The Royal Society of New Zealand Half-Yearly Meeting of the Council, Held December 1, 1958, Napier Minutes

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 87, 1959, Page 1

The Royal Society of New Zealand Half-Yearly Meeting of the Council, Held December 1, 1958, Napier Minutes The Council. of the Royal Society of New Zealand held its Half-yearly Meeting on Monday, December 1, 1958, in the Merchant Navy Club Rooms, Napier. The Council was welcomed by the President of the Hawke's Bay Branch, Mr. J. S. Peel, and by the Mayor of Napier, Mr. P. Tait. Mr. Peel stated that it was the first time the Parent Body of the Royal Society had visited Napier and the Hawke's Bay Branch and it was very welcome. The Branch expected to receive a stimulus from the visit. These visits were of great value to the smaller Branches as a means of creating or renewing enthusiasm in the local Branches. The Mayor said that the need and incentive for initiative is not what it was and New Zealand today requires more example and leadership—democracy was becoming an excuse for mediocrity—he believed that the Royal Society of New Zealand with its membership of over 2,000 has a responsibility to show that leadership in the country. He spoke of the miracles of science and the work which made these miracles possible. Mr. Tait warmly welcomed the Council to Napier and wished them a very successful meeting. The President, Professor R. S. Allan, replying, thanked Mr. Peel and Mr. Tait for their welcome. He stated that in Napier there was tremendous evidence of a most remarkable civic pride. Professor Allan referred to the disastrous earthquake in 1931 and the contrast in Napier today in fine new buildings and civic amenities of the highest order. The President then invited Mr. Peel and Mrs. J. Winkley, Secretary of the Branch to attend the meeting as observers. Representation and Roll Call. The following were present: President: Professor R. S. Allan. Immediate Past President: Professor L. H. Briggs. Vice-president: Dr. J. K. Dixon. Government Representatives: Dr. G. Archey, Mr. F. R. Callaghan, Dr. R. A. Falla, Dr. C. A. Fleming Auckland Institute Representatives: Mr. S. G. Brooker, Dr. A. W. B. Powell. Wellington Branch Representatives: Mr. K. R. Allen, Dr. M. A. F. Barnett. Canterbury Branch Representatives: Dr. R. S. Duff, Professor E. Percival. Otago Branch Representatives. Dr. D. A. Brown, Mr. O. H. Keys. Waikato Scientific Association Representative, Mr. R. R. White. Rotorua Branch Representative: Mr. J. Healy. Hawke's Bay Branch Representative: Mr. N. L. Elder Nelson Branch Representative:————. Southland Branch Representative: Mr. R. W. Willett. Co-opted Member:———. Fellows' Representative: Professor C. A. Cotton. Apologies. Apologies were received from The Hon. Minister, Scientific and Industrial Research; Dr. F. G. Soper, Vice-president; Sir Ernest Marsden, Fellows' Representative; Dr. J. T. Salmon, Co-opted Member, all overseas; Dr. H. O. Askew, Nelson Branch; Mr. S. Cory-Wright, Hon. Treasurer. These apologies were sustained. President's Remarks. Professor Allan referred to the recent death of Lord Bledisloe and of Sir Douglas Mawson both Honorary Members of the Society. He stated that a tribute would be prepared to Lord Bledisloe and Sir Douglas Mawson for the annual meeting in May. Professor Allan then congratulated Dr. D. A. Brown on his recent appointment to the Chair of Geology at the University College of

Canberra. He also referred to the honour of C.B.E. bestowed on Dr. Archey in the last Birthday Honours List and conveyed to him the Society's congratulations. At Professor Allan's suggestion it was agreed to send greetings and best wishes to Professor Evans on his 94th birthday. Notices of Motion were then handed in to be taken later in the meeting. Member Bodies' Financial Obligations. Under direction from the last annual meeting the Standing Committee had set up a Sub-committee to draw up definite proposals in regard to Member Bodies' obligations towards the Parent Body. The Sub-committee had again approached Branches for their views and these had been embodied in the following report to the Standing Committee and this had been approved. Report of Sub-Committee on Contributions from Member Bodies At its meeting on June 27, 1958, the Standing Committee appointed a Sub-committee consisting of Mr. K. R. Allen, Professor C. A. Cotton, Dr. C. A. Fleming and Dr. M. A. F. Barnett (Convener) to prepare some definite proposal on the subject of contributions from Member Bodies. The proposals of the Sub-committee are embodied in this report. A summary of the discussions which have taken place on this subject and the decisions which have been reached by the Council over the last four years is given in Appendix I to this report. A proposal submitted by the Waikato Scientific Association in May, 1958, which was not received in time to be considered at the last annual meeting is reproduced in Appendix II. From a study of the information contained in Appendix I it is evident that a substantial majority of the Branches are in favour of the principle that all Member Bodies should contribute to the upkeep of the Parent Body. A majority of the Branches also are in favour of the principle that such a contribution should be related in some way to a levy on individual members. In view of this the Sub-committee decided that any proposal it put forward should as far as possible embody these principles. At the same time the strong objections which had been raised by the Auckland and Waikato Branches were recognised and the Sub-committee is of the opinion that it would not be in the interests of the Society as a whole to impose a rule, by a majority decision only, which would require a mandatory contribution from all Branches. The Sub-committee, in its deliberations, sought for some system which would facilitate and encourage the making of contributions along the lines desired by the majority but which would leave with the individual Branches the decision as to the extent to which they would comply. At the Council meeting in November, 1956, one of the decisions carried by a majority vote was: “That no expenditure on library, museum, etc., should be obligatory on Branches”. The contrary view was, however, expressed very strongly by the minority and the Subcommittee feels that the principle involved here is one to which the Branches may wish to give further consideration. It is recommended, therefore, that the two alternative proposals which follow should in the first place be submitted to the Branches for comment. Recommendations can then be made to the Council at the November meeting based on the comments received. First Proposal: That Rule A3* be replaced by the following rule:— “That by-laws of every member body admitted as aforesaid shall include a provision whereby members who belong to one or more specified categories shall be considered subscribing members of the Royal Society of New Zealand and every member body shall pay to the Society in each year the sum of five shillings for each of its members belonging to such category or categories.” Second Proposal: That the following additional rule be inserted immediately following the existing rule A3:— “The by-laws of every member body admitted as aforesaid shall include a provision whereby members who belong to one or more specified categories shall be considered subscribing members of the Royal Society of New Zealand and every member body shall pay to the Society in each year the sum of five shillings for each of its members belonging to such category or categories. Any sum paid under this rule shall be considered as part of the one-third or one-sixth of the annual revenue required to be expended in terms of rule A3.” If either of these rules is adopted the decision will remain with the individual Branches as to which (if any) of its members will be classed as falling within the category of “subscribing members of the Royal Society of New Zealand”. It might be expected that, in the case of some of the Branches at least, all the full members would be included. The above proposals embrace part of the recommendation of the Waikato Scientific Association (Appendix II). The Association's other suggestions were not supported by the

