petuate his memory in a suitable manner will be brought up at the annual meeting.

Two years ago the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury took the initiative in the matter of instituting the Hutton Memorial Research Fund. The New Zealand Institute set up a committee, consisting of Drs. Chilton (convener) and Cockayne, Messrs. R. M. Laing and Speight, to deal with the question and to report. That committee was reappointed at the last annual meeting, when general and also detailed regulations were submitted and agreed to. It will be necessary for this coming meeting to determine when the fund shall become operative.

The members now on the roll of the various incorporated societies are as follows: Auckland Institute, 164; Wellington Philosophical Society, 101; Philosophical Institute of Canterbury, 147; Otago Institute, 116; Hawke's Bay Philosophical Institute, 46; Nelson Institute, 30; Westland Institute, 46; Manawatu Philosophical Institute, 63: total, 713.

Transactions.—The volumes of Transactions at present on hand are—Vol. I (second edition), 315; Vol. V, 31; Vol. VI, 22; Vol. VII, 144; Vol. IX, 215; Vol. X, 139; Vol. XI, 392; Vol. XII, 305; Vol. XIII, 142; Vol. XIV, 107; Vol. XV, 280; Vol. XVI, 270; Vol. XVII, 530; Vol. XVIII, 308; Vol. XIX, 555; Vol. XX, 452; Vol. XXI, 454; Vol. XXII, 560; Vol. XXIII, 570; Vol. XXIV, 670; Vol. XXV, 626; Vol. XXVI, 613; Vol. XXVII, 605; Vol. XXVIII, 688; Vol. XXIX, 591; Vol. XXX, 685; Vol. XXXI, 695; Vol. XXXII, 518; Vol. XXXIII, 611; Vol. XXXIV, 564; Vol. XXXV, 526; Vol. XXXVI, 686; Vol. XXXVII, 604; Vol. XXXVIII, 750.

The volume just published, Vol. XXXIX, contains 576 pages and 26 plates, in addition to a photograph and an “In memoriam” notice of the late Sir Walter Buller. The contents of the last two volumes are compared as follows:—

The whole of the work was done, as formerly, at the Government Printing Office. It is matter for regret that, owing to

the pressure at the office, the publication of the last volume was delayed so late in the year.

Three years ago the New Zealand Institute obtained permission from the Colonial Secretary to store back numbers of the Transactions in the cellar of the Library in the Parliamentary Buildings. There are now about fifteen thousand volumes stored there. Fortunately, in the great conflagration which recently destroyed the greater part of those buildings the Library was saved, and the volumes are not damaged.

Carter Bequest.—The amount standing to the credit of the fund on the 31st December, 1907, was £2,617 11s. 10d. In addition, there is a quantity of scrip in the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company at face value. The money is invested by the Public Trustee, and is earning interest at the rate of 4 per cent. per annum. This fund represents a bequest by the late C. R. Carter to the New Zealand Institute for the purpose of establishing an astronomical observatory. The fund has been accumulating for some years, and on the 31st December last was as stated above.

Financial.—Herewith is presented the balance-sheet for the year just ended. From this it will be seen that the credit balance amounts to £361 5s. 11d.

The President referred to the death of Sir James Hector, and moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Stewart, and carried unanimously, the members standing: “That the Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute desires to express its profound regret at the great loss sustained by the scientific world through the death of the late President, Sir James Hector. By his own researches in geology, zoology, and botany in the Dominion of New Zealand he added greatly to the knowledge of those branches of science; as head of the Geological Survey, of the Meteorological Department, and of the Colonial Laboratory, and as Director of the Colonial Museum, he was the scientific adviser of successive Governments for a long period of years; while as Chancellor of the New Zealand University he was closely associated with the highest education of the Dominion. The Board wishes to express its high appreciation of these eminent services to science, especially in New Zealand. That a copy of this resolution be sent to Lady Hector.”

The annual report and annual statement of receipts and expenditure were read and adopted.

Mr. Hamilton moved, and Dr. Farr seconded, “That the matter of obtaining 4 ½ per cent. instead of 4 per cent. for money deposited with the Public Trustee in the Carter bequest be remitted to the Treasurer.” Carried.

