Southland Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Session 1938-39. President: Dr. G. H. Uttley. Secretary: Mr. J. H. Sorensen. Membership: The number of full members of the Branch is 43, one of whom is a Life Member. During the time which has elapsed since the Branch was formed, two members have left the district. There are six country members. By exercising their right to bring friends to the ordinary meetings of the Branch, members are helping to bring to the notice of others this Branch and its work. It should be the aim of all to have as large a membership as possible in order that more and more scientific work may be carried on and the Branch become the power in the community it is entitled to be. Lectures: To date eleven lectures have been held. They are as follows:— 1938. 8th September: “An Archaeologist in Tahiti,” Dr. H. D. Skinner. 27th October: “Aurorae,” Mr. M. Geddes. 24th November: “X-Rays,” Dr. C. C. Anderson. 1939. 4th May: “Science in Southland,” Dr. G. H. Uttley. 25th May: “An Outline of the Geology of Southland and Stewart Island,” Professor W. N. Benson. 22nd June: “The Atom,” Mr. A. S. Hogg. 5th August: “Sclater's Penguin and the Royal Albatross, Mr. L. E. Richdale. 24th August: (a) “Modern Museum Work, Mr. J. H. Sorensen; (b) “Ferns,” Mr. J. C. Calvert; (c) “Stewart Island Scenery,” Mr. A. D. Nisbet. 28th September: “Irrigation,” Miss McHaffie. 26th October: “Scenic Byways and Botany of the Hollyford and Fiordland,” Mr. O. Fletcher. 23rd November: “Archaeology in Murihiku,” Mr. J. H. Sorensen. Attendance: Satisfactory attendances were recorded at all meetings held by the Branch, both General (when the Lectures were given), and at the Council Meetings. Representatives: The President (Dr. Uttley) and Dr. C. C. Anderson were appointed as representatives of the Branch to the Southland Museum Trust Board. The delegate to the parent body has yet to be appointed. Honours: Mr. M. Geddes was appointed to the Directorship of the Carter Observatory in Wellington. Mr. G. A. R. Petrie gained his National Diploma in Horticulture. The Branch extends congratulations to both these members. Papers: One paper entitled “On an Occurrence of Dasypodia salenophora in Southland,” by Mr. J. H. Sorensen was read during the year and accepted for publication in the Transactions. Conclusion: A fine start has been made and much keenness shown by the members of the Branch, which is now admitted as a member body of the Royal Society of New Zealand. It is confidently expected that the incoming year will bring more and more successes. The syllabus attached provides for five lectures, and one meeting night has been reserved for original papers by members. Two evenings have been left open, but several person have yet to be approached, and a well-balanced programme for the year should result.