Sub-committee. If a majority of the Council should favour a proposal that Fellows should pay an application fee and annual subscription to the Society it is suggested that consideration of this matter be included in the terms of reference of the Fellowship Committee which was set up at the last Annual Meeting. The sum paid for the Transactions (10/-) by members of the Society is less than one quarter of the cost price and the Council at its meeting in November, 1956, agreed that payment towards the cost of the Transactions under Rule H (e) should not form part of the contribution. To give effect to this decision it is recommended that the following new rule be inserted immediately after the new rule proposed above, the wording at the end depending on which of the proposals is adopted: “Any contributions made by a member body towards the cost of publishing the Proceedings and/or Transactions of the Society in terms of Rule H (e) shall not form part of the contribution of Member Bodies in terms of Rules 3 and 4.” If the proposed new rules are adopted by the Council the existing rules in Section A should be renumbered appropriately. Existing Rule: A.—Relating to Admission and Duties of Member Bodies. *(3) The by-laws of every member body admitted as aforesaid shall provide for the expenditure of not less than one-third of its annual revenue on or towards the formation or support of some local public museum or library or other institution approved by the Council, or otherwise shall provide for the payment of not less than one-sixth of its annual revenue towards the extension and maintenance of the Royal Society of New Zealand.”

Budget, 1959-60, Report by Budget Sub-Committee A simplified estimation of income and expenditure for 1959-60 is presented. It is based on the assumption that the grant for 1959-60 from the Hon. Minister for; Scientific and Industrial Research will be the same as that received for 1958-59, namely, £ 5,000. This grant continues to constitute the principal source of revenue of the Royal Society, although sales, levy on Transactions, and one-sixth contribution from Branches are estimated for the coming year to amount to £770. On the expenditure side there are several new items, or rather transfers to separate funds, representing a total of £450. This, in addition to the expenditure for the publication of the Rules of the Society and an Index to Volumes 64–85 of the Transactions (£450) brings the total to £900. In view of the large amount carried forward each year in excess income over expenditure, this additional expenditure is no strain, considering that all but £400 will be spent after Branch contributions towards the Darwin Expedition have been received. A further explanation of items in the estimates follows the Budget Statement. The Sub-committee recommends the adoption of these estimates and that the Standing Committee be authorised to present early in December a case to the Hon. Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research for a grant of £5,000 for the year, 1959-60. The Sub-committee also holds the view that a brief discussion with the Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research prior to meeting the Minister would do much to smooth the way and increase general understanding Early action is called for as the D.S.I.R. estimates are prepared in January and the Royal Society's grant is a part of the vote of the D. S.I R. For and on behalf of the Committee, R. W. Willett, Convener.

The Royal Society of New Zealand, Statement of Estimated Income and Expenditure for the Year 1959–1960. Expenditure Estimated 1958–59 1959–60 £ £ £ Printing— Transactions 4,018 3,510 Rules and Index 540 Proceedings 247 250 Editorial Honoraria 100 125 — 4,425 Administration— Imprest 60 60 Charges 38 40 Library Binding Allocation 50 50 Stationery 40 40 — 190 Meetings: Travelling Expenses 200 200 — 200 Subscriptions— S.C.A.R. 180 180 I.C.S.U 24 60 Pacific Science Association 120 120 — 360 South Pacific Expedition 707 Science Congresses Fund— New Zealand Science Congress 50 150 Pacific Science Congress, 1961 200 — 350 Staff— Salaries 1,168 1,168 Staff Benefit Fund 100 — 1,268 A.N Z.A A.S. Contribution Dunedin Meeting 130 Contingencies 50 50 £7,132 £6,843 Balance of Income over Expenditure at 31/3/60 1,037 £7,880 Income Estimated 1958–59 1959–60 £ £ £ Government Grant (Vote D.S.I.R.) 5,000 5,000 — 5,000 Transactions: Levy from Branches 432 440 Sales of Publications 223 220 — 660 Member Bodies— Share of Travelling Expenses 140 140 1/6th Contribution 107 110 — 250 Donations South Pacific Expedition 337 Refund Delegate Ninth Pacific Congress 28 Balance of Income over Expenditure at 31/3/59 (actual) 2,714 Balance of Income over Expenditure at 31/3/59 (estimated) 1,970 — 1,970

