The Royal Society of New Zealand

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 86, 1959, Page 1

The Royal Society of New Zealand Half-Yearly Council Meeting, November 20, 1957 Minutes The Half-yearly Meeting of the Council was held on Wednesday, November 20, 1957, in the Council Chambers, Rotorua, commencing at 10 a.m. Chair. In the absence of the President, Professor L. H. Briggs, Professor R. S. Allan, Vice-President, presided. Welcome. The President of the Rotorua Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Mr. J. Andrew, briefly welcomed the Council on behalf of the Branch, stating that he felt sure the gesture made by the Council in accepting an invitation to meet in Rotorua would stimulate the Branch and do a great deal to foster an interest in it and in the Royal Society of New Zealand. Mr. Andrew introduced the Mayor of Rotorua, Mr. A. M. Linton, who welcomed the Council on behalf of the civic authorities. He spoke of the scientific and cultural development which had taken place over recent years in the Rotorua district and said that the establishment of the Rotorua Philosophical Society, now the Rotorua Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand, was fulfilling a need. Mr. Linton said they looked to the Royal Society for leadership in scientific matters. There was growing recognition of the need for facilities for research. In their own district, land and forest development had made strides, but they still had their “teething troubles” and they looked to men of science for help. Mr. Linton extended his best wishes to the Council and hoped its short visit would be successful. Professor Allan expressed the sincere thanks of the Council to the Mayor and Council of Rotorua and to the President of the local branch for their welcome and for the arrangements that had been made on the Council's behalf. Professor Allan also welcomed Mr. J. Healy as an observer from the Rotorua Branch. Representation and Roll Call. The following responded to the roll call: Vice-President: Professor R. S. Allan. Government Representatives: Dr. G. Archey, Mr. F. R. Callaghan, Dr. R. A. Falla, Dr. C. A. Fleming. Auckland Institute Representative: Mr. S. G. Brooker. Wellington Branch Representatives: Mr. K. R. Allen. Dr. M. A. F. Barnett. Canterbury Branch Representative: Dr. R. S. Duff. Otago Branch Representative: Mr. O. H. Keys. Waikato Scientific Association Representative: Mr. R. R. White. Rotorau Branch Representative: Dr. J. K. Dixon, Mr. J. Healey (Observer). Hawke's Bay Representative: Mr. N. L. Elder. Nelson Branch Representative: Dr. H. O. Askew. Co-opted Member: Dr. J. T. Salmon. Honorary Treasurer: Mr. S. Cory-Wright. Fellows' Representative: Professor C. A. Cotton. Apologies. The official secretary at Government House wrote stating that His Excellency the Governor-General, Lord Cobham, regretted that he would be unable to attend the meeting. The Hon. R. M. Algie, Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research, wrote stating that as he had engagements in Auckland he regretted that he would be unable to attend the meeting. Apologies from the President, Professor L. H. Briggs, the Vice-President, Professor L. R. Richardson, who were overseas, Professor K. B. Cumberland, representive of the Auckland Institute, Professor E. Percival, representative of the Canterbury Branch, Miss B. Brewin, representative of the Otago Branch, Mr. R. W. Willett, representative of the Southland Branch, and Dr. F. G. Soper, representative of the Fellows, were sustained. The Late Professor W. N. Benson. Professor Allan referred to the death of Professor W. N. Benson, B.A., D.Sc., F.R.S., F.R.S.N.Z., F.G.S., F.R.G.S., which had occurred in September of this year.

Professor Benson had been President of the Royal Society of New Zealand in 1946 and 1947. In speaking of the loss to science and to geology in particular, Professor Allan quoted from a tribute paid by him to Professor Benson at the memorial service when he was speaking on behalf of past students. He spoke of the affection and loyalty which Professor Benson inspired, of his capacity for friendship, and of his quality of mind and of the esteem and regard in which he was held by fellow geologists here and abroad Professor Benson was elected a Fellow in 1926 and in 1941 his scientific attainments had led to his election of F. R. S. The President had conveyed to Mrs. Benson the Council's deep regret and sympathy. The Late Dr. H. H. Allan. At the request of the Chairman, Mr. F. R. Callaghan, who had for a long period been associated with the late Dr. H. H. Allan, M. A., D. Sc., F. R. S. N. Z., F. L. S., paid a tribute to him. He spoke of his personal ability, his strong character, “rather a silent man and a modest one”. As the first Director of the Botany Division of the D. S. I. R. he had given great service. For some time before his death he had been working on a revision of Cheeseman's Manual of N.Z. Flora, and this work was nearly completed. Mr. Callaghan referred to Dr. Allan as the last of the old classical botanists and one who was held in international esteem. Dr. Allan was elected a Fellow in 1928, and was Vice-President from 1940–1943, when he was elected President of the Society. It was resolved to convey to Mrs Allan the Society's deep sympathy. The Council stood in respect to the memory of Professor Benson and of Dr. Allan. Chairman's Remarks. Professor R. S. Allan stated that he occupied the chair by reason of the fact that the President, Professor Briggs, was representing the Society in Bangkok at the Ninth Pacific Science Congress, and the other Vice-President, Professor L. R. Richardson, was absent from New Zealand on refresher leave. Professor Allan briefly referred to matters which were to come before the meeting. He then announced that an intimation had been received from the Perpetual Trustees in Dunedin enclosing a copy of the will of the late Professor Benson, which stated that on the decease of his beneficiaries one-tenth part of the residue of his estate was to be given to the Royal Society of New Zealand to supplement funds available for the publication of scientific papers. Notices of Motion. Notices of Motion to be considered later in the meeting were handed in. Amendment to Rules. The requisite two weeks' notice having been given to members, Dr. Archey moved that Rule B. 12 be rescinded and that the following new rule be substituted therefor: B. 12 (a) The President and Vice-Presidents shall be elected by the Council at the Annual Meeting from nominations made by the Councils of Member Bodies or by the Nominations Committee appointed under sub-clause (d) hereunder. After a good deal of discussion, this was carried. (b) The Council of each Member Body may make nomination of one member of the Society for the office of President and two such nominations for the office of Vice-President. This section was carried. (c) Nominations shall be valid if received by the Secretary not later than the last day of March in the year in which an election is to be held for the respective offices. This section was carried. (d) A Nominations Committee of six members of the Council shall be appointed annually by the Council, one member being named convener and chairman thereof and shall report to the annual meeting following its appointment. Any member of the Nominations Committee nominated for