Librarian's Report.—The Librarian's report, as follows, was read and adopted:—

The Honorary Librarian reports that the number of pieces received during the year as exchanges and presentations number 737. Large numbers of duplicates which remained after Mr. Ross had picked out the most complete set for binding have been sorted and arranged under their respective countries.

There is still a very large number of publications in languages other than English not sorted or arranged.

A great deal of binding is still necessary, and modern book-cases arranged in bays would be much more useful than the present system of shelving.

Very little use has been made of the library, the number of entries by those taking books being only seventy-eight.

No progress has been made with the card catalogue.

Carter Library.—None of the books reported last year as missing have been recovered.

The storage of the stock of the Transactions must be seen to, as there are now in the Museum building three years' accumulation to be transferred to the cellar of the Parliamentary Buildings. A steel embossed stamp has been provided, and will be used in future for the books, as being much superior to the old rubber stam, and it is suggested that when the ownership question is determined a book-plate shall be pasted in each volume.

One of the Museum rooms has been set aside temporarily for the papers, &c., of the New Zealand Institute, and the parcels of the original papers for the whole of the thirty-nine vears have been collected and freshly tied up.

I suggest that some members of the Council be appointed to act on its behalf in an examination of the books in the library, as it is found that the stamps have been applied erratically in the past, and that all three stamps—Institute, Museum, and Philosophical Society—may be found in one set of books. The Philosophical Institute have already appointed a representative to act in this matter.

It is very desirable that the present exchange list should be carefully revised, with a view to giving a more definite character to the collection in the New Zealand Institute library.

I also recommend that in future two books instead of one be used for recording books taken out of the library of the Institute and the library of the Wellington Philosophical Society by members.

A. Hamilton, Librarian.

The Board of Governor received a deputation, consisting of Messrs T. R. Fleming and H. D. Bell, members of Victoria College Council, and Mr. C. P. Powles, Secretary of the Council, which urged upon the Board the necessity of establishing an astronomical observatory on a site on the Victoria College grounds, and of handing over the Carter Bequest funds to the College for this purpose. The President expressed pleasure to the deputation at its attendance. Mr. Fleming suitably replied. The deputation then withdrew.

Mr. Hamilton moved, and Mr. Chapman seconded, “That a committee be appointed to act on behalf of the Institute in an examination of the books in the library, with a view to determining their ownership. “Carried.”

Mr. Hamilton moved, and Mr. Hill seconded, “That Professors Benham, Chilton, and Easterfield, and Mr. Chapman, with the mover, be a committee to examine the books in the library, in conjunction with representatives appointed by the other bodies interested, to determine the ownership question.” Carried.

Mr. Chapman moved, and Mr. Young seconded, “That the Board will agree to the expenditure of the Carter bequest in the purchase, erection, &c., of an astronomical telescope and accessories, as proposed by the deputation from the Victoria College, and allow the same to be under the control of the governing body of the College, on the following conditions: (1) That the observatory and other necessary buildings be erected out of other funds; (2) that a professor of astronomy and staff be appointed and maintained by the Victoria College out of funds other than the Carter bequest; (3) that the Board be advised that the expenditure is legal.” Carried.

Mr. Hamilton moved, and Mr. Young seconded, “That a committee be appointed carefully to revise the exchange list, and to report to the next annual meeting on the library and the present state of the collections.” Carried.

Mr. Hamilton moved, and Mr. Young seconded, “That the same committee as in the previous case be appointed to revise the exchange list.” Carried.

Mr. Petrie moved, and Mr. Tregear seconded, “That Mr. T. F. Cheeseman's name be added to the previous committee.” Carried.

Mr. Hamilton moved, and Professor Chilton seconded, “That the volumes of the Transactions not required at present be stored with the earlier volumes in the Parliamentary Library.” Carried.

Mr. Chapman moved, and Professor Easterfied seconded, “That the stored numbers of the Transactions be insured.” Carried.

Mr. Chapman moved, and Mr. Hamilton seconded, “That the amount of such insurance be £500.” Carried.

Mr. Hill moved, and Mr. Young seconded, “That the books belonging to the New Zealand Institute now stored in the Museum buildings be insured for a sum not exceeding £2,000, at a rate to be approved by the Library Committee.” Carried.

