action suggested by the President be adopted. Report of Society's Representative on Transantarctic Expedition (N. Z.) Inc. In the past twelve months there has been rapid progress in the organisation of the Expedition. Her Majesty the Queen has graciously extended her patronage to the Expedition. The preliminary organisation, The Ross Sea Committee, was incorporated as the Transantarctic Expedition (N.Z.) under the Chairmanship of the Hon. C. M. Bowden Personnel, Transport and Equipment, Radio-communication, Scientific, Finance and Appeal Sub-committees have been formed. Sir Miles Clifford, of the Transantarctic Expedition, conferred with the Ross Sea Committee in June. Sir Edmund Hillary was appointed leader of the New Zealand Expedition, and conferred in England with Dr. V. E. Fuchs, overall leader, and the Management Committee. On his return, the selection of personnel was commenced, resulting, initially, in the selection of Mr. J. H. Miller and Squadron-Leader J. R. Claydon who, with Sir Edmund Hillary, joined Dr. Fuchs and party in the Theron for the establishment of the Shackleton Base in the Weddell Sea; Dr. T. Hatherton, of the I.G.Y, Lieut-Commander W. J. L. Smith and Mr. B. M. Gunn, who were attached as observers accompanying the United States Task Force 43 to the Ross Sea area, where they journeyed and surveyed possible sites for the Scott Base; and Mr. H. Ayres, who joined the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition to Mawson and returned with dogs for the New Zealand Expedition. Thus by the end of the period, members of the New Zealand Expedition have gained valuable personal experience of antarctic conditions, of the problems in establishing a base, of equipment requirements, of workers and travel conditions, of the ice and terrain in the area of the Expedition, and of possible base-sites. Mr. J. H. Miller has subsequently been chosen second in command to Sir Edmund Hillary Dr. George Marsh, Mr. R. A. Carlyon, Dr. R. W. Balham, C.P. O. P. D. Mulgrew, Mr. M. Ellis, Lieut. R. Brook, Mr. J. E. Gawn are now included in the party Further personnel are under consideration. Plans for building at the base have been approved. The Royal New Zealand Navy has assumed the task of transporting the Expedition and the I. G.Y party to the base and their.
recovery; the Royal N.Z. Air Force is supplying a light survey aircraft; the Post and Telegraph Department is organising and supplying radio-communication equipment. The Transantarctic Expedition (N.Z.) Inc. has the heavy responsibility of organising and forming the base, the supplying of ground equipment, establishing depots on the line to the meeting with the crossing party, the safe recovery of that party, and the exploration and scientific study of the area. L. R. Richardson, Representative on Ross Sea Committee. On the motion of Professor Richardson, the report was adopted. Report of Chairman of Antarctic Research Committee The Committee was established by a resolution of the Council at its Half-yearly Meeting in November, 1955 The constitution and personnel of the Committee are dealt with in this year's Report of the Standing Committee. The Committee met on February 15, 1956, discussed its terms of reference, objectives, and relations to other bodies, and determined to set up an advisory panel of specialists to cover all branches of Antarctic science. The Committee has offered its services in an advisory capacity to the N.Z. Transantarctic Expedition Inc. Ross Sea Committee, which has agreed to maintain close liaison on scientific matters and to keep the Antarctic Research Committee informed of its plans for scientific work during the coming expedition. As yet, the Committee has not been informed of the expedition's scientific programme. To avoid overlapping, the New Zealand I.G.Y. Committee has been invited to keep the Antarctic Research Committee informed of its research programme. On the recommendation of the Committee, the Standing Committee instructed the Secretary of the Royal Society of New Zealand to offer the services of the A.R.C for consultation on scientific matters to the N.Z Government Cabinet Committee on Antarctica. Physical Sciences. Recognising that geophysical work in Ross Dependency for the time being falls within the terms of reference of another committee of the Royal Society, the I.G.Y. Committee, the A.R.C decided to postpone consideration of all physical sciences until informed of the details of the I. G.Y. plans and programme. Geological Sciences. For the geological sciences, including glaciology, the Committee requested the Geological Survey of New Zealand to appoint a specialist panel to prepare a survey of what is known of the geology of Ross Dependency, with a statement of projects for the future. Biological Sciences. Acting on a resolution of the Committee, the Chairman wrote to 26 specialists in branches of biology inviting each of them to join an advisory panel and to prepare a survey of knowledge in his or her specialist field in the Ross Dependency, supported by a bibliography and, if possible, checklist, leading to a statement of projects for future research and of useful work that could be undertaken by non-specialist members of the currently planned expeditions to Mc Murdo Sound. Most of the specialists approached have agreed to join the panel and assist the A.R. C. in its plans. There remain some gaps in Zoology (Radiolarta; Porifera; Nemertinea, Nematoda) and notable gaps in Botany (Diatoms; lower fresh-water plants, lower testrial plants) for which no specialist advisers have yet been appointed. The Committee hopes to compile the reports of its specialist panel for use of members of the Transantarctic Expedition (N.Z.) Inc. during the coming year and to serve as a basis for future long-term plans for research in Ross Dependency. The plans announced publicly during the past few months for establishment of a base station in Mc Murdo Sound for use by the Transantarctic Expedition and by the N.Z. International Geophysical Year Expedition give encouragement to the hope that prospects for scientific work in Ross Dependency during the coming years are very bright. The A.R.C thus enters on its tasks with confidence in their increasing importance for the scientific exploration of New Zealand's Antarctic Dependency. C. A. Fleming, Chairman R.S.N.Z A.R.C. In presenting this report Dr. Fleming stated that although the work had not as yet gone very far this committee promised to be well worth while. Dr. Falla stated that the work proposed does include glaciology. The meeting adjourned at 12.30 for lunch, when the visiting members of the Council were the guests of the Wellington members. On resuming at 2 p. m the roll-call was as for the morning session.