office shall withdraw from the Committee. Notwithstanding that a member of the Committee should cease to be a member of the Council, he shall continue to be a member of the Committee until the next annual appointment of the same. The proposed section was amended as above and carried. (e) A list of valid nominations shall be sent to each member of the Council, to the Nominations Committee, and to each Member Body not later than the tenth day after the close of nominations. This section amended as above was carried. (f) The Nominations Committee having considered the nominations shall make a recommendation thereon to the Council. The Committee may make a recommendation in respect to any member of the Society, and such recommendation shall be held to be a nomination made under Sub-clause (a) of this Rule. This section was carried. On the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Mr. Callaghan, new Rule B.12 was adopted. Member Bodies' Financial Obligations. Mr. Cory-Wright, Honorary Treasurer, reported on the manner in which Member Bodies are fulfilling their financial obligations as required under Rules 3 and 4. He stated that after viewing the balance sheets for the year 1956–57 it appeared that three of the nine Member Bodies were not fulfilling the required support towards a Library or approved institution or towards the parent body. Wellington Branch has during the last year spent only one-tenth of its income in support of its Library, but has allotted the balance of one-third of income to a Library Fund. The other two Branches, Nelson and Southland, do not appear as far as their balance sheets show to be contributing anything towards a Library or Museum or towards the parent body. Dr. Askew explained that members of the Nelson Branch pay a share of their annual subscription to the Nelson Institute. Mr. Cory-Wright then went on to deal with the last paragraph in his report, which contained a suggestion for a standard contribution per member. Dr. Archey stated that this matter was out of order as it had been disposed of at the annual meeting. After some discussion on the motion of Mr. Cory-Wright, seconded by Dr Salmon, it was resolved to adopt the report with the exclusion of the last paragraph, which should be deferred until consideration of 8 (f) on the Agenda. It was resolved that this meeting notes that failure of Member Bodies to fulfil their financial obligations as set down in the Rules means that they automatically cease to be Member Bodies. Plant Diseases Trust In submitting the proposed revision of F.VII, Rules relating to the Plant Diseases Trust, Dr. Fleming stated that although the present rules had been adopted in 1943, there had been no applications for grants from the Plant Diseases Fund, which fact led the Standing Committee to ask the Research Grants Committee to enquire into the existing rules to see if some revision were desirable. The Committee had therefore drawn up revised rules, but it considered that before these were adopted the donor of the original fund and the Director of the Plant Diseases Division should be consulted. On the motion of Dr. Fleming, seconded by Mr. Callaghan, it was resolved that the meeting empowers the Standing Committee to take the necessary steps to bring the proposed rules before the donor of the Fund and the Director of the Plant Diseases Division for approval.