Notes 1. Expenditure (a) Transactions: It is doubtful if five parts will come to charge this year, consequently the estimates presented are for four parts only, namely 86 (2), 86 (3), 86 (4), 87 (1). Four parts in 1958–59 totalled £3,058, and with £3,510 estimated an additional part could probably be handled if it were available. It is desirable, if possible, to publish five parts during the year in order to align our volume with our financial year. (b)Rules and Index: These are likely to cost £540. The initial preparation of the Index shows a liberal view, which could well make the cost of its preparation, together with the Rules, well over the £500 figure. (c) Proceedings: An estimate of £250 against £247 last year is set down for Proceedings as the Hudson Lecture will appear in this coming issue. (d) New Zealand Science Congress: It is customary to allocate £50 to this Congress during the year, but in the coming year it is proposed to raise this to £150. The New Zealand Science Congress is scheduled for 1960 and in view of increased costs taking place over the past few years, it would be wise to be able to start the Congress off with as much money as possible. This would mean £350 being available for the Congress. The amount accumulated since the last Congress has been given to A.N.Z.A.A.S. as a part of our contribution to that Congress. (e) Pacific Science Congress. This is a new item; £200 is felt to be a minimum contribution towards travelling costs. The intention is to aim at sufficient money to despatch two Society's representatives. Should the Society feel bound to present a case to the Minister for assistance of other than Government delegates, we are in a strong position if we can demonstrate our financial planning for this Congress. (f) Staff Benefit Fund: A further additional new item. In the event of staff retirement or ill-health, the Society should be in a position to treat its servants at least comparable to the Public Service in the matter of retiring leave, special leave, or its equivalent. The establishment of such a fund is valuable in view of the fact that the Society carries no insurance or other form of benefit for its servants. 2. Income (a) The Standing Committee is strongly of the opinion that the same grant should be sought, namely £5,000, as in the previous year. When the excess of income over expenditure is reduced to a smaller figure and our expenditure rises correspondingly, our case for a new grant is considerably strengthened. In the past this large carry-over from year to year has mitigated against favourable reception for a larger grant, and it would be good policy to reduce this amount to a smaller and more workable sum, particularly in view of the fact that the Secretary, D.S.I.R. has indicated that he will advance moneys to cover the period from April 1, until the grant is received, should this be necessary. (b) Additional small income is being received from the one-sixth contribution rule. This is a result of the fact that Wellington Branch has now resolved to operate the alternative, Rule A (3). Budget. Mr. Willett made some explanatory observations on the Budget drawn up by the Finance Sub-committee and approved by the Standing Committee for submission to the Half-yearly Meeting. Professor Briggs drew attention to the large amount of binding in the Library which should be undertaken and said that an allocation of £50 annually could not meet the requirements. On the motion of Professor Briggs, seconded by Dr. Fleming, it was resolved:— “That the annual allocation for binding be increased from £50 to £100.” Dr. Duff congratulated the Sub-committee on making provision for sending delegates to overseas conferences especially the Pacific Science Congress. Finally, on the motion of Mr. Willett, seconded by Dr. Dixon the Budget as amended was adopted. Procedure. Some discussion took place on the procedure to be adopted in presenting the Budget to the Minister. It was finally agreed to go direct to the Minister after having seen Dr. Hamilton, Secretary, D.S.I.R., and informing him of the Society's requirements for the coming year. At this stage Mr. Fowler, a representative of the Gisborne Philosophical Society, attended the meeting to which he had been invited as an Observer. Professor Allan welcomed Mr. Fowler and hoped he would find some matters of interest under consideration. Mr. Fowler thanked the President for the invitation to attend the meeting. New Zealand Science Congress, 1960: Mr. K. R. Allen intimated that the

Wellington Branch would be prepared to undertake the N. Z. Science Congress in Wellington in 1960. Thanks were conveyed to the Wellington Branch for undertaking the Congress. Plant Research Trust: Notice of motion having been given to amend the rules of the Plant Diseases. Trust Dr. Fleming moved, Dr. Archey seconded that with the following preamble the Plant Research Trust Rules be adopted:— Preamble: “The Plant Research Trust, originally the Plant Diseases Trust, was established by the gift of Sir Frank Crossley Mappin in 1942. The present rules were adopted in 1958. Rules: 1. Grants from the Trust shall be made by the Council or by the Standing Committee at any of its regular meetings. 2. Except under special circumstances grants shall be made only from the income derived from the Trust Fund. 3. Member Bodies in some appropriate way at the beginning of each year shall draw the notice of their members to this Fund. 4. Applications for grants from this Fund shall be made in writing to the Secretary of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Applications must state clearly the purposes for which the grant will be used, the amount required, together with the qualifications of the applicant to undertake the research proposed. 5. Grants shall be available to members of the Royal Society of New Zealand who possess the necessary qualifications, for the purpose of undertaking research in the field or at research institutions in New Zealand or overseas, on problems connected with the pathology, systematics, physiology, ecology, distribution, or genetics of New Zealand plants and plant pathogens. 6. The Council or the Standing Committee shall, if it deems necessary or advisable, consult the Director of the Plant Diseases Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in determining whether to make a grant to any candidate or not. 7. All recipients of grants from the Plant Research Trust Fund shall on the completion of the research, forward to the Secretary of the Royal Society of New Zealand a report giving the results achieved and the details of expenditure incurred. The Plant Research Trust Rules amended as above were adopted. Rules: The matter of the printing of the Society's Rules and Act was raised and it was referred to the Standing Committee to act. Publication and Distribution of Proceedings. Mr. K. R. Allen presented the report of the Sub-committee appointed to look into the question of the distribution and cost of the Proceedings now issued separately from the Transactions. Cost of Proceedings The Sub-committee has considered the cost of the Proceedings and reports as follows:— The number of copies ordered by Branches is at present 1,336, and a total printing of 2,250 is therefore required. The cost per page for this number of copies is £3/12/3. Volume 85 had 65 pages and the approximate cost per copy was 2/-. Volume 86 will be the first full volume and includes, in addition to two Council Meetings, the Appendix, formerly in the Transactions. It also includes the text of the Hudson Lecture to the Wellington Branch. It will comprise approximately 125 pp. and the cost per copy will be 4/-. Apart from a small charge for the cover, the full amount of this cost has been saved on the Transactions. At the November, 1957 meeting, the Council passed two resolutions:— (1) That the Proceedings of the Society be printed separately from the Transactions and that they be distributed to all members. (2) That the Proceedings be supplied to full members of the Branches which will be asked to pay the cost.