Report on the International Science Foundation. During the past two years the Royal Society of New Zealand was approached by the International Science Foundation having headquarters in San Francisco; and the Society joined the Foundation as a participating member. This does not involve a membership fee or other financial obligation. The International Science Foundation was established in 1954. Its aim is to develop a complete information on scientific and engineering organisations in the United States, information which will assist visiting scientists and engineers to contact scientists and engineers working in their special field of interest; to arrange itineraries to include centres of special interst in public, commercial, and private institutions where technological and fundamental researches are conducted, to assist scientists and engineers to arrange periods for study or research in institutions having special facilities for their research, etc. Regional foundations are being set up now in other metropolitan areas in the United States. The scientific resources of the San Francisco Bay area are now surveyed in a recent publication from the headquarters. This catalogues 619 societies, associations, etc. As a participating member, the Royal Society of New Zealand is the initial contact for scientists and engineers intending to visit the United States and requiring information on the assistance which they can seek from the International Science Foundation. It is presumed that visitors from the United States will seek similar aid from the participating members outside the United States, and it is likely that New Zealand scientists and engineers visiting countries other than the United States will find the participating members in those countries of assistance to them. In view of the above, it is clear that the function of participating member in the International Science Foundation is proper to the Royal Society of New Zealand and such association strengthens a function which the Society has been performing in the past. It is hoped that members and non-members of the Society will avail themselves of the service which the Foundation offers. L. R. Richardson. Liaison Member for the Standing Committee. In presenting his report as liaison officer of the Society and the Foundation, Professor Richardson outlined the constitution of the Foundation and how it functioned. It could prove to be of real value to students and scientists proceeding overseas. Travelling Expenses. On the motion of Professor Richardson, it was resolved that the usual travelling expenses of members be paid. Nelson Institute. Correspondence regarding a suggestion that the Nelson Philosophical Society should become the affiliated body with the Royal Society instead of, as at present, the Nelson Institute was read and commented upon by Dr. Askew, representative of the Nelson Institute. The Nelson Philosophical Society was waiting to hear formally from the Nelson Institute. It was suggested that it seek to become an independent body and eventually apply for admission as a Member Body. Member Bodies. The annual reports of the following Member Bodies were tabled:— Auckland Institute, for year ended March 31, 1955. Wellington Branch, for year ended September 30, 1955. Canterbury Branch, for the year ended October 31, 1955. Otago Branch, for the year ended October 31, 1955. Waikato Scientific Association for the year ended September 30, 1955. Nelson Philosophical Society, for the year ended September 30, 1955. Hawke's Bay Branch, for the year ended December 31, 1955. Rotorua and Southland Branches were not yet to hand. Dr. Archey asked if the Member Bodies were conforming to the rule regarding the financial obligations of the Member Bodies to the Royal Society or to a library or museum. He questioned the interpretation of the rule that the levy on Transactions qualified as a “contribution”. Mr. Allen outlined the action taken at the last annual meeting when the Auckland Institute representatives suggested that a neutral administrator look into the position regarding the obligations of Member Bodies. He stated that very few Member
Bodies had responded to the request to supply “facts and information” regarding their administration, and it had been suggested by one Member Body that if a questionnaire were issued it would simplify matters. At its April meeting the Standing Committee had set up a sub-committee to draw up a questionnaire, but it had not yet had time to do so. Financial: Budget as Presented to the Hon. Minister. At the request of the President, Mr. Callaghan spoke to the report and budget drawn up by the Finance Committee, of which he was convener. The additional money for which they had asked was on account of a back-log of papers piling up in the Hon. Editor's room, the publication of which could not be met out of the Society's annual grant of £4,000. The £2,000 special grant would enable a large part of that and current papers to be printed, but with the estimated sales and levies there would be carried forward into the 1957–58 year a balance far short of the requirements. It was pointed out that the charge of £600 for administration expenses in connection with the Pacific Science Congress Account would increase this balance and other amounts for publication may not all come to charge within the twelve months. Mr. Callaghan moved that the report and budget be approved. Carried. Report on Interview with the Hon. Minister. Professor Richardson moved the adoption of the report of the interview with the Hon. Minister, and it was resolved that a warm letter of thanks should be sent by the President to the Hon. Mr. Algie. Contributions from Member Bodies. Professor Richardson moved the following motion of which the required notice had been given: “That the Standing Committee recommends to the Council that it approve the payment from Branches of 1s 6d for each member of any category on the membership roll of the Branch, the payment to form a contribution to the administrative expenses of the Royal Society of New Zealand as distinct from the charge to the Branch for the Transactions.” This evoked a great deal of discussion to which many members contributed. Finally the motion was amended by the addition of the words “subject to ratification by Member Bodies at their annual general meetings”. On being put to the meeting the motion as amended was lost. Distribution and Costs of Transactions. Dr. Archey apologised that the report was not ready. A minority report was submitted by Dr. Salmon, but the report approved by the Auckland members could not be got ready in time for the meeting. Fellowship Nominations. Miss Brewin moved, Mr. Keys seconded: “That subject to the right of withdrawal each nomination for the Fellowship put forward by a Member Body stands for three years. In addition to the nominations standing from the previous three years, Member Bodies may make nominations each year in accordance with the number decided at the annual meeting.” In the discussion on this motion it was pointed out that in practice the numbers of nominations could reach unwieldy proportions. On being put to the meeting the motion was lost. Fellowship Representation. A suggestion had been made that there should be a time limit on the tenure of office of the representatives of Fellows. It was resolved “That no change be made in the tenure of the office as stated in the Act.” Honorary General Secretary. It was moved by Mr. Keys, seconded by Miss Brewin: “That the motion adopted at the annual meeting in 1932 be rescinded in such parts as to provide for the office of an Honorary General Secretary, and that the Standing Committee be instructed to take the necessary steps for this purpose.” Mr. Keys spoke to this motion, and after some discussion it was put to the meeting and was lost. The Royal Society of N.Z. and Other Scientific Societies. The following remit from the Canterbury Branch was moved by Mr. Collins, seconded by Professor Allan:
“That the Council of the Canterbury Branch of the Royal Society regrets that the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand at its meeting in November, 1955, came to the conclusion that the affiliation of other scientific bodies was not desirable. It believes that there is a desire for affiliation on the part of several societies that should if at all possible be satisfied. It also believes that it would be in the best interests of the Royal Society itself if there were some means of federating with it as many of the national specialist societies as possible. It is strongly of the opinion that there is room in New Zealand for a body that could in fact as well as in name speak and act for all scientists in the country. It therefore recommends to the Council of the Royal Society that the Standing Committee continue to study the matter of finding some formal machinery whereby other scientific societies can more readily co-operate with the Royal Society of New Zealand. Should it be found after further legal opinion is obtained that no satisfactory form of association is possible under present conditions, this Council is of opinion that steps should be taken to have the Royal Society suitably amended. It would point out that in 1933, when the Act was passed, there were few other scientific societies in existence in New Zealand, and that the present conditions could not then have been envisaged.” Professor Richardson pointed out that the Standing Committee and its subcommittee had already explored every avenue. After some discussion the above motion was carried. Machinery for Amending Rules. The following remit from the Otago Branch: “That when a Member Body puts forward a suggestion involving constitutional matters, the Standing Committee should assume responsibility for framing the proposal in the proper form for submission to the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand,” was moved by Miss Brewin and seconded by Professor Cumberland. On being put to the meeting the motion was lost. Accommodation. A letter from the Board of Trustees of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum wrote stating that at the present time no extension of the Museum building was envisaged, but that in any future additions the Board of Trustees would be prepared to consider favourably provision for facilities for the Royal Society. Letter was received and the Board of Trustees thanked for their co-operation. Professor Richardson stated that the Principal of Victoria University College had signified his willingness to meet representatives of the Society regarding further accommodation. Report of Representative on Medical Research Council For the financial year ended March, 1956, a budget of about £68,000 was authorised, of which about 56% represents salaries, under 4% administrative expenses, 35% equipment and sundries, and 5% research grants. A gradual uplifting of salaries has been found possible over the past five years; the scales for research officers now being between £771 and £2,021 for medically qualified, and between £536 and £1,511 for non-medically qualified graduates. Research continues to be prosecuted vigorously, under the direction of research committees of the Council, in the following fields, all located within the Medical School in Dunedin:—Chest Diseases, Clinical Medicine, Endochrinology, Microbiology, Neurophysiology, Nutrition, Surgery and Toxicology. Similar activities in Obstetrics are located mainly in Auckland, with minor projects also in Wellington and Dunedin Dental research is carried out in Dunedin (at the Dental School) and also in the field. Some three dozen papers have been published in various professional journals during the year, and a number of reports has been issued, notably an extensive one on an Epidemiological and Racial Study of Dental Caries in New Zealand, based on several years' work by a dental research officer of the Council. The main Island Territories research activities for the year have centred around working up the material brought back from the expedition to Western Samoa and from earlier expeditions to other S.W. Pacific Islands.
Three reports on the former expedition have been published during the year L. Bastings. Dr. L. Bastings attended the meeting to present his report on the Medical Research Council. Professor Richardson moved, Professor Cumberland seconded the adoption of the report. Carried. Dr. Bastings replied to questions regarding the financial requirements of the Medical Research Council and the work being covered by the Council. Report by Convener of Fuel and Power Sub-committee It will be recalled that the Fuel and Power Sub-committee, originally appointed by the Council in 1950, was instructed by Standing Committee in April, 1955, to review the position, and reported accordingly to the Council at its last Annual Meeting. Since that date, the Sub-committee has prepared and distributed to the Press throughout New Zealand a series of six articles on various aspects of the subject. These appeared widely throughout the country, either in full or in part, and were accorded editorial comment in a considerable number of newspapers The New Zealand Electrical Journal published most of them in full in the June and July, 1955, issues. Copies of the articles were sent to the Right Hon. the Prime Minister and to other Ministers of the Crown. The articles attempted to inform the public of major possible improvements in the present fuel and power organisation, especially on the side of utilisation and conservation; and to indicate directions in which a better long-term technical planning might be expected to ameliorate the present position. An outline of some such organisation was presented. Subsequently members of the Sub-committee had discussions with two senior Ministers of the Crown. Similar discussions were held also with the D.S.I.R. and the State Hydro-electric Department. An attempt was made at these meetings to find out what type of organisation might be acceptable to the Government. The reception in all cases was somewhat disappointing, and has left the Sub-committee with the feeling that the Government looks upon any effort to help in more technical aspects of the fuel and power situation as transgressing on established departmental prerogatives. An approach to the President of the N.Z. Institution of Engineers has so far been unproductive of other than sympathy with the general suggestions. These contacts have convinced us that no progress is likely towards inaugurating an organisation of the kind we envisage, until consumer interests have been approached and roused, and a substantial measure of financial support promised by them. A commencement has just been made to appeal to such interests, by a preliminary approach to the N.Z. Electrical Supply Authorities' Association with a considered programme. The type of organisation now being proposed by my committee is akin to a Research Association, of which a number are already in existence under the wing of the D.S.I.R. This Fuel and Power Research Association would, however, be a fact-finding organisation and not an experimental organisation, except that, if problems were encountered which merited an experimental approach, the association would be in a position to farm out such problems on a subsidised basis to laboratories already in existence. Finances for the Association would need to be provided by the interests combining to support it, and a substantial subsidy might well then be expected from the Government. If further action along these lines meets with the approval of the Council, my Committee is prepared to continue its efforts for a further term. L. Bastings,Convener. In presenting his report on the work done during the past year by the Fuel and Power Sub-committee, Dr. Bastings stated that his committee was meeting frustration on every hand. The Chairman stated that the only way to break down a stone wall was to “keep hammering away”. The report was adopted, and Dr. Bastings was thanked for his attendance and for the work that he and his committee had done during the year. In response to an enquiry from Dr. Bastings it was resolved: “That the Council wishes the committee to continue in action confident of the full backing of the Council.” Land Utilization Dr. Cumberland apologised for the fact that he was not able to present a report from the sub-committee set up, but that there did not appear to be the need, as the Government's Housing Committee had agreed to meet the Auckland Regional Council and had reached agreement on the matters involved He moved that the sub-committee set up in November be discontinued. Carried.