Report of Publication Committee and of Editor.—The Publication Committee's report was read and adopted. The Editor's report was also read and received. The Publication Committee's report was as follows:—

The Publication Committee report that they held three meetings for the consideration of various matters connected with the Transactions. Two papers were referred back to their authors for revision and alteration of plates, and the committee suggest that authors be requested to make their papers as concise as possible.

At the annual meeting of the New Zealand Institute the Publication Committee were requested to draw up a series of “hints for authors” for the information of members of the Institute. A copy of this circular has been placed at the beginning of each volume of the Transactions.

The question of printing the Proceedings in pamphlet form during the course of the session, together with abstracts of scientific papers relating to various branches of science in the colony, was referred to the committee. The committee have considered the matter, and they are of the opinion that it would be highly desirable to have summaries of scientific papers appearing in various publications prepared for circulation, provided that experts in each branch of science would undertake to provide the proposed abstracts, and if they were done on the same lines as the “International Rules of Botanical Nomenclature” prepared by Mr. Maiden, in the last volume of the “Journal of the Royal Society of New South Wales.”

With regard to the publication during the course of the session of the Proceedings of the various societies, the committee is of opinion that the local Press usually publish all the information which it would be desirable to print for distribution.

Taking into consideration the cost of printing the plates and tables, the committee decided not to publish in the volume the seismological returns, and, in accordance with the views of the Council expressed at the last annual meeting, it suggested to the Government that the seismological returns be published in the Gazette.

Mr. Hamilton moved, and Mr. Petrie seconded, “That a committee be set up to go into the matter of the delay in the issue of the 39th volume of the Transactions; to interview the Government Printer and the Minister, if necessary, and to report to the Standing Committee.” Carried.

Mr. Hamilton moved, and Professor Easterfield seconded, “That the committee consist of the President, Dr. Farr, Professor Chilton, Professor Benham, and Mr. Stewart.” Carried.

Mr. Hamilton moved, and Mr. Young seconded, “That the Board of Governors appoint a committee to make arrangements for the preparation of an index to the forty volumes of the ‘Transactions of the New Zealand Institute,’ the index to cover author's index, subject index, index of plates and figures, and to include the Proceedings as well as the Transactions; and that the Government be asked to make a grant for the printing of the index.” Carried.

Mr. Hamilton moved, and Mr. Gill seconded, “That the President and Professors Benham, Easterfield, and Chilton be the committee to make arrangements for the preparation of an index to the forty volumes of the Transactions.” Carried.

Proposed by Mr. Hamilton, seconded by Dr. Chilton, “That the 41st volume be the first of a new series. That the 41st volume consist of two separately published parts: Part I to contain the scientific papers, plates, and index: Part II to contain—(a) Annual address of the President of the Institute; (b) the Proceedings of the societies and presidential addresses; (c) short abstracts of papers not printed in full; (d) summaries of scientific papers appearing in other publications on matters of interest to New Zealand science, prepared by specialists, and lists of the scientific publications issued by the Departments of Agriculture, Chemistry, &c., during the year; (e) instructions to writers of papers; (f) report of the annual meeting of the Institute, with balance-sheets; (g) the New Zealand Institute Act; (h) regulations of the Hutton Memorial Fund, annual report of the same, report on the Hector Memorial Fund, report on Carter bequest; (i) obituary notices of honorary members and members of local societies; (j) meteorological returns and diagrams; (k) seismological returns and diagrams.” Carried.

Mr. Hamilton moved, and Mr. Petrie seconded, “That it be an instruction to the Editor of the Transactions to follow the rules of botanical nomenclature agreed upon at the Vienna Congress of 1905 in the printing of the ‘Transactions of the New Zealand Institute.’” Carried. A letter, dated Auckland, the 13th January, 1908, from Mr. T. F. Cheeseman, bearing on this subject, was received.

Mr. Hamilton moved, and Mr. Chapman seconded, “That the Board take into consideration the question of the advisableness of reprinting papers which have appeared in the Transactions.” Carried.

Hutton Memorial Fund.—Professor Chilton read the report and statement of receipts and expenditure of the Hutton Memorial Research Fund Committee, as follows. The report and statement were adopted:—

The committee begs to submit a statement of the receipts and expenditure in connection with the fund, which shows that since the last report was made further subscriptions to the amount of £12 9s. have been received, and the sum of £18 1s. 5d. earned as interest, and that the amount now standing to the credit of the fund is £663 2s. 3d. The bulk of this is at present deposited in the Post-Office Savings-Bank, but the committee recommends that arrangements for more profitable investment be made without delay.