At the Annual Meeting, 1958, payment by Branches for the Proceedings was opposed by some members of the Council. In view of the somewhat contradictory nature of the above resolutions and the lack of definite facts as to cost at that time, the Sub-committee recommends that the matter be referred to the Council at the Half-yearly Meeting for further consideration in the light of the data given above. (Signed) C. A. Cotton, J. K. Dixon, K. R. Allen (Convener). Mr. Allen said that based on a total printing of 2,250 copies, the cost of Volume 86 containing the Proceedings of the 1957 Half-yearly Meeting, the 1958 Annual Meeting, the Presidential Address, the Hudson Lecture delivered before the Wellington Branch and the Appendix to the Volume (previously placed at the end of the Transactions) was £440 (freight and postage charges extra), approximately 4/- per copy. The point at issue was whether the Society should bear this cost or whether Member Bodies should pay according to the number of members taking the Proceedings. At the last Half-yearly Meeting of the Council two somewhat contradictory motions covering this point had been recorded. After some discussion, on the motion of Mr. Healy seconded by Mr. Brooker it was resolved:— “That the Proceedings be distributed to members free of cost”. In reply to a question, Dr. Archey stated that in view of this resolution the Auckland Institute will in future require an additional 1,150 copies of the Proceedings. Mr. Allen said that the probable increased cost for the additional copies would be between £50 and £100. Darwin South Pacific Expedition. In reporting on the South Pacific Expedition, Dr. Falla stated that Dr. Holdgate and the three New Zealand members of the Expedition to Chile, Mr. G. A. Knox, Dr. E. Godley, and Dr. W. A. Watters were now engaged in work there and interesting letters relating their experiences had been received. The Chilean members attached to the expedition were co-operating well. The New Zealand members of the expedition had had clothing and food supplies stolen but their scientific equipment was safe. Dr. Falla intimated that the latest figures showed that a sum of £354 had been contributed by Branches and two private donations and at the request of the meeting he gave the following details of the contributions:— £ s. d. Auckland Institute 131 16 6 Wellington Branch 109 0 0 Canterbury Branch 50 14 0 Otago Branch 10 0 0 Rotorua Branch 15 0 0 Hawke's Bay Branch 10 0 0 Nelson Branch 5 0 0 Southland Branch 12 0 9 Professor Briggs 5 5 0 Professor Richardson 5 5 0 Total £354 1 3 Gratification at the response of the Branches to the appeal was expressed. Dr. Falla stated that the Royal Society of London did not propose to make any further plans towards a major Darwin Expedition until the return of Dr. Holdgate when he and one of the New Zealand members would report on the work accomplished.

Professor Percival suggested that the letters received should be cyclostyled and circulated. Another suggestion was that they should be included in the Proceedings. It was pointed out that permission would be required from the Royal Society of London. It was considered that by the time the next Proceedings were printed the news from the expedition would have lost some of their topical value. The matter was left in the hands of Dr. Falla. On the motion of Dr. Fleming it was decided that a cable conveying the greetings and congratulations of the Council be sent to the expedition. Dr. Falla was thanked for his report. At this stage the lunch adjournment was taken. Roll Call: The afternoon roll call was the same as in the morning. Conservation Committee Report Five matters have been referred to the committee in the period under review: 1. Grazing Permits in Eglinton Valley (Fiordland National Park). This enquiry was commenced under the convenership of Dr. Salmon and is still unresolved as the National Parks Authority advised that the matter would be re-investigated. 2. Ball's Clearing, Howke's Bay. The committee through Mr. Callaghan investigated a proposal to grant milling rights which would nullify the conditions of a scenic reserve. Eventually a satisfactory reply was received from the Lands Department that a meeting on the spot of all interested groups had agreed to modified proposals which safeguarded the main part of the reserve. 3. Aratiatia Rapids and Huka Falls. Dr. Salmon originally drew attention to the probable effect on the scenic value of the rapids and the falls of hydro-electric proposals of the Ministry of Works. The Royal Society subsequently consulted the Federated Mountain Clubs and a request for information made to the Ministry of Works. An informative reply was received and published in the F.M.C.'s. Bulletin of September, 1958. This makes it clear that the draft scheme will not be confirmed by the Government until all responsible groups interested in the area have had a chance to express their views. It also outlines the way in which the draft scheme provides for the release of adequate flow in the tourist season as at Niagara Falls. It seems clear that the matter is still open for further submission to be made. 4. Agricultural Chemicals Bill. A draft of the proposed legislation for controlling the sale and use of agricultural chemicals was referred to the committee for comment. Most of the details are not the concern of a conservation committee, but on one point, the proposed constitution of a statutory Board, it was considered that the representation, being mainly of Government departments and of groups using the chemicals, might be widened to include a nomination from at least one informed non-government body such as the Institute of Chemistry. A comment to this effect was forwarded to the committee. 5. Noxious Animals Conference. The Royal Society was invited at rather short notice to send a representative to a meeting called by the Minister of Forests to discuss the noxious animal problem and in particular the Forest Service experiments with the poison 1080. The President nominated the Convener of the Conservation Committee as delegate to the meeting held on October 29, and 30. The statement prepared and presented on behalf of the Royal Society, and approved at a meeting of the Standing Committee on October 24, is attached. A short report on some impressions of the meeting, not part of this committee report, has been prepared by the delegate. R. A. Falla. (Convener), Conservation Committee. Mr. Callaghan stated that the grazing rights in the Fiordland National Park to which exception had been taken by the Conservation Committee of the Society in its report to the last Annual Meeting were being investigated at present by the National Parks Authority. Dr. Falla outlined the position in regard to the refusal by the Authority to issue permits to certain scientists to collect specimens in National Parks. At the request of the Authority, he and Dr. Wodzicki had attended a meeting of the Authority and had given information to the Authority, which had now agreed that due consideration would be given to applications submitted, provided they had the endorsement of the Wild Life Section of the Department of Internal Affairs.