National Collections. On the motion of Mr. Callaghan, seconded by Dr. Fleming, it was resolved that the report be deferred till further replies had been received and the committee had given consideration to them. Notice of Motion. A Notice of Motion handed in earlier in the meeting was moved by Mr. Keys and seconded by Professor Richardson: “That a report be submitted to the Standing Committee on the desirability of publishing a summary in Interlingua of papers published in the Transactions. and that if the report is favourable, the Editor be authorised to proceed accordingly.” Mr. Keys spoke to the report, pointing out the need for such summaries in a common language, referring to its growing usage, and that Interlingua was not difficult to master. On being put to the meeting the motion was passed and Mr. Keys undertook to provide a report to the Standing Committee. November Meeting. Mr. Keys stated that Otago would have liked to issue an invitation for the meeting to be held in Dunedin, but that owing to the A.N.Z.A.A.S. Meeting being held there in January next it was more than could be undertaken this year. It was decided to ask Branches to report and if desired to issue an invitation for the November meeting. Election of Officers. The Nominations Committee reported that under the Rules it was not possible for it to make recommendations regarding the offices of President and Vice-President, and that the meeting must exercise its vote. President: Professor L. H. Briggs was elected. Vice-Presidents: Professor R. S. Allan and Professor Richardson were elected. The Nominations Committee recommended the following officers, and they were elected:— Hon. Editor: Dr. J. T. Salmon. Associate Editor: Mr. R. G. Robbins. Hon. Treasurer: Mr. S. Cory Wright. Hon. Librarian: Professor L. R. Richardson. Go-opted Member: Dr. J. T. Salmon. Hon. Returning Officer: Referred to the Standing Committee for report. Representative Royal N.Z. Institute of Horticulture: Professor H. D. Gordon. Representative Oceanographic Committee: Dr. C. A. Fleming. Representative Great Barrier Reef Committee: Dr. W. R. B. Oliver. Election of Committees. Hector Award Committee: Professor C. A. Cotton, Dr. J. Marwick and another geologist. Hutton Award Committee: Election deferred. T. K. Sidey Summer-time Award Committee: Professor P. W. Burbidge, Professor D'Arcy Walker, and Dr. D. B. Macleod. (Award not to be made next year.) Hamilton Award Committee: Dr. C. A. Fleming, Dr. R. A. Falla, Professor L. R. Richardson. Fellowship Selection Committee: Dr. F. G. Soper, Professor E. Beaglehole, Professor C. A. Cotton, Dr. J. T. Salmon, Miss Lucy Moore. Library Committee: Professor Richardson, Professor Cotton, Dr. Salmon, Mr. Callaghan. Conservation Committee: Dr. J. T. Salmon, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, Mr. N. H. Taylor, Mr. Callaghan, Dr. G. Archey, Dr. C. A. Fleming. National Collections Committee: Mr. F. R. Callaghan, Dr. D. Miller, Dr. J. T. Salmon. Research Grants Committee: Dr. C. A. Fleming, Dr. D. Miller, Mr. F. R, Callaghan.
Delegates to A.N.Z.A.A.S. Meeting, 1957. The President and the Vice-Presidents. Votes of Thanks. Votes of thanks were accorded to the Press, to Victoria University College for the Council Room, and to the Secretary. On the motion of the new President, Professor L. H. Briggs, the warmest thanks were accorded to Dr. D. Miller, retiring President, for his work during his two years' term of office. This was carried by acclamation. On the motion of Dr. Archey, very cordial thanks were extended to the retiring Vice-President, Dr. M. A. F. Barnett, for his work during the past two years and for his Chairmanship on many occasions of the Standing Committee. Cordial thanks were also extended to the Hon. Editor, Dr. Salmon, for a vast amount of work throughout the year, to the Honorary Treasurer, Mr. S. Cory Wright, and to the Honorary Librarian, Professor L. R. Richardson. The meeting closed at 6 p.m. Draft Budget for the Financial Year ended March 31, 1957. Income Expenditure £ £ Balance carried forward, 31/3/56 1,090 Publication of Transactions 4,500 Government Grant 4,000 Publication of Bulletin 900 Special Government Grant 2,000 Honoraria: Editor and Associates 100 Levies from Branches for Volume 84 320 Salaries: Secretary and Library Asst. 1,050 Sales of Publications 250 Travelling Expenses: Council Members 200 Travelling Expenses: Branches' Share 110 Grant from Endowment Fund Interest 90 Binding Scientific Periodicals 250 Stationery 75 Miscellaneous Charges—Telephone, Insurance, Code, Bank, etc. 30 Imprest A/c.—Secretary, Editor 50 Subscriptions to Overseas Bodies 200 Allocation to Library Binding Fund 50 Allocation to N.Z. Science Congresses 50 Grant to A.N.Z.A.A.S 130 £7,585 Balance to carry forward for 1957/8 275 £7,860 £7,860 1. All items in this budget with the exception of the Government Grant and the Special Government Grant of £2,000 are those submitted in a statement to the Hon. Minister on March 12, 1955, when the Society's financial position was set out and an application made for an increased grant. 2. Balance carried forward, £1,090, is necessary to meet expenses until the Government grant is available in about September; £1,090 is barely sufficient for a period of six months, and the estimated surplus of £275 to carry forward for next year is insufficient. 3. The Hon. Minister has informed the Society that the Government Grant for the year will be £4,000 as for 1955–56, and that a special grant of £2,000 will be made in lieu of the Society's retention of the surplus balance in the Pacific Science Congress Account in connection with the publication of the Proceedings. 4. The figures relating to income from Levies, Sales of Publications and Travelling Expenses are estimates only. 5. On the expenditure side only items 11, 12 and 13 are certain; the others are estimates based on last year's expenditure. A total grant of £150 is to be made to A.N.Z.A.A.S. 1957 meeting, £20 of which was paid in 1954 towards the initial expenses of the meeting. In order to maintain a sound financial position, it is recommended that provision be made to carry forward £1,100. This can be done by reducing expenditure by £925, and this is submitted to Council and the Annual Meeting for consideration and decision. F. R. Callaghan Convener, Finance Committee.