Cockayne Memorial Fund. Mr. F. R. Callaghan submitted proposed rules for the Cockayne Memorial Fund for adoption. After some discussion and after two slight amendments had been made, the following rules were adopted: F.VIII. The Leonard Cockayne Memorial Fund. The purpose of this fund is to commemorate Dr. Leonard Cockayne, C.M. G., F. R. S., F. R. S. N. Z., F. L. S. who, between 1881 and 1935, did much original research in the field of New Zealand botany, and whose writings between 1898 and his death covered comprehensively such a wide scope as to place him in the forefront both of New Zealand and of world botanists. 1. The Fund now vested in the Royal Society of New Zealand shall be called “The Cockayne Memorial Fund” in memory of Dr. Leonard Cockayne. The object of such fund will be the encouragement of botanical research in New Zealand, and such fund shall consist of the moneys subscribed as at May 22, 1957. The Council of the Society shall, prior to that date, meet any expenditure incurred in connection with the memorial and shall decide upon the amount of the capital fund. 2. The Council of the Royal Society shall have control of the moneys in the Fund and may invest the same upon any securities proper for trust moneys. It may accept for inclusion in the Fund any moneys hereinafter subscribed by way of gift, bequest, or through any other channel. 3. The Fund shall be used for the purposes of grants in aid of addresses to be delivered or for publications relating to botanical research carried out by New Zealand workers. 4. The Council of the Royal Society at its annual meeting each year shall determine the time, place and allocation of moneys for such addresses or publications as may be decided. 5. There shall be published in each volume of the Transactions or Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand a complete list of the speakers and of the authors of publications who have received grants from the Cockayne Memorial Fund. On the motion of Dr. Salmon, seconded by Mr. Callaghan, it was resolved: That the original proposal of a Cockayne Memorial Volume be not proceedes with and the reprints set aside for such a volume be sold. Publication of Rules. Some discussion took place as to whether, when the Rules are reprinted in the Transactions and in booklet form, the Declaration of Trust of each Fund should also be printed. With regard to the cost involved Dr. Archey was of the opinion that it would be sufficient to print the rules with a reference to where the Declaration of Trust of each Fund could be found in the Transactions. On the motion of Mr. Callaghan it was resolved to refer this matter to the next Council Meeting. Hutton Fund Rules. In connection with applications for grants from the Hutton Memorial Fund, Dr. Falla, convener, submitted a report from the Research Grants Committee which recommended that the Council should: (a) Request applicants for Hutton Grants to indicate whether they have applied for, have received or have been refused grants from any other source. (b) Authorise its Research Grants Committee to consult the University Research Grants Committee when considering applications from members of University Departments. The report including the above recommendations was adopted. Ways and Means of Obtaining Increased Income. Mr. Cory-Wright spoke to the last paragraph in his report on Member Bodies' finance which had been deferred for consideration. It is as follows:

“Objections were raised last year to standardised contributions, but it seems illogical that most branches contribute nothing, resulting in only £22 total contributions. The Government Grant is almost our sole income, and complaints are made that we should help ourselves before we can expect help from outside. I am constrained therefore to reopen the appeal for some standard contribution based on membership, and I suggest for consideration that 5/- per Branch Member be made a standard contribution to the parent body. This would produce over £500 per annum income, and I think could fairly be a charge included in the subscription of members all over New Zealand.” Mr. Cory-Wright then moved that the matter of imposing a subscription of 5/-per member be referred to the Branches. This was seconded by Dr. Salmon, who outlined what had transpired when the deputation last waited on the Minister in an endeavour to obtain an increased grant. Dr. Salmon went on to point out that there has just been an increase of approximately 15% in all printing charges and that he had in hand MSS. to the extent of £711, while papers costing an estimated additional £241 were in the hands of the referees. The estimated expenditure for the current volume is approximately £2,500. Dr. Archey spoke against the motion, and he quoted figures showing the number of State employees and members of the staffs of University Colleges whose papers were published in the Transactions, thereby saving the D.S.I.R. and the University of New Zealand publication expenses. Moreover, the Society's library built up by reason of the Transactions was a scientific asset. He continued that it was right and proper for State funds to be allocated to the Royal Society and that there was no occasion for Branches to restrict their own activities by contributing to the parent body. Dr. Fleming supported Dr. Archey's arguments, but the question was, How is the Royal Society to maintain its autonomy if wholly maintained by the Government? Mr. Keys supported the resolution. Dr. Dixon maintained that the Society should do more to help itself and that 5/-per member was a ridiculously small sum to suggest. Mr. Callaghan supported Dr. Dixon, stating that we should treasure the independence of the Royal Society and every member should subscribe in keeping it an independent body. Dr. Barnett agreed with this attitude. Mr. Brooker said he thought the Auckland Institute might compromise if a Fund for sending representatives to approved overseas conferences were set up. Dr. Duff supported this view. After others had contributed to the discussion the Chairman put the motion that the matter be referred to the Branches for consideration. This was carried on a show of hands. Deputation to the Council of D. S. I. R. Regarding a former suggestion that a deputation should meet the Council of D. S. I. R. and discuss financial matters with it, Dr. Falla moved, Dr. Salmon seconded: That the Council empowers the Standing Committee to arrange, if practicable, a conference between the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and a representative sub-committee of the Royal Society with a view to discussing the status of the Royal Society and the basis of its annual submission for adequate financial support. Dr. Archey opposed the motion on the grounds that the Minister is the one who should be approached. On being put to the meeting the motion was carried. Separate Proceedings and Transactions. Mr. Allen introduced the following report submitted by the Wellington Branch:

