The Maori Court has again resumed its erstwhile pleasing appearance. The thanks of the Institute are due to Sir Frank Mappin, to Mrs. H. W. Shove, and to the Dilworth Trust Board for providing safe accommodation for the books and collections. The public lectures, both evening and Sunday afternoon, have been revived in full and have received a full measure of public interest and support. Staff: The Director, Lieut.-Colonel Gilbert Archey, was released from military service in July and returned at once to his duties at the Museum. Mr. E. G. Turbott, Assistant Zoologist, proceeded on overseas military service in the same month. The resignation of Mr. Edwin Leece, who was mechanic to the Museum since 1928, is recorded with regret. Miss Lucy M. Cranwell, Botanist to the Museum, was married in September to Major S. Watson Smith, of the Army of the United States. In February she resigned in order to join her husband at Washington. By her resignation the Museum has lost the services of a distinguished scientist. Since her appointment in August, 1929, she has done excellent work in the care, extension, and development of the Cheeseman herbarium aud in the general duties incidental to her office; in addition by her writings and lectures and by her interest in and enthusiasm for the annual Cheeseman Native Flower Show she did much, to create public interest in the Museum and in botanical science. She was an assiduous collector of botanical specimens both in New Zealand and in other countries. During her vacations she undertook important research on the pollen grains found in swamp deposits; in New Zealand and in Sweden with Professor L. Von Post and in Hawaii with Professor C. Skottsberg. The Loder Cup “to encourage the production and cultivation of the incomparable flora of the Dominion” was awarded to her in 1937. Last year in collaboration with Captain Josiah E. Green, of the United States Marine Corps, and Mr. A. W. B. Powell, she prepared the booklet “Food Is Where you Find It” for the use of airmen and others who may be cast away on the Pacific Islands. The publication has needed four impressions (23,000 copies) for service requirements. Membership: The membership of the Institute at the beginning of the year was 565. Of these we have lost 20 by death or resignation and 12 by deletion from the membership roll. Thirty-two ordinary and six life members were elected during the year. The roll, which includes five members of the United States Armed Forces, now stands at 571, of whom 174 are Life Members. Obituary: The death of the following members is recorded with sincere regret:—Mrs. J. Kenderdine, Sir H. Horton, Dr. W. H. Horton, Dr. S. Stride, Hon. O. F. Nelson, Messrs. W. J. Bridson, J. Dempsey, H. R. Dix, R. L. Stewart, A. Suter and E. C. Turner. Honours: Congratulations are extended to Dr. L. H. Briggs for the award of the Hector Medal by the Royal Society of New Zealand, and to Mr. C. A. Fleming on receiving the Hamilton Prize. The awards were conferred by Dr. H. H. Allan, President of the Royal Society, at a meeting at which Dr. Briggs delivered a public lecture on Hormones of Animals and Plants. Council: The Council held six meetings during the year, all of which were well attended. Finance: Revenue for the year showed an improvement through a batis-factory increase in members' subscriptions and the sale of publications, which are being freely purchased by United States servicemen; the return from investments is lower than in former years. Expenditure on insurances has again been high, but will be less in the coming year; salaries and wages have also increased through the additional help required for returning the collections to the Museum. General expenses have been slightly lower and it has been possible to transfer £200 to the war coutingencies reserve. The amount carried forward, £1,108, is the customary provision for April and May, which produce no revenue. Public Activities: The Council has joined with the University College, Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, Auckland Botanical Society, Alpine Sports Club and The Auckland Tramping Club in seeking representation of scientific and educational interests on the Auckland Centennial Memorial Park Board. It has also co-operated with the Society of Arts in urging-the preservation of trees on State-housing subdivision districts. The representations made in this behalf were welcomed by the housing authorities. An appeal has been