Report on the Meeting of the Hon. the Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research with the Royal Society's Finance Committee The Hon R. M. Algie, Minister of D.S I.R., received the Finance Committee delegation on March 19, 1956. A statement of the financial position of the Society as at March 31, 1956, and of the estimated expenditure for the financial year 1956–57 was placed before the Minister, together with a resume of the demand for publication and the cost of publications. The attention of the Hon. Minister was drawn to the fact that the Society has been compelled for financial reasons to abandon from its activities the development of various functions such as supported representation of the Royal Society of New Zealand at overseas conferences, the development of grants in aid of research and other matters which had been included in earlier budgets placed before him. Even with this limitation to the expansion of the work of the Society, it has been unable to maintain its financial position. The statutory obligation of publication has been a most rapidly increasing load on the Society's finances so that it has been compelled to lower the working balance on which the Society is dependent for running expenses during the period between the end of the financial year and the reception of the annual grant. At March 31, 1955, the working balance was £2,242 18s, at March 31, 1956, it was £1,090 1s 3d (estimated). The difference was utilised essentially in meeting the increased charges for publication. The Honorary Editor produced figures showing that the Society printed 420 pages in 1953, 664 pages in 1954, 1,069 pages in 1955, and that on hand in MS. there was already an estimated 1,441 pages to be printed in 1956–57, which with the material still to come to hand would involve the Society in an estimated printing charge of £5,400 for the year if the Society is to properly comply with the statutory obligation Against this an annual grant of £4,000 from which £3,000 is available for printing is completely inadequate and our present position shows that the Society in its earlier budgeting, by allowing an increased grant for printing charges each year, had estimated correctly against this liability. The sources of the papers printed by the Society were given Of 147 papers printed in recent years 49 were submitted by University staff, 46 by private individuals, 42 by members of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, 3 by members of other Government Departments, and 7 from the staffs of Museums. It was pointed out to the Hon. Minister that the publications of the Society are not competing or conflicting with the Journal of Science and Technology and that the Transactions and Bulletins offer the only general media for publication other than those of Government and other employing institutions so that the Society's publications are an essential factor in maintaining the freedom of science in this country. Further, if the Society cannot meet the demand for publication from the rapidly increasing active scientific community the fundamental work of scientists in this country will be either dispersed to overseas journals and we will depend on other countries to assume an obligation which the Society is by statute compelled to carry, or there will be an increased demand for the development of other media in this country. This will, in turn, lead to demands on the Government. In this connection, the Hon. Editor was able to point out that the cost of publication by the Royal Society is lower than for any other local scientific medium, that a number of papers have been declined, others drastically cut in text and illustration and various improvements have been made over recent years, all tending to lower the cost and to raise the standard. The Hon. Minister then expressed his understanding of the Society's problems and assured the deputation of his sympathy in the Society's attempt to secure its financial position. Discussion turned then to the Fund which represents the balance from the grant to complete publication of the Proceedings of the Pacific Science Congress and the additional sum accruing from the later sales of these publications. It was pointed out to the Hon. Minister that the balance was evidence of the frugal and fair manner in which the grant had been handled, even to the extent that no administration charge had been made in handling of some £18,500 in connection with that Congress. The Hon. Minister considered that in view of the Society's difficulties he could fairly discuss with his colleagues the possibility of assisting the Society by reallocating the balance from the grant for publication for the Pacific Science Congress to the Society for publication purposes and that he would keep in mind that the Society had made no charge in that matter for administration purposes which would have equalled the employment of at least one person for the equivalent of a year. The Hon. Minister brought the meeting to a close. Members of the Finance Committee attending were Dr. Barnett, Vice-President, Mr. F. R. Callaghan, Professor L. R. Richardson, and Dr. J. T. Salmon. L. R. Richardson,For the Committee.
Reports of Member Bodies. Wellington Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Annual Report for the Year ended September 30, 1955. Council. The Council has held five meetings during the year under review, and the previous Council held one meeting prior to the Annual General Meeting. Membership. The total membership of the Branch is (1954 totals shown in parentheses): 383 (380), made up as follows:—Ordinary members, 281 (278); life members, 23 (21); life members of other branches now attached to Wellington, 11 (9); associates, 68 (72). Of this total, 224 (200) members receive the Transactions. Twenty-seven new members and associates were elected and three transferred to the Branch; nineteen members resigned or died; four transferred to another Branch; and four were written off. Meetings. The following meetings were held:—October 27: Annual General Meeting (1954). April 27: “Carbon 14 Work in New Zealand,” by Mr. T. A. Rafter. May 1: Presidential Address to the Royal Society of New Zealand,” by Dr. David Miller. June 22: Hudson Memorial Lecture, “Antarctic Adventure and Research,” by Dr. R. A. Falla. July 27: Presidential Address to the Wellington Branch, “The Geography of Freshwater Fishes,” by Mr. K. R. Allen. August 24: “Four Months in Pakistan,” Mr. S. H. Saxby. September 27: “The Place and Purpose of Geography,” by Professor Keith Buchanan. In addition, the Branch joined with the New Zealand Society of Soil Science and the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural Science for three meetings: December 20, 1954: “Soils and Civilisation,” by Mr. G. V. Jacks, Commonwealth Bureau of Soil Science, Rothamsted, England. January 25: “Mineral Nutrition,” by Professor P. R. Stout, University of California, Berkeley September 19: “Factors Limiting World Food Production,” by Dr. E. W. Russell, Reader in Soil Science, Oxford. With Victoria University College, a joint meeting was held on August 25, to hear Dr. L. A. du Bridge, President of California Institute of Technology, speak on “A Quick Look at Science and Engineering Education in the United States.” An innovation this year was an “Open Day” at Wallaceville Animal Research Laboratories. Through the wholehearted co-operation of the Wallaceville Laboratories, the Branch was able to arrange an “open day” for members and families on Saturday, May 14 The Council is indebted to Dr. Cunningham and his staff at the Wallaceville Laboratories for providing the opportunity and organization for such a wonderful day. Astronomy and Geophysics Section. October: “Geophysical Activities Overseas,” by Dr. E. Marsden. April: “Moving and Changing Patterns,” by N. F. Barber. June: “The Rome Conference,” by Dr. E. I. Robertson July: “Geomagnetism, the Ionosphere and Radio Propagation,” by J. W. Beagley and G. McK Allcock August: “Meteorology,” by Dr. J. F. Gabites. September. “Latitude and Longitude Measurements,” by R. J. Owen and G. A. Eiby. Biology Section. October: Films. April: “Whaling in the South Pacific,” by W. H. Dawbin May: “Experimental Morphology,” by Dr. I. M. Sussex June: “Biological Effects of Electric Fields in Water and their Application to Fisheries,” by Lieut-Commander B. M. Bary. July: “Sharks and Rays of New Zealand Waters,” by J. A. F. Garrick August: “The Biology of Fish Parasites,” by Professor M. C. Meyer September: “Agriculture and Environment of the Indians of Central and South America,” by C. W. S. Wright. Geology Section. October: “The Environment of Greywacke,” by J. Bradley. April: “A New Theory for the Origin of Geosynclinal Serpentine,” by G. W. Grindley, Dr. P. G. Harris, and H. W. Wellman. May: “Some Impressions of a Petrologist in Australia,” by J. J. Reed. June. “Some Geologic Features of United States.” by Professor Charles J. Vitaliano July: “Quaternary Geology of the Hutt Valley,” by G. R. Stevens. August: “Geological Traverse of the Himalayan Range,” by Dr. H. J. Harrington. September: “Field Techniques for the Estimation of Accelerated Erosion,” by T. Riney. Physics Section October: “Statistical Methods and Physics,” by I. D. Dick. April: Joint Meeting with Astronomy and Geophysics Section May: “Recent Advances in Ionosphere Research,” by G. McK Allcock. June: “What Is Accuracy?” by W. H. Ward. July: Visit to the Meteorological Office August: “Some Aspects of Nuclear Physics,” by J. E. Drummond. September: “Discussion on Heat Balance of Birds and Animals,” by M. C. Probine. Social Science Section. October: “Reflections on the Individual in the Welfare State,” by Professor G. E. Hughes (Fundamental Problems of the Social Scientist as a Theme for 1955). May: “Opinion Survey,” by Mrs A. Donald June: “An Economist's View,” by W. King. July: “Observational Research,” by J. Caughley August: “Educational Research,” by G. Parkyn. September: “Clinical Research,” by Dr. J. H. Robb. Technology Section. July: “New Zealand's Energy Supply,” by Dr. E. Marsden. August: “Power for Photo-Synthesis,” by N. W. Vere-Jones September: “Fuel Utilization in Power and Industry,” by G. I. Frost.