The Council of the Wellington Branch recently set up a sub-committee to consider the form and content of the Transactions and Proceedings of the R.S.N.Z, and a copy of the subcommittee's report is appended. The sub-committee presented several recommendations to the October Branch Council meeting. The recommendations were approved by the Council and forwarded for consideration by the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand. The recommendations were: “The Council of the Wellington Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand wishes to state its belief that the Transactions and Proceedings are the most permanent fruits of the Society's work, and for that reason there should be no thought of their discontinuance. The Transactions are, however, of little or no interest to some members, and to meet this difficulty the Wellington Branch Council suggests that— (1) The Proceedings of the Society should be printed separately from the Trans-actions, and should be distributed to all members. (2) Consideration should be given to including in the Proceedings the texts of Presidential Addresses and summaries of all suitable papers that are read before Branches and before Sections of Branches.” Transactions and Proceedings of The Royal Society of New Zealand (Report by a Sub-Committee of Wellington Branch, August 14, 1957) The Council of the Wellington Branch in June, 1957, discussed the cost of the Transactions to the Branch (as a corporate body) and to members (as subscribers). In general discussion some members of the Council stated that they did not take the Transactions because its contents are not of great interest to them. A sub-Committee of the Wellington Council was formed to investigate:— (i) What fields of science are served by the Society's journal, in fact rather than in theory. (ii) Whether the scope of the journal should be changed. (iii) Whether the quality of the contents needs improvement. (iv) Whether methods of distribution can be changed to better meet the needs of members. Members appointed to the sub-Committee were M. A. Barnett, J. W. Brodie, P. C. Bull, R. K. Dell, J. F. Gabites, H. J. Harrington (Convener), and W. H. Ward. Contents of Transactions. Table 1 shows the field of Science (and Art) covered by the Transactions at five-yearly intervals from 1900 to 1955. The classification of the papers is that in the List of Contents compiled by the editor and has some variability. For instance, paleontological papers may be listed under geology, zoology or paleontology. Some of the papers listed under “Chemistry and Physics” are partly biological, and those listed under “Miscellaneous” include papers on astronomy, Polynesian matters, and earthquakes. Entomology and marine ecology could be included with zoology. Articles in the fields of zoology, botany, geology and paleontology make up 82% of those that are listed for the period 1900–1955. In rough terms one-half of the articles are biological and one-quarter ate geological for that period. For the years 1945 to 1955, the approximate composition is zoology 46%, botany 25%, geology 20%, paleontology 5%, and other subjects only 4%. (See Table 1.) Basically, the Society's journal is a “New Zealand Journal of Biology and Geology”. Interests of Members of the Society. An indication of the fields of interest of members of the Society may be obtained in at least three ways. The officers of the Society seem to be drawn impartially from most fields of science. Some of the officers of some branches are laymen with an amateur interest in science, technology or the arts. The titles of five Hudson lectures delivered to the Wellington Branch and published in N.Z. Science Review have been “New Zealand and Medical Research”, “Advance in Chemistry”, “The Utilization of Grassland”, “Notocenozoic: the New Zealand Cretaceo-Tertiary”, and “Antarctic Adventure and Research”. The Wellington Branch consists of Physics, Biology, Technology, Geology, Social Science. and Astronomy and Geophysics Sections, and six or seven papers are read before each Section each year. Of the total of about 35 papers only one-sixth are biological and one-sixth geological and few of them are published in the Transactions. None of the papers read before some Sections are published in the Transactions. In all Sections some papers are not suitable for publication, and others are published in specialist journals in New Zealand or overseas, in the publications of Museums and in Memoir series such as the D.S.I.R. and Geological Survey Bulletins. Some papers that are published in the Transactions are read by title before the Wellington Branch but are not discussed. Table 3 allows a comparison of the titles of papers read before the Biology Section of the Wellington Branch in 1953 and 1954 with the titles of biological papers published in the Transactions in 1954–55. Some papers that would have been delivered to the Wellington Branch 50 years ago, or even 20 years ago, are now read at

meetings of the Geographical, Polynesian and other specialist societies, or at annual meetings such as those of the Geological Society of New Zealand and the staff conferences of the Geological Survey. The other Branches and Member Bodies of the Royal Society also have wide fields of interest. The Canterbury Branch includes Field Club, Mathematics and Physics, and Scientific Photography sections, and has a large programme of General Meetings. The Otago Branch likewise has a programme of Main Branch Meetings in addition to those of its Historical and Astronomical sections. The Hawke's Bay Branch has Ornithological and Meteorological sections as well as two Historical sections, one in Napier and the other in Hastings. The Auckland Institute and Museum has wide public support, and as a Member Body has a series of Institute Lectures, a series of Sunday Lectures for the public, and supports Conchology and Anthropology sections. Should the Scope of the Transactions be Changed? As shown above there is a great contrast between the scope of the Society and the scope of its Transactions. The members of the Society are drawn from most fields of Science and Technology and to a lesser extent from the Arts, whereas the Transactions are basically a “New Zealand Journal of Biology and Geology”. Moreover, as shown in Table 2, 82% of the biological papers for the years 1951 to 1955 were in the fields of Systematics and Structure and Anatomy, whereas other biological fields such as Cytology, Genetics, Physiology, Biochemistry and Applied Ecology were represented sparsely or not at all. The contrast should be recognised consciously whether or not it is justifiable and reasonable. It has been discussed at length by the sub-Committee. The discussion commenced with consideration of whether physicists and others could be assured that the biological and geological papers in the Transactions are valuable, and worthy of the cost of publication. Members of the sub-Committee who work in these fields gave that assurance, with the qualification that the journal is not perfect, and that some papers could be condensed. For purposes of discussion the sub-Committee then considered the propositions that “the Society as the premier scientific organisation of New Zealand should publish Transactions of wider appeal and coverage, and that the present journal is an historical survival that has not been changed deliberately to meet a changed environment”. In this connection the possibility was discussed of facilitating the widening of the scope of the Transactions by dividing them into series or sections following the custom of the Royal Societies of London, Edinburgh and Canada. It was suggested for example that our Transactions could be divided initially into three series or sections (A, General Science; B, Biological Sciences; C, Geological Sciences), and that if there was demand other series could be added from time to time to cover the physical, chemical, social and other sciences. The desirability or otherwise of separate publication of the Proceedings of the Society was also discussed. The sub-Committee has reached agreement on the following: (1) That the scope of the Transactions need not be changed, though its actual scope should be recognised and should be stated on the title page or in the section on “Instructions to Authors”. A suitable statement would be: “Papers published in the Transactions are mainly of a biological or geological nature.” (2) That though division of the Transactions would have advantages, it cannot be successful at present for want of a sufficient number of papers. It would also be expensive, and is partly unnecessary because three journals for general, agricultural, and geological sciences are being commenced by the D.S.I.R. If division of the Transactions were attempted the obvious initial division would be into a biological series and a geological series. The biological series could be published sufficiently frequently to satisfy the needs of authors, but the geological series could be published probably only once a year. Rapid increase in the number of geological papers submitted for publication is unlikely because a “New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics” will be started by the D.S.I.R. in January, 1958. (3) That the Proceedings of the Society should be printed separately from the Transactions, so that they may be distributed to members who do not take the Transactions. Does the Quality of the Transactions Need Improvement? It is recognised that “maintaining the highest attainable standards in publishing scientific papers is the greatest service scientific societies could render to the community, and successful journals of high quality provide a stimulus to scientific endeavour of the greatest importance.' The maintenance of standards (at minimum cost) in our Society has been achieved largely through the labours, amounting almost to dedication, of the Society's editors. It seems that some papers, especially student theses, could be improved by compaction of shortening, but that is a matter that could be watched by referees or supervisors. Additional labour should not fall on the Society's editors. Should Methods of Distribution be Changed to Better Meet the Needs of Members? In 1955 the membership of the Wellington Branch was 383, consisting of 281 ordinary members, 23 life members, 11 members of other Branches now attached to Wellington, and