Mr. Callaghan drew attention to the need for co-operation from the Branches, the Geological Survey and other departments in drawing the attention of the Authority to places of scientific interest and of value. For instance the Authority could not know without information from a reliable scientific source that the tussock land in the Fiordland National Park was the habitat of a rare and interesting spider. If the Authority's attention were drawn to such scientific facts it would not be slow to react. Professor Percival said that the Authority in its administration had given much encouragement to naturalists and he instanced the work done in the Arthur Pass National Park. Mr. Callaghan traced the action taken in regard to Ball's Clearing about which the Hawke's Bay Branch had approached the Parent Body earlier in the year. A direct approach had been made to Mr. Barber of the Lands Department and a Special Scenic Committee had been set up to look after the area. He thought that the office of Inspector of Scenic Reserves at one time held by the late Mr. E. Phillips Turner should be reinstated. Mr. Elder paid a tribute to Mr. Callaghan and the work he had done in regard to Ball's Clearing. Mr. Callaghan said that he had done little “but the little he did was vital”. Mr. Allen said he thought the suggestion about the office of Inspector of Scenic Reserves was a constructive one—it would result in co-ordinated activity in regard to scenic reserves throughout New Zealand and an overall picture would evolve. It was suggested by Mr. Callaghan that one means of co-ordinating activity would be that an officer should be appointed to a central position in order to train rangers for National Parks. After sone further discussion on the motion of Mr. K. R. Allen, seconded by Professor Percival it was resolved:— “That an approach be made to the Minister and Director-General of Lands to urge that a suitably qualified person be appointed to supervise all scenic reserves throughout the country and particularly to ensure the protection and preservation as far as possible of the native fauna and flora.” Mr. Callaghan then referred to the Aratiatia Rapids. He said he had recently visited the area which at the present time had little to commend it. He thought a wide view should be taken and that the whole area should be judiciously planned by the various departments (Works, State Hydro, Lands and Tourist) so as to hide the ugly scars made by geothermal activity and that a planting programme should be envisaged. Finally, on the motion of Mr. Callaghan, seconded by Dr. Archey it was resolved:— “That the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand recommends to the Minister that the Departments of Lands, Works, State Hydro and Tourist, confer for the purpose of planning a combined tourist and power area including Wairakei, Aratiatia Rapids and Huka Falls.” Agricultural Chemicals Bill. Dr. Falla, Convener of the Conservation Committee, stated that he had perused the Agricultural Chemicals Bill which had been prepared and circulated to interested bodies for report. The Bill, in the main, did not concern the Conservation Committee but in the proposed constitution of a statutory Board he thought that it would be wise to include a nomination from at least one informed non-Government body concerned with biological sciences. Report of the Convener of the Conservation Committee on Noxious Animals Conference. At the request of the President I attended a Conference called by the Minister of Forests on October 29 and 30, and presented the statement attached to the Conservation Committee report. About 100 delegates from all parts of New Zealand, representing all Government departments and agencies, and all non-governmental groups interested in conservation, farming or field sports, were present. The Conference was well organized, with the Minister of Forests,

the Hon. E. T. Tirikatene as Chairman and Mr. A. L. Poole, Assistant Director of the New Zealand Forest Service as Deputy Chairman. Part of the sessions was atended by the Director of Forestry and by the Prime Minister, several Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament, representing the Opposition. The proceedings on the first day consisted of the presentation of statements by delegates, and practically all of these, if they did not exceed 2,000 words, were supplied in typescript. On the second day these statements were discussed under the headings:— 1. Damage to native fauna and flora, and to soils. 2. Competition with domestic stock. 3. Status of animal populations. 4. Sporting and recreation aspects. My contribution to the discussion was to elaborate, at the request of the Chairman, the submission made urging the setting up of a permanent conservation research council or similar body to ensure collation of research results, evaluate research techniques and supervise co-ordination. In his summing up the Chairman stated that consideration would be given to this submission in any recommendations arising from the Conference. I consider that it will be necessary for the Royal Society to follow very carefully any plans made for the constitution of such a body. It seems to me evident that, while Government departments must often have the last word in deciding policy, there is too much tendency for them to have the first word as well, and that many of the research projects carried out within the departments are kept too watertight for too long. It was my impression from the statements on research projects supplied at the Conference that there had been too little effective consultation in the early stages of planning research programmes, especially in the use of poisons. The most serious trend apparent in the official departmental statement on research was seen in statements made regarding the work of two biologists whose views, based on extensive research in New Zealand or overseas, were not accepted by the New Zealand Forest Service as a useful guide to policy. The disturbing feature of the statement was not that the Forest Service chose to disagree, but that it took the form of derogatory remarks on the qualifications of the biologists concerned. These could have been challenged as inaccurate, although I did in fact at the meeting challenge them as irrelevant, stating that the quality of research work must be judged on its compiled or published results, and that any employing authority, governmental or otherwise, has a duty to examine the results of such research and criticise it on its merits. In the statement presented there was no evidence that this had been done I consider that the criticism of views expressed at conferences and official policy in the application of research, which are embodied in our statement to the Minister of Forests, were justified by the attitudes shown at this Conference in the matters mentioned above. In other respects the submissions were informative, and there was evidence of an encouraging desire to tackle the problems of noxious animals in a rational way, with an overall desire to preserve natural resources in a healthy state. R. A. Falla Submission by Convener of the Conservation Committee of the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand. The following statement has been prepared by the convener of the Sub-committee as the time available since the receipt of the invitation has been too short for adequate consultation. In any event our contribution to a discussion on the specific question of the relationship of mammals to environment would at this stage be brief. Whatever the qualifications or opinions of its individual members may be, the Royal Society assumes no special knowledge of any aspect of the noxious animal situation, but it is concerned to uphold and assert the importance of the application of scientific research to all aspects of this problem as part of the wider matter of the conservation of natural resources. We consider that the issue has too often been obscured by the ventilation in many official conferences since the year 1924 of the kind of views and attitudes that are more normally and harmlessly expressed in the correspondence columns of newspapers. Some of these are:— (a) Too great reliance on the force of purely emotive adjectives. (b) Too ready imputation of bias and ulterior motive in the views of those who seem to be opposed. (c) Too much reliance on traditional dicta (the so-called “clichés”) and reluctance to re-examine them. (d) A surviving tendency to regard research techniques as something brought in to find a short cut when the main issue has been already decided by majority opinion or a direct decision of existing authority. We concede that conferences such as the present one have some co-ordination value when a strict order of reference is adhered to, but we re-affirm that the research needed for effective conservation is so complex and inter-related that the need in New Zealand as elsewhere is for a permanent Conservation Research Council or similar body that will have the resources to