Publications Paper read by title at General Meeting: 27/4/55, Audrey J. White, “A Study of the Vegetation Surrounding Mount Rimutaka, with Particular Reference to Wind” The following is a list of papers published by members of the Wellington Branch in the Transactions of the Royal Society of New Zealand during the year under review:—Vol. 82, Part 3: H. Barraclough Fell, “New Zealand Fossil Asterozoa: 3—Odontaster pricius sp. nov. from the Jurassic.” J. A. F. Garrick, “Studies on New Zealand Elasmobranchii, Part 3.” D. R. McQueen, “Fossil Leaves, Fruits, and Seeds from the Wanganui Series (Plio-Pleistocene) of New Zealand.” Aola M. Richards, “Notes on Food and Cannibalism in Macropathus filifer; Systematics and Ecology of the Genus Macropathus; Notes on the Behaviour and Parasitism in Macropathus filifer.” Vol. 82, Part 4: E. Beaglehole, “The Study of Social Change,” Chairman's Address to Section H, 8th Science Congress. L. R. Richardson, “On the Survival of Traditional Themes in Biological Thought,” Chairman's Address to Section D, 8th Science Congress. N. H. Taylor, “The Role of Soil Science in New Zealand's Problems,” Chairman's Address to Section M, 8th Science Congress. H. W. Wellman, “Pleistocene and Recent Deposits C. A. Cotton and M. Te Punga, “Solifluxion and Periglacially Modified Landforms at Welling-in New Zealand,” Chairman's Address to Section E, 8th Science Congress. Vol. 82, Part 5: C. A. Cotton, “Review of the Notocenozoic, or Cretaceo-Tertiary, of New Zealand.” ton, New Zealand.” R. K. Dell, “The Occurrence of Priapulus in New Zealand Waters. The Land Mollusca of Fiordland, South-west Otago.” C. A. Fleming, “Kapitean (Upper Miocene) Mollusca from Te Wae Wae Bay, Southland, New Zealand.” J.T. Salmon, “Parthenogenesis in New Zealand Stick Insects.” J. D. Stout, “Environmental Factors Affecting the Life History of the Soil Species of Colpoda” Vol 83, Part 1: J. A. F. Garrick, “Studies on New Zealand Elasmobranchii, Part 4.” H. W. Wellman, “A Revision of the Type Clarentian at Coverham, Clarence Valley S.35.” Hudson Lecture. The Hudson Lecture for 1955 was given by Dr. R. A. Falla, Director Dominion Museum, who spoke on “Antarctic Adventure and Research.” The lecture is being printed and will be distributed to members. Loder Cup. Council is pleased to record that the 1954 Loder Cup award was made to Mr. Norman L. Elder, of Havelock North. At the General Meeting of May 17, the Hon S. W. Smith, Minister of Internal Affairs, deputizing for the Minister of Agriculture, presented the award to Mr. Elder. Library. Subscriptions to periodicals have been maintained as in the previous year. A number of volumes have been bound this year. The Council made representations to the parent body seeking some amelioration of the present rule making it mandatory for the Branch to spend one-third of its income on the Library, but so far there has been no decision Pending a final decision, it was resolved at the November meeting of the Royal Society Council that the Society's Rule, Section A, No. 3, be amended by adding the words “or 90 per annum whichever shall be the less” after the words “one-third of its annual income.” Auckland Institute and Museum. Annual Report for Year ended March 31, 1956. Membership. This has again increased, and now stands at 1,092, this figure including 310 life members. One hundred new members were elected during the year, while 57 names were removd from the roll by reason of death, resignation or deletion. Obituary.—In addition to that of the late Mr. E. Earle Varle, O. B. E, the names of the following members whose deaths have occurred during the year under review have regretfully to be recorded: Mrs. G. Osborne, Sir Cecil Whitney, Hon. W. Stewart, Dr. G. Fenwick, O. B. E, Dr. H. W. Wilson, Messrs. F. E. Astley, F. C. Attwood, B. L. Brown, R. J. Coates, S. Irwin Crookes, F. H. V. Fielder, C. E. Ford, J. H. Frater, C. F. Gardner, W. P. Hannken. John Hellaby, H. B. Johnson, V. J. Larner, M. B.E, F. H. Leonard, C. W. Oram, F. A. Smith, W. G. White, C. H. Wild, and R. Wright. Council. The regular meetings of the Council have been held, and, among very many items of business dealt with, mention should be made of the following matters. Mr. A. T. Pycroft having stated that he was unable to continue to represent the Institute on the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand, his resignation was accepted with very great regret, and Mr. S. G. Brooker, M.Sc., was appointed in his stead. A resolution of appreciation of the service given by Mr. Pycroft as a member of the Council of the Royal Society since 1933 was placed on record. The late Mr. V. J. Larner resigned from the Chairmanship of the Trust Board shortly before his death. He was succeeded as Chairman by Mr. K. B. Myers (who became ex officio a member of the Council) and the vacancy on the Trust Board was filled by the appointment of Mr. E. H. Rhodes. The Monday evening Institute Lectures were again received with much interest, and the library will soon be too small to accommodate the increasing attendance. The year's syllabus was as follows. Professor A. C. Light, B. A., F.R.I.B A, F. R.S A, “Some Recent University.
Building in the Americas”; Mr. Ward Barrett, A.B., M.A., “The Importance of the Study of Changes of Sea Level”, Mr. George Roddick, F.C.I.S, “Twenty Centuries of Paper Making”; Mr. P. A. S. Stem, B.Sc., “The Gannet”; Dr. J. L. Newman, “Medicine and the Potter”; Dr. E. W. Russell, M.A, F. Inst.P., “Soil Factors Limiting World Food Production”; Mr. R. Waddell, B.Sc., “The Television Process,” and Dr. Grace McCann Morley, “The Significance of Native Sculpture for modern Art.” An increased number (9) of Sunday Lectures also received good public response. Speakers were: Mr. N. G. Manley, F. R.G S., “The N.W. Frontier—the Ancient Gateway of India”; Mr. R. W. Roach, B.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., “Territory in Wild and Captive Animals”; Mr. E. G. Turbott, MSc, “Antarctic Life (Birds, Whales and Seals)”; Miss D. C. Shrewsbury, B.A., “Trinidad”; Mr. J. A. McPherson, N.D.H., “The Place of Parks in the Community”; Miss Maria Baalbergen, “The People and Customs of the Netherlands”; Mr. I. W. Lovatt, M.A., “Portugal”, Mr. E. Norman, O.B.E., “Cultural Life in Germany”; and Mr. R. B. Sibson, M.A., “The Migration of Birds in the S.W. Pacific” The Museum staff's own contribution of lectures to outside societies and clubs has also expanded considerably; no less than 86 addresses were given in the city and province, the speakers being the Director (18), Mr. Powell (17), Mr. Fisher (12), Mr. Turbott (12), Mrs. Turbott (4), and Mr. Manley (23) Canterbury Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand Annual Report for the Year ended October 31, 1955. Membership. At the end of the financial year the ordinary membership of the Society showed a decrease of one, from 287 last year to 286 this year. Fourteen new members have been elected, four have transferred to us from other Branches, and one Associate has been transferred to full membership. Eleven members have resigned, four have been transferred to other Branches, two have died, two members have been transferred to the retired list, and the name of one member has been removed by order of the Council. Associate membership shows an increase in three from 15 last year to 18 this year. Six Associates have been elected, one has resigned, and the name of one Associate has been removed from the list by order of the Council. One Associate has transferred to full membership. Obituary. The Society records with deep regret the death of two members during the year. Council. Up to the end of the financial year 12 meetings of the Council had been held. General Meetings The following was the year's programme:—December 1, 1954: Annual and Special General Meetings, followed by short addresses by Professor E. Percival, on “Abbreviated Life Histories,” and by Dr. C. D. Ellyett on “Fundamental Particles”. March 2. 1955:” Life Histories” (Presidential Address), Professor E. Percival. April 6: “Science and Poetry.” Professor J. C. Garrett. May 4: “Animal Behaviour and Comparative Psychology,” Mr. R. L. Reid June 1: “The Distribution of Animals and the Origin of the New Zealand Fauna,” Dr. R. R. Forster July 6: “Native Forests and Grasslands: New Notions and New Problems,” Mr. J. T. Holloway. September 3: “Some Photoperiodicity Responses in Sheep,” Mr. D. S. Hart October 5: “Freshwater Fishes,” Mr. G. Stokell November 16: “The Place of the Royal Society of New Zealand in the Culture of New Zealand,” Dr. David Miller (President of the Royal Society). At an ordinary meeting of the Society on August 3 the following papers were read: “The Sub-Fossil Birds of Lake Grassmere,” Mr. R. Scarlett “Nitrogen in Coal,” Mr. R. P. Suggate “The Life History of an Unusual Rotifer, Cupelopagis vorax,” Mr. C. R. Russell “The Occurrence of Adventitious Shoots from Roots of the Indigenous Gymnosperm Dacrydium calensoi,” Mr. N. T. Moar. “Tradition and Invention in Polynesian Adzes,” Dr. R. S. Duff. The following paper was read by title, “The Otapirian Stage of the New Zealand Triassic System, Part II: Correlation and Some Correlated Sequences,” Mr. J. D. Campbell. Honorary Librarian's Report—Steady use is still made by many of our members of the combined libraries of the Society and of Canterbury University College. Members outside Christchurch are reminded that postal borrowing is available to them. Binding of the main journals is being kept reasonably up to date, though, owing to temporary difficulties at our binders resulting from their move to more spacious premises, the volumes bound in 1955 were returned too late to come to charge in the financial year. Donations of journals are being received currently from Messrs C. E. Fenwick, C. R. Russell and D. B. Mulligan, and another member, Mr. A. C. Macintyre, is helping the College Library directly by handing over his copies of the Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society to continue the existing set. The Society's publications have continued to sell steadily, and stocks of F. W. Hutton's Index Faunae Novae Zealandiae, 1904, are now nearly down to a small reserve which will be held for disposal in special cases only, by Council resolution. Report of Representative on the Canterbury University College Library Committee. During the last three years my reports have strongly emphasised the continuing deterioration of the.