Table I Subject Year Totals Percentages to Nearest 1% 1900 1905 1910 1915 1920 1926 1930 1935 1940 1945 1950 1955 1900–1955 1945–1955 Zoology 27 25 17 15 20 19 13 5 5 17 23 17 203 36 46 Botany 10 9 10 16 8 13 11 3 3 10 8 13 114 20 25 Geology 5 13 16 15 16 22 2 12 8 6 11 8 134 24 20 Chemistry and Physics 6 8 9 5 — — — — — — — — 28 5 — Miscellaneous 15 8 6 7 3 8 4 1 — 1 — — 53 10 1 Anthropology — — — — 4 — — — — — — 4 1 — History — — — — 2 — — — — — — — 2 0.5 — Astronomy — — — — — — 2 — — — — — 5 0.5 — Chemistry — — — — — — 2 — 1 1 1 — 5 1 1 Paleontology — — — — — — 4 — 4 1 5 — 14 2 5 Agriculture — — — — — — — 2 — — — — 2 0.5 — Entonology — — — — — — — 2 — — — — 2 0.5 — Marine Ecology — — — — — — — — — — 2 — 2 0.5 2 565

68 associates, and of this total 159 members (41%) did not receive the Transactions. If associates are excluded the total membership was 315, and 91 (29%) did not receive the Transactions. In July, 1957, the total membership of the Branch was 418, including 247 full members receiving the Transactions, 87 full members not receiving the Transactions, and 84 associates. Of the total membership 171 (41%) do not receive the Transactions, and of the full members 26% do not receive the Transactions. Many physicists and others (including some members of the Wellington Council), do not take the Transactions because its contents are of no interest to them. Nevertheless, the Proceedings of the Society are of interest to all members and the sub-Committee recommends that the Proceedings should be printed separately from the Transactions and distributed to all members. The sub-Committee also discussed and rejected the possibility that the “appeal” of papers in the Transactions could be improved by judicious use of editorial invitations to contribute papers. It is recommended, however, that Hudson Lectures should be printed in the separate Proceedings as well as Presidential Addresses and similar papers. It is recommended also that consideration be given to including in the Proceedings abstracts of the more important papers read before Branches. The sub-Committee has not reached agreement on one very difficult matter touching methods of distribution. As mentioned above 44% of the members of the Wellington Branch did not receive the Transactions in 1955, and the question arises of whether they should have to pay for the Transactions. There are two opposed arguments. The first is that it is democratic for all members to pay for all of the benefits of the Society, even if some members receive only some of the benefits. The second argument is that a journal of bioligical and geological papers is a special benefit that is not received by a substantial minority of the members of this Branch (41% of all Branch members, and 26% of the full Branch members), who therefore should not be required to pay for it. Nevertheless, it is considered that the minority (excluding associates) would pay willingly if it is made clear that the Transactions are necessary, that the papers are valuable and are published at the minimum cost, and that financially the Transactions could not be published without the support of all members. Table II.—Biological Papers in Transactions (1951–1955) According to The Type of Subject Number of Papers 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 Total % Systematics 6 17 33 34 18 107 66 Structure and Anatomy 4 5 1 11 5 26 16 Distribution 1 2 3 4 2 12 7 Biology and Life History — 3 1 5 2 11 7 Ecology — 1 1 1 4 7 4 Number of Pages 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 Total % Systematics 34 234 437 489 340 1534 65 Structure and Anatomy 58 37 9 141 92 337 14 Distribution 21 10 17 33 16 97 4 Biology and Life History — 58 11 43 20 132 6 Ecology — 6 32 82 144 264 11