No application for grants from the fund have been received by the committee, probably because the regulations dealing with the matter were not published in the “Transactions of the New Zealand Institute”; the committee therefore recommends that the interest at present accrued be added to the principal.

The committee also suggests that until the fund reaches the sum of £1,000 a small proportion of the interest—say, 1 per cent. of the amount invested—be added to the capital every year.

Full instructions have been sent to London for the striking of the Hutton Memorial Medal, and Professor Arthur Dendy, of King's College, London, has kindly undertaken to attend to the matter on behalf of the committee, and it is hoped that copies of the medal will be received before long.

The committee is of opinion that it is now necessary to make some arrangements for awarding the medal, and begs to suggest that a small committee be formed of persons living outside New Zealand who are conversant with the science of geology, zoology, and botany, and that they be asked to make suggestions to the Board of Governors from time to time as to the person who in their opinion is best entitled to receive the medal.

On behalf of the committee,

C. Chilton, Hon. Treasurer.

persons or committees who require assistance in prosecuting researches in the zoology, botany, or geology of New Zealand.

8. There shall be published annually in the “Transactions of the New Zealand Institute” the regulations adopted by the Board as aforesaid, a list of the recipients of the Hutton Memorial Medal, a list of the persons to whom grants have been made during the previous year, and also, where possible, an abstract of researches made by them.

Regulations under which the Hutton Memorial Medal shall be awarded and the Research Fund administered:—

1. Unless in exceptional circumstances, the Hutton Memorial Medal shall be awarded not oftener than once in every three years; and in no case shall any medal be awarded unless, in the opinion of the Board, some contribution really deserving of the honour has been made.

2. The medal shall not be awarded for any research published previous to the 31st December, 1906.

3. The research for which the medal is awarded must have a distinct bearing on New Zealand zoology, botany, or geology.

4. The medal shall be awarded only to those who have received the greater part of their education in New Zealand or who have resided in New Zealand for not less than ten years.

5. Whenever possible, the medal shall be presented in some public manner.

6. The Board of Governors may, at any annual meeting, make grants from the accrued interest of the fund to any person, society, or committee for the encouragement of research in New Zealand zoology, botany, or geology.

7. Applications for such grants shall be made to the Board before the 30th September.

8. In making such grants the Board of Governors shall give preference to such persons as are defined in regulation 4.

9. The recipients of such grants shall report to the Board before the 31st December in the year following, showing in a general way how the grant has been expended and what progress has been made with the research.

10. The results of researches aided by grants from the fund shall, where possible, be published in New Zealand.

11. The Board of Governors may from time to time amend or alter the regulations, such amendments or alterations being in all cases in conformity with resolutions 1 to 4.

Professor Chilton moved, and Professor Benham seconded, “That until the Hutton Memorial Fund reaches the sum of £1,000 not less than 1 per cent. on the capital invested be added each year to the principal.” Carried.

Professor Chilton moved, and Mr. Hill seconded, “That the Board of Governors from time to time request a committee, consisting of a zoologist, a botanist, and a geologist, resident outside New Zealand, to suggest the name of some person as a suitable recipient of the Hutton Memorial Medal.” Carried.

Professor Chilton moved, and Professor Benham seconded, “That Professor T. W. E. David, Professor W. A. Haswell, and Mr. J. H. Maiden, of Sydney, be asked to act as the committee defined in the preceding resolution.” Carried.

Professor Easterfield moved, and Mr. Hamilton seconded, “That a committee of the Institute be appointed to co-operate with the committees already moving in the direction of collecting funds for a memorial to the late Sir James Hector, in order that a suitable memorial may be established.” Carried.

The Secretary read the following letter received from Dr. Otto Klotz, of Ottawa, Canada, an honorary member of the New Zealand Institute:—

Dear Sir,—Ottawa, Canada, 7th November, 1907.

I have just seen in the telegraphic despatches that Sir James Hector has passed away, and I hasten to pay my tribute of respect and admiration for him who has “crossed the bar.” To me it was a great privilege to have made the personal acquaintance of Sir James in Fiji in 1903, and later to have been welcomed at his home in New Zealand.