library storage situation. I regret that I have to report that this progressive deterioration can be expected to continue for probably two more years. Information put before the Canterbury University College Joint Advisory Library Committee indicates that no significant addition to the pitifully inadequate storage space can be expected until the School of Art moves to Riccarton. This move—expected to take place in 1957—will make it possible to use the rooms vacated by the School of Art as additional reading room and storage space. A proposed link between the present Library building and the School of Art may provide centralized control of most of the library—if and when the proposed link is approved and erected. It would be unduly optimistic to expect that the proposed scheme to use the School of Art building for library purposes could bring about an improvement of the situation in much less than two years. Despite the very difficult working conditions at the Library, the Hon. Librarian and his staff have been able to safeguard the interests of the Society and deserve the thanks of our members. Representative on the Riccarton Bush Board of Trustees. As our representative has been overseas on leave there is no report this year. Report of the Representative on the Canterbury Museum Trust Board. The outstanding event of the year has been the commencement of the building of the Centennial Memorial Wing and of the rebuilding and adaptation of parts of the older structure. This marks the end of a phase of development which has been going on with increasing impetus for almost 20 years and particularly since the establishment of the Trust Board. It marks also the beginning of an era of greater usefulness of the Museum as a teaching institution for the general public and as a research centre for specialists. The enlarged and more commodious building will provide means, so very much needed, for the meeting of those groups of people interested in natural science and some aspects of the arts. Rebuilding has immobilised the Museum in relation to the public. At the same time, the teaching services have stopped for the first time in 17 years, but it is expected that they will resume early in 1956. The staff is busy with preparation of exhibits in the new and in the reconstructed parts and with general planning. Expeditions were financed and otherwise assisted to Martins Bay and to the Western Murchison Mountains of Fiordland for the purposes of collecting material, biological and geological study, and mapping. The public has been informed of those activities by means of lectures. Field Club Section. Field excursions were held to Porter's Pass, Potts Point, Chalk Hill, Arthur's Pass, and Lake Janet. Although most of these were well attended, except the last, more support from members would be appreciated. Through the co-operation of the Railways Department, the Club was also able to run a series of winter field trips. During Easter, 10 members of the Club visited Marsden on the West Coast. Here members, especially the botanists and ornithologists in the group, had an interesting and instructive time. “During the winter season six lecture evenings, most illustrated by colour slides, were held as follows:—May 10: Dr. M. Gage, “American Landscapes”. June 14: Dr. R. R. Forster, “Expedition to Martin's Bay”. July 12: Mr, B. W. Collins, “Geologist in Fiordland”. August 9: Mr. J. P. Fox, “Viti Levu”. September 13, Professor Percival, “Aspects of Field Club Work”. October 11: Annual General Meeting, followed by three films lent by Messrs. I.C.I. Limited. Mathematics and Physics Section. The section, having now completed the second full year of its existence, can be considered to have reached stability. Attendance remains satisfactory, and it is pleasing to see a small but steady inflow of new members of the Royal Society who have joined in order to attend the meetings of the Physics Section. The following meetings were held during the year:—March 31: “Experiences With a United Nations Technical Mission in Saudi Arabia,” Mr. E. P. Sanders. (Attendance 27.) April 28: “Recent Advances in Ionospheric Work,” Mr. G. Allcock. (Attendance 23.) June 16: “Radiation Hazards to the Future of the Human Race,” Mr. G. E. Roth. (Attendance 53.) July 28: “Carbon 14 Work in New Zealand,” Mr. T. A. Rafter. (Attendance 84.) (An invitation was extended to the Canterbury Branch of the N.Z. Institute of Chemistry to be present at this meeting.) August 11: “New Zealand in the Year 2000,” Mr. I. L. Holmes, and Professor T. W. Walker. (Attendance 40.) September 22: “Post Office V.H F. Urban Mobile Services in New Zealand,” Mr. A. Ross. (Attendance 15.) (This lecture was followed by a visit to the P & T installation at the Takahe, Cashmere Hills) October 20: “The New Cobalt Beam Therapy Unit for the Christchurch Public Hospital,” Mr. R. A. Borthwick and Dr. A. J. Campbell. (Attendance 39). Scientific Photography Section. A number of lectures were held throughout the year, and although some were well attended the majority were not supported well. The committee decided to cancel the November meeting and next year to confine the Section's activities to six winter meetings held in conjunction with other sections or societies.