Table III Papers Delivered to the Biology Section of Wellington Branch in 1953 and 1954. 1953 Biological Papers in the Transactions, 1954–55 (Vol. 82). The Place of Systematics in the Biological Sciences; Experimental Virus Work; Freshwater Fisheries Research and Its Applications; Faunal Relationships across Cook Strait; Investigations into an Area in Southwest Fiordland; Jamaica—a Tropical Island. 1954 (First 5 titles in Botany and Zoology.) Botany The Female Conceptacle and Young Sporeling of Four N.Z. Species of Carpophyllum; N. Z. Hepaticae (Liverworts)—VIII. A Review of the N.Z. Species of the Genera Bazzania and Acromastigum; Variation in a Sample of Pinus radiata Cones from the Nelson District; Some Notes on Suaeda austrails Moq. var. nova zelandica var. nov. and Messembryanthemum australe Sol. ex Forst. f.; Studies in N.Z. Carices I—The Section Acutae Fries. Discussion on Banding Animals for Study; Chatham Islands Expedition, 1954; The Biology of a Melting Ice Age; New Vistas in Arctic Scandinavia; Plants and Plant Communities of Western U.S.A.; The Tuatara Islands of Cook Strait; Auckland Islands Visit, 1954; Distribution of Marine Plants and Animals on the East Coast of New Zealand. Zoology Studies in the N.Z. Elasmobranchii.…; Ascidians of N.Z.; The Land Mollusca of Stewart and Solander Islands; Geonemertes pantini, a New Land Nemertine from the Dunedin District; A New Genus and Species of Phasmidae from N.Z. Mr. Allen moved the first recommendation, which was carried. That the Proceedings of the Society be printed separately from the Transactions, and that they be distributed to all members. In reply to a question, Dr. Salmon said he calculated that the cost involved would be approximately £150. Mr. Allen then moved, and at was carried: That the Standing Committee be asked to investigate the possibility of including in the Proceedings the texts of Presidential Addresses and summaries of all suitable papers that are read before the Branches or before Sections of Branches. Mr. Brooker stated that the appended report of the Sub-committee of the Wellington Branch was a valuable contribution, setting out as it did a tabulated section on the material published in the Transactions over a period of five years. Mr. Callaghan said he thought that scientific publications in New Zealand as a whole would require to be looked into. Proxies for Standing Committee Meetings. Dr. Dixon said the Rotorua Branch had raised the question of provision being made in the Rules for Member Bodies to have the right of proxies in attendance at meetings of the Standing Committee. Member Bodies had been asked to express an opinion, but from the replies received there did not appear to be a great deal of support. After reiterating the advantages of proxy representation, Dr. Dixon moved that the matter be referred to the Standing Committee. On being put to the meeting the motion was lost. Travelling Expenses. Mr. Allen spoke to the report on the method of assessing the amount of travelling expenses which Member Bodies should share, stating that very few of the Branches had as yet expressed an opinion. He moved, Dr. Barnett seconded, and it was carried, that the matter be referred to the Standing Committee with a request that it continue investigations. Accommodation. A letter from Dr. Hamilton regarding a proposal to provide accommodation in the building being erected for the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research at the corner of Bowen and Sydney streets was read to the meeting. On the motion of Dr. Falla, seconded by Dr Archey, it was resolved that a reply be sent thanking the Secretary of D.S.I.R. for the offer of accommodation, and set-