For us in Canada Sir James has left an indelible mark by his services in connection with the Palliser expedition of 1857–60; and though his work is more enduring than granite, yet some of his friends here have erected a shaft to his memory near the summit of the Rocky Mountains, which he knew so well.

To the world, however, his subsequent labours for fully twoscore years in his adopted home—New Zealand—are best known. Fortunate indeed it was for New Zealand that Dr. Hector turned his face from the Northern to the Southern Hemisphere, and devoted his life to the development of that land, so richly endowed by nature. One can truthfully say that Dr. Hector was your Nestor of science. In those early days, when science was not so differentiated as it is to-day, there was scarcely a branch, be it in geology, astronomy, natural history, othnology, or meteorology, in which he did not take an active and enthusiastic part. Men of such many-sided parts are now difficult to find. To me the name “Hector” seems graven over the country from the North Cape to the Bluff.

Valuable as have been the services of many other distinguished men in connection with the New Zealand Institute, yet the name of him for whom we to-day mourn must ever be the prominent one for many years after its foundation. As His Excellency the Governor, Sir George F. Bowen, said in his inaugural address in August, 1868, “The Government has been very fortunate in securing for this important office the proved ability and judgement, the wide experience, and the untiring energy of Dr. Hector, F.R.S. It is to him we are mainly indebted for the valuable collections of art and science already accumulated in these halls.”

New Zealand has lost one of her great men, and the scientific world one of her most conspicuous and earnest workers.

In spirit I lay a laurel wreath on his grave.

Yours, &c., Otto Klotz.

Secretary, New Zealand Institute, Wellington, New Zealand.

Professor Easterfield moved, and Mr. Hamilton seconded, “That the committee referred to in the previous minute consist of Professor Benham, Dr. L. Cockayne, Messrs. Chapman, Petrie, Speight, Gill, and the mover.” Carried.

Correspondence.—A letter, dated Wellington, the 29th January, 1907, from Mr. Henry H. Travers, was read, asking the Institute to arrange for the publication of a “Manual of New

Zealand Birds,” to be prepared by him. The letter was received.

Election of Officers.— The following officers were elected: President—Mr. G. M. Thomson, F.L.S.; Treasurer—Mr. Martin Chapman, K.C.

At this stage Dr. Farr moved, and Professor Chilton seconded, “That it is not competent for members of the Board of Governors to hold any paid office under the Board.” The motion was carried on division, two members refraining from voting.

The election of officers was then again proceeded with.

Professor Easterfield moved, and Mr. Chapman seconded, “That Mr. Thomas King be appointed Secretary, at a remuneration of £25 per annum.” Carried.

The following officers were elected: Editor of Transactions—Mr. G. M. Thomson; Librarian—Mr. A. Hamilton; Publishing Committee—Professor Chilton, Professor Benham, Dr. Farr, and the Editor.

Honorary Members.—The following gentlemen were elected honorary members of the Institute: Dr. L. Diels, of Berlin; Rev. T. R. R. Stebbing, F.R.S., of Ephraim Lodge, The Common, Tunbridge Wells; Mr. E. Meyrick, B.A., F.R.S., F.Z.S., F.E.S., of Thornhanger, Marlborough, Wilts (Marlborough College, Wilts).

Mr. Hamilton moved, and Professor Benham seconded, “That the 40th volume of the Transactions include a list of past Presidents and honorary members.” Carried.

Mr. Wilson moved, and Mr. Hamilton seconded, “That the Secretary be directed to send to each of the affiliated societies a copy of the minutes of this meeting.” Carried.

Professor Benham moved, and Dr. Farr seconded, “That the minutes of the present meeting be printed in the forthcoming volume of the Transactions (Vol. XL).” Carried.

Dr. Farr moved, and Mr. Hamilton seconded, “That the Institute learns with surprise that there are no proper arrangements for the distribution of accurate time at the important port of Auckland, and strongly urges the Government to consider and carry out whatever is necessary for the regular dropping of a time-ball there.” Carried.

The Board went into committee to consider the financial position of the Institute.

The Board resumed.

Professor Chilton moved, and Dr. Farr seconded, “That the hearty thanks of the Institute be accorded to Mr. Hamilton for his valuable services as Editor during the last four years.” Carried.