collate factual information from the whole field and be able to supervise co-ordination. Its function in regard to research might well be advisory rather than directive. In our opinion the minimum standards of qualification and organisation for research operating in the several Government departments concerned with the present problem now and over the past ten years vary so widely that there has been much ineffectual attempt at co-ordination and misdirection of effort. We recognise that much has been done recently to improve the situation, but consider that the effectiveness of research programmes would be improved by extra departmental supervision such as only a permanent co-ordinating body could provide. The foregoing may be considered as having little bearing on the immediate questions before the conference. It is offered on the assumption that future courses of action will be considered. The Society's representative at the meeting will be prepared to make further contribution as required, and the Conservation Committee will be prepared to undertake further study of the research aspects of any programme that may be proposed. We consider that there is need for better organisation of biological research at all levels of conservation problems. R. A. Falla. (Convener), Conservation Committee, Royal Society of New Zealand. Noxious Animals. Dr. Falla stated that at the request of the President, he had attended as representative of the Royal Society of New Zealand a meeting called by the Minister of Forests to discuss noxious animal problems and in particular the Forest Service experiments with the poison 1080. Dr. Falla reviewed that meeting referring to a statement which he had drawn up on behalf of the Conservation Committee and which had been presented to the meeting. This statement urged the setting up of a permanent research council to collate research results, evaluate research techniques and supervise co-ordination. After some discussion, on the motion of Dr. Falla seconded by Dr. Fleming it was resolved:— “That the Hon. Minister of Forests be commended for calling the Conference on Noxious Animals and that the Prime Minister be urged to consider the establishment of a permanent body with resources to collate information, supervise co-ordination and advise the Government on matters relating to conservation and wild-life.” The report as submitted was adopted and thanks were expressed to Dr. Falla for his work at the Conference. Extracts from a Report on Constitution Committee of Board of Trustees of Dominion Museum and National Art Gallery. 1. At a meeting of the Board of Trustees on July 20, 1956, the following resolution was carried.— “In the light of twenty-five years' working experience, that a committee be set up to review the Act under which the Board is constituted and recommend any changes in constitution and policy as are considered necessary.” “That the committee consist of two nominees of the Committee of Management of the National Art Gallery, one of the Carillon Management Committee, one of the Museum Management Committee, Mr. A. G. Harper (or his nominee) and Mr. H. C. McQueen (Convener).” The Committee met for the first time on June 10, 1957 when the following resolution was carried — “That the Board of Trustees give consideration to the practicability of altering the title of the Act under which it was constituted by inserting a change whereby it will be called.— The National Art Gallery Dominion Museum and National Memorial Act and to the making of such changes in the original Act as may be considered necessary.” The Chairman put forward proposals designed to give the three Management Committees a much greater degree of autonomy than they have at present. It was agreed that these be referred to the Management Committees. The Committee met again on August 12, 1957, when the representatives of the Art Gallery indicated that they were quite unable to agree to the proposals put forward by the Chairman After a brief discussion the committee adjourned sine die. At a meeting of the Management Committee of the Dominion Museum on August 6, 1957, the following resolution was carried:— “That this Committee approves of a scheme of administration that will give it direct control of Museum finance and staff.

That the committee approves of an arrangement whereby its Government Finance would be by way of an item in the vote for D.S.I.R. That it recommends to the Constitution Committee that it seek ways of putting the foregoing resolutions into effect.” This resolution was referred by the Board to the Constitution Committee on August 22, 1957. The committee met on August 11, 1958. Approval having been granted by the Governor-General in Council to change the name of the Wellington War Memorial Carillon Society to National War Memorial Carillon Society, the committee recommends that the Board of Trustees approve the change in name and the making of such changes in the original Act as may seem desirable. Mr. indicated that he could not as representing the National Art Gallery Committee of Management, agree to the ideas in the Museum Committee resolution. Mr. was concerned only with the matter of the change of title. It was agreed that in view of the opposing views taken by the Committee of Management of the Museum and Art Gallery that the committee's report to the Board would be that it had no recommendation to make on the matter. Board of Trustees, National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum: Dr. Fleming, in speaking to the report submitted by Mr. H. C. McQueen, said that a meeting of the Board of Trustees had been held just prior to this meeting of the Council and he could now report that the resolution put forward by the Management Committee for greater autonomy and for payment of the Government Grant through the D.S.I.R. had been placed before the Board of Trustees and had been carried. The Museum Management Committee had been asked to draw up a scheme whereby the resolution could be implemented. The report was received and satisfaction expressed at the result of the Society's representatives on the Board of Trustees. Natural History and Technological Collections 1. The following statement has been prepared at the invitation of the Standing Committee for presentation to the Half-yearly Meeting of the Council. 2. In the development of New Zealand museums during the past century, the interests of a colonizing population in a new and strange environment, which changed rapidly before their eyes, led, from the start, to a dominant attention to the natural features of the new land—the rocks, plants and animals—many of which required museum study for their classification and understanding. This situation still remains, and the chief activities and qualifications of staff in New Zealand Museums lie in the fields of Natural History, Zoology, Botany, Geology and Ethnology of the Maori. 3. Despite the persistent interest of New Zealand Museums in Natural History, they have had to take increasing responsibility in other fields and are at present repositories of many collections other than those of natural history. 4. As New Zealand developed in a period of rapid changes in every sphere of human interest, an historical sense has arisen, in which items recording the progressive story of European colonization, ways of life that preceded our present ones, have been increasingly valued by individuals who have retained and treasured objects that recall the past. These have been, and are being offered, in increasing numbers to museums for safe keeping, and so the collections of technological and historical specimens now accumulating are of an extremely wide variety. 5. Most old industries and all new ones can (and often do) offer machines, appliances and other equipment which illustrate the progressive evolution during the period of great change which runs contemporaneously with their history. 6. Two World Wars have been landmarks in our history, and their material relics and documentary records form a further major item in the category of technological collections illustrating critical episodes in the history of the nation's growth. 7. To some limited extent, special provision has been made for the housing and display of technological collections, generally at a local (provincial) level. Thus an old Colonists Museum was formerly active in Auckland, another is established at Dunedin, the Auckland War Memorial Museum has catered especially for World War collections and records, and a Nautical Museum has been maintained at Davenport (present status not known to the writers). Turnbull Library, a national institution, has specialised in documents, books and, to some extent, graphic records (photos, paintings) illustrating New Zealand history. There is or was a (private) automobile museum at Rotorua. Generally, however, the main museums have attempted to cope with a great deal of technological and historical material, in addition to the Natural History collections, that have been their chief responsibility and interest. 8. In other parts of the world, the situation outlined above also applies. It is just one hundred years since the British Museum in London separated off the Natural History Collections