Mr. Knox retired as chairman in September, when he left to visit marine biological stations overseas for about a year. The exhibition which was to have been held unfortunately had to be cancelled as there was insufficient support. Some efforts have been made by the committee to analyse the reason for this and it is unlikely that a similar type of exhibition will be attempted by this Section. Although there are only about eight or nine keen members, enquiries have been received from two people who wish to join. The committee will endeavour next year to increase the active membership and have a programme which will be more suitable to the Section. Section Officers are: Chairman, K. A. Donaldson; Secretary, A. F. Pope; Committee—R. A Blackmore, E. R. Mangin, J. B. Kearton. Otago Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand Annual Report for Session 1955 (86th Session). Membership. The roll now stands at 161 as against 173 for last Session. Distinctions Gained by Members. Dr. Alan Bell has been appointed Director of Industrial Hygiene, Department of Health, New South Wales, and will be leaving Dunedin in January, 1956, to take up his new position. Dr. D. A. Brown has been appointed Reader in Palaeontology and Geology in the University of Otago. Dr. D. S. Coombs has been appointed to the Chair of Geology in the University of Otago. Dr. A. G. McLellan has been appointed to the Chair of Physics in Canterbury University College Dr. L. E. Richdale has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand in recognition of his outstanding research in the field of Ornithology. Attendances at Branch Meetings. 30, 55, 60, 65, 45, 40. An average of 49. Representatives on Museum Management Committee. Miss Beryl Brewin and Dr. Basil Howard have continued in this office. It is to be noted, however, now that the Otago Museum Trust Board Bill has been passed, that the affairs of the Museum will in future be controlled by a Trust Board upon which the Branch has one representative. Visit of President of the Royal Society of N. Z. The Branch was honoured again this year with a visit from Dr. David Miller, when he gave an address and met members on October 11. Our members congratulate Dr. Miller on his appointment to succeed Sir Theodore Rigg as Director of the Cawthron Institute and wish him success in his new position. Cancellation of Meeting. The June meeting of the Branch was cancelled as a mark of respect to the memory of the late Mr. Colin Todd, who was to have delivered an address to members during that month Only a few days before the meeting was due Mr. Todd lost his life in a most unfortunate accident. A member of the Branch, he was a very promising young scientist whose untimely death leaves a distinct gap in our midst. Conversazione. On Friday, October 28, the Annual Museum Conversazione was held jointly by the Association of Friends of the Museum and the Branch. For the occasion some very beautiful floral decorations had been arranged, while three specially illuminated cases were used for an excellent display of Indian Art and Craft in the United States of America. The gathering of 150 persons was addressed by Mr. A. C. Cameron, the President of the Association of Friends of the Museum, and by Dr. H. D. Skinner, the Treasurer. Dr. Skinner said that the pioneering days of the Museum had come to an end, and with the passing of the Otago Museum Trust Board Bill recently, the problems of maintenance were solved. A very pleasant evening was brought to a close with an enjoyable supper in the Maori House. Main Branch Meetings. The following meetings were held by the Branch—April 19. Presidential Address by Mr. O. H. Keys, “Poison Panorama”. May 3: Professor G. T. S. Baylis, “Two Botanical Excursions in Africa”. July 12: Professor A. Brady (William Evans Visiting Professor of Political Science), “Modern Canada”. (Joint meeting with Historical Section) August 9: Professor N. E. Odell, “Objects and Aims in Antarctica” (Joint meeting with Dunedin Branch of the N.Z. Antarctic Society.) September 13: Mr. A. J. Learmonth (project engineer, Roxburgh Hydro), “The Roxburgh Project”. October 11: Dr. David Miller (President of the Royal Society of N.Z.), “An Entomological Conspectus—Somewhat Anecdotal.” Historical Section Meetings. April 26: Mr. G. Gillespie, “Military Pensioners' Settlements in Auckland” June 7: Miss E. Seed, “Brick, Tile and Pottery Industries in Otago”. July 12: Professor A. Brady (see above under Main Branch Meetings). August 2: Discussion meeting on the teaching of contemporary history September 6: Historical Revisions conducted by History Department of the University October 18: Mr. G. S. Parsonson, “A Century on Tanna; an Attempt at a Reconstruction of an Aspect of Melanesian History”. Annual meeting. Original Papers “The Geology of Siberia Hill and Mount Dasher, North Otago,” by Dr. D. A. Brown, Department of Geology, Otago University, with an appendix by Dr. D. S. Coombs, “Mineralogical Notes on an Alkali Felspar, Phillipsite and Clinopyroxenes.” “The Life History of Adenocystis utricularis (Bory) H. et H.”, by Dr. Margaret Naylor “The Biotic.
Community of a Salt Meadow in New Zealand,” by Miss Kitty Paviour-Smith. “On Shell-Burrowing Bryozoa and Phoronis from New Zealand,” by Dr. Elizabeth Batham. “Note on the Mesenteric Nerve Net of the Anemone Metritium canum (Stuckey),” by Dr. Elizabeth Batham. “A Morphological Study of the Heart of the Lizard Lygosoma grande, with special reference to the Conducting System,” by Mr. J. G. Buchanan (communicated by Professor W. E. Adams). “Ascidians from the Chatham Islands and Shelf,” by Miss Beryl Brewin. “Crater Lake and Glaciers of Ruapehu,” by Professor N. E. Odell. “Vegetation and Climate in the Dunedin District,” by Peter Wardle and A. F. Mark, Botany Department, Otago University. “The Origin of Sandspits on the Coast of Otago,” by Miss Eileen L. Elliott, formerly of the Geography Department, Otago University. Historical Section. During the year the Section held six meetings, one of which was a joint meeting with the Royal Society, when Professor Brady spoke to a large attendance of members of both bodies. Astronomical Section. Beverly-Begg Observatory. The winter observing season comprised 22 Saturday nights, from April 30 to September 24. Only 11 nights were suitable for observation, and on some conditions deteriorated. The sessions were as usual conducted by the Committee members on a rota system. The fact that so many nights were unsuitable for observing was offset, to a large degree, by an increase in the number of private parties who visited the Observatory on other clear nights. In all, about 350 to 400 people visited the Observatory. This maintains the yearly average. Publicity. During the year Messrs. G. G. Couling, W. D. Anderson and K. M. McIntyre have presented talks on various aspects of Astronomy through the local radio stations, 4YA and 4ZB. These were heard in the evening programmes and in the Children's Session. That there is a widespread interest in this subject by the younger generation is shown by the number of questions sent in to the Children's Session for answering. As well as giving radio talks, Mr. W. D. Anderson has, from time to time, contributed to the newspapers on matters astronomical. Membership. The roll stands at 12 full members and 27 associate members. Nelson Philosophical Society. Annual Report for Year Ended September 30, 1955. Meetings. During the session six meetings were held, at five of which addresses were given. These were: “An Informal Talk on Toadstools,” by Dr. G. Cone; “A Descriptive Account of the Cook Islands,” by Dr. W. Cottier, Dr. D. Miller's Presidential Address to the R.S.N.Z.; An Historical Account of the Development of Rothamstead, “Agriculture Research Station,” by Dr. E. B. Kidson; “Some Aspects of Plant Nutrition,” by Dr. G. Cone. Membership. During the session two full members and two associate members joined the Society. One member was removed from the roll for failing to pay three years' arrears of subscriptions The total membership has therefore increased and is now 46, comprised of 32 full and 14 associate members. Southland Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Annual Report for the Year ended March 31, 1956. Membership. Four members resigned during the year and three new members were elected at the April meeting. At the last Annual Meeting, the Hon Secretary for the past seven years, Mrs. O. Sanson, relinquished her post, and in recognition of her services, was elected Honorary Life Member of the Society. The Society is greatly indebted to Mrs. Sanson for her devoted work for the Branch over so many years. The membership on March 31, 1956, stands at 7 life members and 43 ordinary members, the total of 50 being one less than that of the previous year. Meetings. These were held as follows:—April 6: Address by Mr. J. H. Sorenson, “Some Strange Life Histories.” May 25: Annual Meeting; Presidential Address, Mr. F. M. Corkill, “Chlorella,” “Rain Making,” “Prestressing of Concrete,” “Portland Cement.” June 22: Address by Dr. Neil Prentice, “Modern Advances in Medical Treatment.” July 27: Dr. R. K. McFarlane, “Diagnostic Radiology.” September 28: Mr. O. H. Keys, “Poison Panorama” October 19: Mr. B. L. Wood, “The Geology of Antarctica.” The Branch is very grateful to these gentlemen who addressed us during the year for their time and trouble in preparing such good material. Field Excursion. The November meeting took the form of an evening field excursion to the Lands Department Development Block at Waituna Mr. T. Clearwater, of the Lands Department, who is in charge of the project, very kindly showed us round the block, and it was clear that many members found this to be a most instructive and interesting evening Transport to Waituna proved easy to arrange because of the generosity of members who brought their cars, and there is every encouragement to run further field trips during the summer months.