ting out the space and other requirements of the Society; the secretary to be informed that other offers of accommodation have been received and that he be asked to indicate terms of tenure. Details of the above reply to be investigated by a sub-committee. It was mentioned that the Honorary Librarian, Professor Richardson, had made informal representations to the Principal of Victoria University regarding future accommodation in the new buildings. It was resolved that a sub-committee consisting of Dr. Barnett, Mr. Callaghan and Mr. Allen (Convener) be set up to report to the Standing Committee. Darwin Centenary. Dr. Falla presented a report in committee on the revised plans in connection with the proposed Darwin Centenary Expedition. He stated out of committee that Mr. G. A. Knox, lecturer in zoology at Canterbury University, had been selected to be the New Zealand representative in the expedition to Chile. The meeting endorsed the appointment of Mr. Knox. In reply to a question, Dr. Falla stated that the Royal Society of London was so far providing the required finance, but contributions from the participating countries would be required. On the motion of Dr. Archey, seconded by Mr. Brooker, it was resolved that the Branches be asked for contributions towards the expenses of the expedition. Conservation Committee's Report on Insecticides. Report of Conservation Committee to The Royal Society of New Zealand on The Use and Effects of Modern Insecticides. This matter was referred to the Royal Society in the first place following a request from the Entomological Society of New Zealand. This arose from an occurrence in Canterbury in which a large number of bees were killed following the aerial spraying of crops. The Committee has investigated this aspect of what might be thought to be the indiscriminate use of insecticides, particularly from the air, and has come to the conclusion that although in the early application of insecticides in this way in New Zealand some unexpected damage to bees did result, this problem has now been taken in hand by the Departments of Agriculture, Civil Aviation and Scientific and Industrial Research. As a result of deliberations between these Departments and the operators of aircraft, a suitable arrangement has been arrived at voluntarily which is now on trial, and which it is hoped will prevent recurrences of events such as occurred in Canterbury in 1955. During its investigations the Committee enquired and sought statistical information from the D.S.I.R., the Director-General of Agriculture, the Director-General of Forestry, Director of the Cawthron Institute, Forest and Bird Protection Society, Royal N.Z. Institute of Horticulture, the British Medical Association and the Health Department, all of whom co-operated in supplying information. From the sifting of this information it would appear now that considerable danger can arise from the use of, more particularly, the chlorinated hydrocarbon type of insecticides to both stock and human beings. These dangers arise from— (a) Uninformed use of these substances by unskilled operators such as private individuals who have never handled them before; (b) Lack of precautionary measures of skilled operators: (c) Residues left on or in plants or in the soil. (a) Uninformed Use by Unskilled Operators. (1) The Health Department reports the case of a man who stirred a solution of parathion with his bare arm resulting in local burns on the forearm but, fortunately no serious aftereffects. (2) Several cases have been reported in the daily papers in some of which children have died, and also some adults, as a result of careless preparation of mixtures using organophosphates. Several people, both adults and children, have also died through using as drinking utensils, bottles which have contained parathion or hexone mixtures. In one case a child died after drinking water from a bottle which had contained hexone 12 months earlier. (b) Lack of Precautionary Measures (1) Numerous ailments and peculiar physiological conditions are reported as a result of both skilled and unskilled operators not taking adequate precautions when using organophosphates. Such cases are reported after the use of DDT, benzene hexachloride parathion and also after using chloropierin, mercury compounds and hormone weed killers. Most of these cases result from the inhalation of vapours, the accidental splashing on to the exposed parts of the body or into the eyes of these substances, and through being drenched by spray when spraying under windy conditions. In the case of chloropierin, two cases are recorded, one of a man

and one of a child dying due to exposure to chloropierin fumes. Other cases of illness and death are recorded following the use of bottles and jars which have contained parathion being used for storing of food-stuffs. (2) Out of these cases arises the question as to whether containers containing organophosphates and other powerful insecticides are being properly and adequately labelled. It appears to the Committee that all of these substances can be freely bought by any person. There is no system of control, compulsory registration or certification of any of these substances which would allow of control and labelling, or of the compulsory inclusion on the laber of information about suitable antidotes. There is in existence, however, a voluntary scheme for the certification of these products, but it is merely allowing for the preparation of a certificate stating that the preparation will carry out what is claimed for it, and this certificate is issued after field tests carried out, presumably by the D.S.I.R. (c) Residues (1) Practically nothing is known of the break-down products of chlorinated hydrocarbons or organophosphates used as insecticides, nor what these products are, either after application to the soil or to plants, little appearing in the literature in New Zealand or overseas. It is known that some micro-organisms are adversely affected by several of these compounds. Some 500 tons of pure DDT is being applied to agricultural land annually in New Zealand for the control of grass grub and subterranean caterpillar, and as this appears to have little effect on the productivity of the soil it is assumed that DDT has little if any effect on the micro-organisms in the soil. (2) Little is known of the recovery of chlorinated hydrocarbons from the soil, but some work which has been performed overseas would indicate that up to 80% of DDT can be recovered from the soil unchanged after two years. (3) Some work has been done in New Zealand and the results published, of the effect of the treatment of dairyland with DDT and benzene hexachloride, on the flavour of milk, cream and butter produce, from such treated lands. It has been found that milk, cream and butter can be tainted by the use of certain of these substances, in the matter of a few days. (4) Likewise, very little is known of the mode of action of these materials. In addition to the chlorinated hydrocarbons and organophosphate insecticides, there are now new materials appearing which do not fall into either of these two groups. Certain of the assumptions which have been made about these materials have recently been shown to be erroneous, for instance work on the inhibition of cholinesterase. Up till 1956 it had been assumed that certain types of these compounds operated in the same way in the inhibition of cholinesterase in animals. Recent discovery has shown that present theories relating to the mode of action of the thiophosphoryl insecticides are no longer tenable. Very little is known of the effect of any of these compounds in the animal system over long periods, for instance whether traces ingested can be excreted or whether they will gradually build up to a dangerous level of toxicity. (5) The use of systemic insecticides such as Metasystex is increasing. These substances are absorbed directly into the plant system and circulate in the transport system of the plant, so that any sucking insect is killed by the systemic insecticide. (6) Very little is known of either the duration of circulation of these systemic substances or of their break-down products, or their effect upon humans or other animals consuming the plants so treated. (7) New substances are continually coming on to the market for use as insecticides sometimes with extravagant claims made for them by their manufacturers and suppliers. In the opinion of the Committee, it is imperative, taking a long-term view, that the public should be protected from any adverse effects which these substances may be able to produce in either plants or animals for human consumption, or in plants offered for animal consumption. The Committee therefore recommends that the Royal Society should draw the attention of the necessary authorities to these matters, and that— (1) A system of compulsory registration for all insecticides should be instituted in New Zealand through which control may be exercised where necessary. (2) That an active campaign be undertaken through the press and radio to educate the public in the use of and the precautions necessary to the safe handling of these substances. (3) That research be actively pursued into the type of residues produced in the soil and in plants by the continued use of all these substances. (4) That investigations be instigated immediately and pursued over a long period to ascertain the effect of continued ingestion of traces of these substances or their residues by both animals and the human population. (5) That all these substances be adequately labelled with particulars of antidotes, and that in the case of certain substances, if deemed necessary it be made compulsory to supply antidotes with the substance when purchased. It is considered that these recommendations for investigation into the use of insecticides should also apply to the use of certain organic weed killers which are coming into widespread use. J. T. Salmon, October 24, 1957. Convener Conservation Committee.