from the parent institution that continued to cater for collections and records illustrating the history of human culture and art. Since then, special museums have been founded in the fields of modern human culture and art (Victoria and Albert) and technology (Science Museum). In other cities too (e.g., Melbourne) separate technological museums have been established with profit and convenience to both the Natural Sciences and the Technological- Historical interests that they cater for. 9. It is the main thesis of this statement that the two contrasting fields of museum activity—natural science and technology (including the history of modern human culture)—interest different sections of the public, and different potential supporters, require different techniques of display and study, and attract (and need) specialists of very different training, background and outlook. It is too much to expect that staff trained in the natural sciences will be qualified to do justice to technological collections, and any attempt to deal with both runs risks of falling short of doing justice to either. 10. Provincial and local museums are likely to continue to have local responsibilities in all fields mentioned above. At the national level, however, it appears to the writers that interest in technology, in New Zealand history, and in war relics and history, justifies the suggestion that a New Zealand Museum of History and Technology be established to cater for museum activities outside the field of science. The existence of such a museum would enable the Dominion Museum to expand its limited resources in space, money and staff more efficiently for the natural sciences. It seems possible that in some fields it might also help local museums by providing a specialised national repository for collections marginal to their main interests. 11. The Royal Society of New Zealand has as its object, “the promotion of Science”, and the Royal Society fills a majority of the positions on the Committee of Management of New Zealand's National Museum. Our chief reason for submitting this document is our feeling that progress in the Natural Sciences would be furthered by the segregation of technology collections. We understand such segregation has resulted in healthy progress on both sides wherever it has been attempted. Recommendations: 1. That the Royal Society of New Zealand set up a committee of which the terms of reference shall be to report on the desirability (or otherwise) of establishing a New Zealand Museum of History and Technology at Wellington or elsewhere, to house and display collections illustrating:— the history of New Zealand in the European period; war relics and records, particularly in relation to New Zealand history; the history of technology of our civilisation; the evolution of industrial development during New Zealand's history. 2. That the committee include the Director, Dominion Museum; the Librarian, Turnbull Library; a nominee of the Returned Services Association; representatives of the War Histories Branch (Dept. of Internal Affairs); the Art Galleries and Museums Association of New Zealand, and of the Education Department (re Technological Museums and Technical Education). October, 1958. C. A. Fleming, F. R. Callaghan. Dr. Fleming spoke to the report presented by Mr. Callaghan and himself and he made the following recommendation:— That the Royal Society of New Zealand set up a committee of which the terms of reference shall be to report on the desirability (or otherwise) of establishing a New Zealand Museum of History and Technology at Wellington or elsewhere, to house and display collections illustrating the history of New Zealand in the European period; war relics and records, particularly in relation to New Zealand history; the history of technology of our civilisation, and the evolution of industrial development during New Zealand's history. Dr. Archey supported the recommendation and Professor Percival stated that there was some such move in Christchurch. Dr. Duff said that in Canterbury Museum there is a large domestic section and in the Southland Museum there are also similar collections. The report should be amended to include these museums. After further discussion on the motion of Professor Allan, seconded by Professor Briggs it was resolved:— “That the Royal Society of New Zealand set up a committee to investigate the report on the need for and possible organisation of Technological Museums in New Zealand.”

The second recommendation in the report was then considered and amended and on the motion of Dr. Fleming, seconded by Mr. Callaghan it was resolved:— “That the committee include the Director of the Dominion Museum, the Librarian, Turnbull Library, a nominee of the Returned Services Association, a representative of the War Histories Branch, Internal Affairs Department, a representative of the Art Galleries and Museums Association of New Zealand, a representative of the Education Department (re Technological Museums and Technical Education) and a representative of the Manufacturers' Federation.” Antarctic Research Committee Report of Chairman to Half-Yearly Meeting After some delay, the committee has now been informed that Trans-Antarctic Expedition (N.Z.) Inc. accepted the Royal Society's offer for the above committee to take over responsibility for arrangements for the publication of scientific results and disposal of collections T.A.E. (NZ) has now wound up Thus A.R.C. (previously an advisory committee now takes on an executive function. The Chairman attended a meeting of the Scientific Sub-committee of T.A.E. at which this position was confirmed and the scientific work discussed. T.A.E. (U.K.) has plans for publication of the scientific work of the expedition and it was suggested that the reports from the New Zealand end should be offered for this series in the first instance. The committee proposes to invite specialists to undertake work on the collections, as soon as lists of material collected are available. Already some preliminary negotiations are in hand in respect to the lichens and the fossil plants, Conchostraca and fish remains from the Beacon Sandstone. The committee will endeavour to implement its earlier recommendations that collections made by New Zealand scientists in Ross Dependency should be deposited in New Zealand institutions as a basis for the future extension of biological and geological reasearch by New Zealanders in that region. To implement the above recommendation, it is proposed that the Directors of the Dominion Museum and the Geological Survey be asked to take custody of the biological and geological collections respectively, and arrange for curation and cataloguing, prior to distribution to specialists under such terms as will ensure the return of types and reference specimens to New Zealand. Council is asked to endorse the general policy expressed in the above proposals. C. A. Fleming (Chairman). November, 1958. The report on the Antarctic Research Committee was presented by Dr. Fleming and adopted. S. C A.R. The report by Dr. E. I. Robertson, N.Z. Delegate to the S. C. A. R. Meeting in Moscow was received. Mr. Markham, Secretary of the Ross Dependency Research Committee, wrote that the third S C. A. R. Meeting would be held in Canberra and his committee recommended that Dr. E. I. Robertson and Dr. R. G. Simmers who is now Chairman of the committee should act as representatives On the motion of Dr. Fleming, seconded by Dr. Falla it was resolved to approve this recommendation and to reply that the Royal Society is prepared to support a delegation financially if necessary. It was considered that the financial obligations of the Society should be limited to one delegate. On the motion of Dr. Fleming it was resolved that Dr. Robertson be personally thanked for his work at the Moscow meeting and pleasure expressed at the part a New Zealand scientist had played. On the motion of Professor Briggs, seconded by Mr. Willett it was resolved:— “That the Council of the Royal Society of New Zealand notes with very great pleasure the decision of the Government to continue research work in Antarctica under S.C.A.R. and notes with appreciation the continuing important part being played by New Zealand in this international scientific project.” National Academy of Sciences Post-Doctoral Fellowships. Professor Allan reported that the four candidates selected by the New Zealand Committee for Post-Doctoral Fellowships in U.S.A. had now been approved by the National

