4. European heather: The growth of heather is extensive and vigorous beween the junction of the Taupo and Chateau roads and the locality of the haunted whare. The localities on which heather is growing are in general sharply defined. Usually very few seedlings are to be found beneath or close to plants of growing heather or in places which are covered with native vegetation. On the other hand, native vegetation grows readily around and beneath the plants of heather. Seedlings of heather spring up abundantly wherever the soil has been laid bare. One gets the impression that heather spreads but slowly through the native vegetation and in time it may possibly be smothered by it. On the other hand, any area over which the native vegetation has been burnt will soon become covered with heather. It is possible that the heather was first established by sowing on burnt patches. 5. Road to Chateau: During the winter, which was exceptionally severe, the road to the Chateau broke down over a considerable length. It has now been straightened and graded. This work has laid bare a considerable area of ground. P. Marshall. Some discussion on the matter of the heather which was spreading on the Tongariro Park took place, Dr. Marshall remarking that it appeared to grow vigorously on ground which had been cleared, specially by burning. Dr. Oliver suggested that the hybrid Coriaria, if planted in the Park, might act as a check to the heather. The Royal N.Z. Institute of Horticulture: Dr. Oliver moved the adoption of the following report of the representative on the Institute of Horticulture.—Carried. Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. Report of Representative. The Tenth National Conference of Horticulture was held at Wellington in January, 1940. The National Centennial Flower Show was opened at the Exhibition by Sir Harry Batterbee on January 30. The Banks Lecture was given by Professor Kirk in the Dominion Museum. By the addition to the Dominion Council of representatives of the Wellington Beautifying Society, the Horticultural Seedsmen's Association of New Zealand, and the New Zealand Rock and Alpine Society, there are representatives of fifteen institutions and Government departments on the Council. The thesis on Roadside Beautification by Mr. M. R. Skipworth was printed as a Bulletin of the Institute. The issue of 5000 copies was made possible by a Government grant. School of Horticulture: This is being carried on by the Christchurch Domains Board, but it is hoped that a Government subsidy may be forthcoming. Horticultural Education: The total number of diplomas or certificates granted since the inception of the statutory scheme is 360 (February, 1939). The financial statement at 30th September, 1939, shows a balance of £674 0s 5d (including Trust liabilities, £274 11s). W. R. B. Oliver. Great Barrier Reef Committee: Dr. Oliver moved the adoption of the following report of the Great Barrier Reef Committee.—Carried. Great Barrier Reef Committee. Report of Representative. One meeting of the Committee was held during the year 1939. Dr. Dorothy Hill reported on the progress of the expedition to Moreton Bay. Observations were made on the relationship of ripple marks to currents and on the distribution of the bottom fauna.