In presenting the report of the Conservation Committee on modern insecticides and their use, Dr. Salmon drew attention to the harmful effects when precautionary measures were not taken. He cited cases which had been recorded and also some of which he knew at first hand where there had been no warning of danger given on the containers and where the operators had met with ill effects, and in a few known cases where death had resulted. In a discussion which followed, the chemists on the Council, Mr. Keys and Mr. Brooker, made some interesting observations. Mr. Keys said many of these insecticides were in their experimental stages and much further experimental work was necessary. Mr. Brooker stated that overseas insecticides have to be certified. Many of the manufacturers were investigating them for agricultural efficiency, and New Zealand was sometimes used as the experimenting ground—in other words, New Zealand was the “guinea pig”. Finally the following resolution was carried: That the Royal Society should draw the attention of the necessary authorities to these matters, and that: (1) A system of compulsory registration for all insecticides should be instituted in New Zealand through which control may be exercised where necessary. (2) That an active campaign be undertaken through the press and radio to educate the public in the use of and the precautions necessary to the safe handling of these substances. (3) That research be actively pursued into the type of residues produced in the soil and in plants by the continued use of all these substances. (4) That investigations be instigated and pursued over a long period to ascertain the effect on continued ingestion of traces of these substances or their residues by both animals and the human population. (5) That all these substances be adequately labelled, with particulars of antidotes, and that in the case of certain substances, if deemed necessary, it be made compulsory to supply antidotes with the substance when purchased. It is considered that these recommendations for investigation into the use of insecticides should also apply to the use of certain organic weed killers which are coming into widespread use. National Parks Authority and Protected Specimens. Mr. Callaghan, the Society's representative on the National Parks Authority, read a letter from the Chairman of the Authority which stated that in the matter of the taking of specimens of birds in National Parks the Authority felt it should avail itself of the services of the Fauna Protection Advisory Council appointed by the Minister of Internal Affairs. The Authority felt that it did not have sufficient information to reach a decision, and it had invited Dr. Falla and Dr. Wodzicki to make their expert knowledge available at the next Wellington meeting of the Council. Information noted and letter was received. International Geophysical Year. Dr. Barnett gave a verbal report on the activities of the IGY, stating that the possible continuation of work in the Antarctic after the prescribed period was concluded was being investigated by a Committee of the International Council of Scientific Unions in Sweden. Loder Cup. A suggestion made to the Standing Committee that the Parent Body of the Royal Society should not make nominations for the Loder Cup awards was referred to the Council for consideration. After some discussion, on the motion of Mr. Callaghan, seconded by Dr. Salmon, it was resolved: That the nominations for the Loder Cup be made by Branches, not by the Parent Body of the Royal Society of New Zealand. N.Z. Science Congress. It was resolved that the time and place of the next N.Z. Science Congress be referred to the Standing Committee for decision. Notices of Motion. No. 1: Moved by Dr. Salmon, seconded by Professor Cotton— That the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand is concerned that the proposed

development of a hydro-electric scheme at Aratiatia may result in the obliteration of the rapids, and seeks an assurance from the Government that the proposed scheme will not destroy the rapids as such, and that the development will preserve the entire rapids as a scenic and scientific attraction. In speaking in support of the above resolution, Dr. Salmon said the Aratiatia Rapids were one of the scenic attractions in New Zealand and a source of interest to all who visited them. In support of this statement he gave facts and figures about the number of cars and transport vehicles visiting the area at a time when he himself was there. He also made a statement about the length of time the road down to the rapids had been closed by the Hydro-Electric Department, thus preventing visitors from viewing them. Dr. Salmon said that in the past the Royal Society had not restricted its views to questions of scientific interest, and he considered this was a case in which the Royal Society should make a stand. In his view the rapids were a natural wonder, and they should be preserved. Professor Cotton stated that the rapids were of scientific interest. After a number of members had contributed to the discussion, the motion was carried. Proceedings. Notice of Motion. No. 2: With reference to a decision made earlier in the meeting to supply members with separate Proceedings, Dr. Fleming moved Mr. Allen seconded: That the Proceedings be supplied to full members of Branches which will be asked to pay the cost. That the Transactions published without Proceedings be supplied to those members who elect to receive them on payment of an additional levy. The motion was carried. Travelling Expenses. It was moved that the travelling expenses of members to the Council meeting be paid. Annual Meeting. The date and place of the annual meeting was left in the hands of the Standing Committee for decision at an early date. Votes of Thanks. On the motion of the Chairman, votes of thanks were accorded to the local Branch for the arrangements made for the meeting and for providing afternoon tea and to the Press for its attendance. On the motion of Dr. Barnett, a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Professor Allan for his most able chairmanship of the meeting. Carried by acclamation. The meeting closed at 5.30 p.m.