Practically no action has been taken in regard to the renovation of the galleries of the building. Action has been constantly urged, but it is now stated that there is some difference of opinion as to the surface treatment that the walls should be given. The Government Architect has now reported on the matter to the Prime Minister, and it is expected that the matter will be dealt with at the meeting that has been called for Friday, May 14, 1948. P. Marshall W. P. Evans Representatives on the Board of Trustees. Professor Richardson stated that during the last twelve months little actual constructional work had been done to restore the Museum to public use, and he doubted if it would be ready for another two years. Dr. Falla said that within the last week at a meeting of the Board of Trustees the Prime Minister had given an assurance that the work would be speeded up. After many expressions of disappointment that the Museum was still denied to the public, on the motion of Mr. Pyeroft, seconded by Mr. Callaghan, it was resolved: “That this Council urges the Government to complete the restoration of the Museum in order that it may be ready for the Royal visit and the Pacific Science Congress by the end of this calendar year.” Tongariro National Park Board. On the motion of Professor Richardson, the report of the representative on the Tongariro National Park Board (Dr. P. Marshall) was adopted. Tongariro National Park Board—Report of Representative. The Park Board has held only one meeting during the year. The following rest houses have been approved:— The Aorangi Club has erected a reconstructed army hut 300 yards south-east of the Salt hut. The Tongariro Club has a temporary hut one mile south of the Salt hut. No definite observations have been made on the growth of heather on the north-west side of the Park, but a member of the Board says that it “seemed to be increasing.” The white heather that was once very abundant on the north-east side is definitely decreasing, though outside the Park itself it has increased. The Chateau is expected to open in June. The present activity at Ngaruhoe, which is really its normal condition, has not affected the Chateau. P. Marshall, 10th May. 1948.Representative on Park Board Great Barrier Reef Committee. Dr. Oliver moved the adoption of his report as representative on the Great Barrier Reef Committee, seconded by Mr. Pycroft, and carried. Great Barrier Reef Committec—Report of Representative. Two meetings of the Committee were held in 1947. Messrs. O. A. Jones and W. Boardman visited the reef in the s.s. Cape Leeuwin calling at a number of islands. Their report to the Committee states that there were eight distinct types of islands in the reef and these types have a definite geographical distribution. Mr. Rayner gave an account to the Committee of the application of geophysical methods to the problems of the Great Barrier Reef. A letter was forwarded to the Commonwealth Government pointing out the value of a geophysical survey of the reef. A reply was received stating that some investigations would be carried out in 1948. Professor H. C. Richards, Chairman of the Committee since its inauguration, died during the year. Dr. E. O. Marks was appointed Chairman, and Professor W. H. Bryan deputy Chairman. The University of Queensland was establishing on Heron Island a marine biology station. The work was well under way. The financial statement shows a balance of £1.772 13s Id, of which £1,300 is in bonds. W. R. B. Oliver, 3rd May, 1948.Representative on Committee.