Hawke's Bay Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand Inc. Report for the Year 1955. Meetings. In addition to the Annual General Meeting, two public meetings were held during the year, Mr. R. G. Drummond, Engineer of the H.B. Catchment Board, spoke in Hastings on River Control, and Mr. Malden spoke in Napier on Flying Saucers. Three members' meetings have been held. Mr. Elder lectured on the Ecology of the Ruahines, Dr. A. Berry spoke on seals, and Dr. Francis gave a talk on some aspects of tuberculosis. Sections. The Ornithological Section carried on during the year with field days and meetings. Reports of field observations are always made at meetings and are most valuable to members of the section. Historical Section in Hastings: Seven meetings were held during the year, and the section continued to expand. Section records were checked and relisted, and have been deposited in the Hastings Municipal Library. The Section sought joint membership of the newly formed N.Z. Archaeological Association. Historical Section in Napier: Monthly meetings were held. The main work of the section is still connected with the Taupo Road. Meteorological Section: Monthly meetings were held at which specialist papers were read. Library. The Branch has formed a Library Sub-committee to deal with the choice and purchase of books. Royal Society, Wellington. Mr. Elder represented the Branch. Three remits were sent forward, one of which requested the parent body to do everything possible to preserve the Aratiatia rapids. Membership. There are approximately 90 members of the Branch, including six life members. This represents a slight drop in membership, and your Council asks every member to do whatever possible to halt this tendency. Allan BerryChairman. Rotorua Philosophical Society. Annual Report for 1955. Membership. The number of financial members for the year was 74, a reduction of four from the previous year. Meetings. Nine regular meetings have been held during 1955, at which a wide range of lectures and papers were presented, as follows:—March 24: Presidential Address, “Volcanology—a Branch of Geology,” Mr. J. Healy. April 28: Symposium, “Hydro-electric Construction—the Whakamaru Scheme,” Messrs B. N. Thompson and F. E. Studt, D.S.I.R., and H. E. Barber and C. Bambry, M.O W. May 26 “Science and Humanity,” Dr. E. Marsden, F.R.S. June 23: “Thirty Years of Forensic Chemistry,” Mr. K. M. Griffin. July 12. Conversazione—Work of the Geological Survey. July 28: “The Moral Philosophy of Science,” Professor W. Anderson August 25: “The Social Implications of Rheumatoid Arthritis,” Dr. B. S. Rose. September 22: “The Use of Indicators in the Depection of Noxious Gases,” Mr. H. J. Herron. “Pine Needles and What They Return to the Soil,” Mr. G. M. Wills. “The Vegetation of the Taupo Pumice Country,” Mr. J. E. Henry October 27: “The Artist and the Community,” Mr. Eric West-brook. The Society has a high percentage of non-scientist members, and it is clear that this is due to the type and standard of lectures given during the year, and that these supply a cultural demand in the town. We extend our thanks to the speakers who have contributed to this year's programme. It is with regret we record the death of the late Professor Anderson a short time after his visit to Rotorua, and we extend our sympathy to his widow and family. For the conversazione, use was made of several classrooms in the new science block at the High School, to demonstrate a number of the activities of the Geological Survey. At the meeting on September 22, three papers on original research by local scientists were presented. The standard of presentation, the material brought forward, and the lively discussions, proved this to be a worthwhile venture. The two evenings were innovations intended as annual features. On August 5 the Society acted as hosts for a meeting convened by the Institute of Foresters, at which an address on “Soil Factors Influencing World Production and Forestry,” by Dr. E. W. Russell, a visiting English soil scientist of world renown. An extra meeting was held on November 11, when an illustrated talk on “Maori Art” was given by Dr. Gilbert Archey. Royal Society of New Zealand. The Society applied for and was granted the status of Member Body of the Royal Society of New Zealand In this respect the Society assumes additional responsibilities, and is also entitled to representation on the Council of the Royal Society.
Library. In keeping with the decision to spend proportion of its income each year on the library, members are advised that additional books have been purchased. However, in view of the fact that a substantial sum set aside to complete the set of the Transactions was saved because the Royal Society and the Auckland Institute donated the required volumes without charge, a donation was made to the Royal Society in lieu. To these two bodies we express appreciation of their kind gifts. Towards the end of the year a Library Committee was appointed and authorised to make purchases of books along the line approved by your Committee. It is considered that the present aims should be to provide a comprehensive collection of suitable New Zealand publications, a few scientific periodicals of wide interest, and modern books on various aspects of science designed to stimulate thought and reading. We acknowledge with thanks a number of donations of books to the library. Borough Museum. Following a meeting with members of the Borough Council last year, the Society was advised this year that the Council would appreciate suggestions for improving the Treasure House. The Committee arranged for a number of volunteers from the Society, and in addition to Messrs. M. Black, and F. Leonard to inspect the museum and report on its condition and possibilities from several viewpoints. We appreciate the submission of the following reports: Mr. M. Black (Ornithology); Mr. F. Leonard (Maori Artifacts), Dr. D. R. Gregg (Geological specimens), Mr. E. A. Lloyd (Photographic collection), Mr. H. R. Orman (Botanical specimens), Mr. W. J. Wilson (Collections). The reports, which contain a comprehensive account of the contents of the museum and constructive suggestions as to what changes could to advantage be made, have been considered by the Committee, who now have an appointment to discuss them with the Borough Council's representatives next month. Opportunity was also taken to discuss the project with Dr. Archey when he visited Rotorua, and he has offered to assist the Society and the Borough Council if required. Waikato Scientific Association. Annual Report for Year ended September 30, 1955 Executive. Your Executive has met regularly and has kept abreast of its work. Mr. A. G. Harris, having resigned from the position of Vice-President, Mr. K. J. McNaught was appointed in his stead. Attendances. These were disappointing except at the meetings addressed by Dr. E. W. Russell, Mr. Bryce and Mr. Hunt. Field days were popular, especially the visit to the James Aviation Works at Rukuhia. The list of functions is as follows:—March 17: Dr. Gilbert Archey (Auckland Museum), “The Underlying Question” April 21: Mr. J. Healy (Geological Survey, Rotorua), “The Geology of the Philippines.” May 19: Mr. M. C. Gudex, The Presidential Address, “Scenic and Other Reserves of N.Z.” June 16: Mr. Allan Bryce, “The Principles of Colour Photography.” July 21: Elder Biesinger, “A General Survey of the Proposed Activities of the L. D. S. Agricultural College.” August 2: Dr. E. W. Russell (Oxford), “The Factors Limiting the Production of the World's Food.” August 18: Mr. A. W. B. Powell (Auckland Museum), “Land Snails and Earth History.” September 15. Mr. C. G. Hunt, “The Mystery Wreck on Ruapuke Beach.” October 20: Dr. A. M. McDonald, “The Utilisation of Natural Resources in Post-War Canadian Development.” Field Days and Hosts. March 26: Mr. Kear (Geological Survey, Ngaruawahia), Rotowaro Opencast Coal Mines June 11: Elder Biesinger, L.D.S. Agricultural College, Frankton. October 15: Mr. Perrett and Mr. James, James Aviation Ltd., Rukuhia. Membership. The total membership is 85, of which 71 are financial During the year four members resigned and eight were considered to have let their membership lapse. Ruapuke Beach Wreck. A great deal of preliminary investigation has been done by Mr. C. G. Hunt. He has incorporated the early results in a large folio of notes, and has generously presented copies to members of your committee, the Auckland, Dominion, Canterbury and Otago Museums, and a number of people who have assisted him. Our application for the sole rights to excavate the wreck was refused by the Minister of Marine, because they had been granted already to the Auckland Institute and Museum However, the Museum authorities agreed to co-operate with us, and Mr. Fisher came down to hear Mr. Hunt's address. Amongst the 120 people present, were representatives of the Waikato Historical Society, the Te Awamutu Historical Society, The Waikato Tramping Club, and the Raglan Old Settlers' Association Mr. Hunt is to be congratulated on his investigations and his excellent address. Further action will be discussed at the annual meeting. M. C. Gudex, President.
Presidential Address The following is a summary of the Presidential Address delivered by Dr. David Miller on the evening of the Annual Meeting, May 15, 1956, before a meeting of the Wellington Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Apropos the Insect World By David Miller Summary Except in the economic field, there is little entomological activity current in New Zealand. Indeed, the systematists, morphologists and field naturalists—who had laid the foundations of the Science—are at present virtually non-existent in the country compared with their activities up to a couple of decades ago; only in the Universities, for the most part, do we find them at work as formerly; yet the need for such people is as great as ever—they should remain, as before, a living force in the advancement of the Science. Nevertheless, it must not be thought that Entomology is limited by those fields of enquiry. The science embraces not merely a knowledge of the habits, structure and economy of the insects themselves, or of the best means of holding some of them in check; such aspects are but complementary to greater issues—that complexity of internal and external influences, both physical and organic, which bear, directly and indirectly, upon insect behaviour; and even further, in that the living insect is so often the indicator of deeper and wider propositions beyond the insect itself. It is in the understanding of such varied and fundamental influences that true Entomology lies. The scope of the Science is unlimited; as a matter of fact it is no longer solely an activity of the Entomologist in the restricted and generally accepted meaning of that term—whether in the applied aspect, or in the fields of systematics, morphology and natural history. So far, practically nothing else has been attempted in New Zealand, where, until the wider concept is accepted and developed, Entomology will remain with us as a sort of back-bencher among the Sciences.
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Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 84, 1956-57, Page xii
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19,011The Royal Society of New Zealand. Trust Accounts. Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 84, 1956-57, Page xii
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