Academy of Sciences of Washington. The four selected are Dr. J. H. Darwin, Dr. D. G. Edgar, Dr. B. R. Penfold, Dr. R. L. C. Pilgrim. Dr. Allan was thanked for his report and for the work he had carried out as Chairman of the Selection Committee. Fuel and Power. Mr. Willett, convener of the Fuel and Power Sub-committee asked that his committees' report be deferred until the annual meeting. Mr. Willett's request was agreed to. New Zealand Scientific Centenaries In the period which we are now entering fall the centenaries of several important events in the history of New Zealand Science. These include: Novara Expedition, 1858–9, and Hochstetter's field work in Auckland and Nelson (1859) which earned him the title of, “Father of New Zealand Geology”; appointments of geologists, who furthered all branches of natural sciences in the provinces of Otago (Hector), Canterbury (Haast) and Wellington (Crawford). Founding of the New Zealand Institute and its branches and the passing of the New Zealand Institute Act (1868); founding of the museums, including the Colonial Museum; arrival in New Zealand of F. W. Hutton, the greatest of the pioneer biologists; Founding of Universities, and of Government Scientific Societies. Birth dates of prominent New Zealand scientists. Some of these events are more appropriate for branches to celebrate if they see fit, but others are so important in New Zealand's scientific history that commemorative activity by the Royal Society of New Zealand is called for. Such commemoration might take the form of special public lectures; broadcast programmes; publications of the Festschrift type; public exhibitions; republication of relevant papers of high scientific significance. Recommendation: (a) That the attention of Branches be drawn to the opportunity to commemorate scientific centenaries during the coming years. (b) That Standing Committee be asked to formulate a programme and suggestions for the commemoration of centenaries of scientific events of national significance. (c) That the Royal Society of New Zealand organise during the next six months a fitting commemoration of Hochstetter's visit to New Zealand. Prepared at the request of the Standing Committee. C. A. Fleming. Dr. Fleming spoke to the report he had brought down and on his motion, seconded by Dr. Brown the following recommendations were approved:— “(a) That the attention of Branches be drawn to the opportunity to commemorate scientific centenaries during the coming years. (b) That the Standing Committee be asked to formulate a programme and suggestions for the commemoration of centenaries of scientific events of national significance. (c) That the Royal Society of New Zealand organise during the next six months a fitting commemoration of Hochsetetter's visit to New Zealand.” Dr Powell suggested that postage stamps such as the Health stamps should be used to commemorate certain events and people—they have been using such stamps in Switzerland for the last thirty or forty years. Scientific Education. Dr. Archey had prepared a statement on Education in Science, touching on several aspects of the subject and designed to provoke discussion and obtain the views of members of the Council. In speaking to his report, Dr. Archey raised the question of Honours B.Sc., or M.Sc., and the standard required for admission. Should the university admit all who wished to enter or should some be excluded because of insufficient standard? What should be the policy with regard to postgraduate scholarships—the effect on the university of losing its most gifted students and the need for trained scientific teachers? Professor Percival saw no loss in students taking postgraduate courses overseas providing the country saw to it that they came back to New Zealand afterwards. He went on to outline his own attitude towards entrants.

Professor Allan moved, Dr. Archey seconded:— “That the President be invited to appoint a committee to consider and report upon problems relating to the status of science in New Zealand.” After some further discussion the resolution was carried. Earthquake Risk. Mr. Willett and Mr. Callaghan presented a report dealing with the need for greater vigilance in inspection of buildings with a view to their stability during earthquake shocks. After some discussion Mr. Willett moved, Mr. Callaghan seconded and it was carried:— “That the Royal Society of New Zealand examine the advisability of calling a meeting of all interested parties to consider problems associated with the regular survey and strengthening of buildings against earthquake damage.” Notices of Motion. Mr. S. G. Brooker moved, Dr. R. S. Duff seconded:— “That any increase in revenue arising from the resolutions passed earlier in the meeting be allocated to a fund to assist in the participation by New Zealand scientists in congresses and expeditions and research projects in the Pacific and Antarctic areas. A number spoke opposing this motion, stating that it was inadvisable to tie the hands of the Council in any particular direction. On being put to the meeting the motion was lost. The following motion proposed by Dr. Archey and seconded by Mr. Allen was carried:— “That the relationship of Rule H (e) to Section 11 (1) a of the Royal Society New Zealand Act, 1933 be referred to the Standing Committee for investigation.” The following motion proposed by Dr. Archey, seconded by Mr. Callaghan was carried:— “That the Branches be invited to comment by March 15, on the suggestion that instead of holding two one-day meetings each year, the Council hold annually a two-day meeting in May in alternate years in Wellington, and in conjunction with one of the Waikato, Rotorua, Hawke's Bay, Nelson and Southland Branches; and that triennial science congress be held under arrangements made by the Wellington, Auckland, Canterbury and Otago Branches.” Medical Research Council. The term of office of Dr. L. Bastings as representative of the Royal Society of New Zealand on the Medical Research Council having expired, it was resolved to appoint Dr. Bastings for a further term. Travelling Expenses. On the motion of the President it was resolved that travelling expenses for the meeting be paid. Annual Meeting. It was resolved that the annual meeting be held in Wellington, the date to be decided by the Standing Committee. Vote of Thanks. On the motion of the President cordial thanks were expressed to the President and Secretary of the Hawke's Bay Branch for their helpful co-operation and to the members of the Hawke's Bay Branch for the afternoon tea provided and for flowers sent to the wives of members of the Council at the hotel, and to the Secretary. Thanks were also expressed to the Standing Committee for its work and to the Secretary. On the motion of Dr. Dixon the congratulations and thanks of the meeting were accorded to the President, Professor Allan, for his able conduct of the meeting. The meeting closed at 5.45 p.m.