Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors,
20th May, 1931.

Dr E. Kidson was elected and that three others tied for second place. A second ballot resulted in Dr D. Miller being elected. Dr E. Kidson and Dr D. Miller were therefore announced duly elected to the Fellowship.

Hector Award: The President then opened the sealed envelope containing the report of the Hector Award Committee as follows:—

“The Committee has considered the claims of the New Zealand chemists in connection with the award of the Hector Medal and Prize for 1931. The Committee is unanimously of the opinion that the medal should be awarded to Dr W. P. Evans, who through many years of study of the New Zealand coals in their chemical, physical, botanical, and geological relationship, and through the stimulating influence he has exerted upon a large number of chemical students, has done so much to advance the science of Chemistry in New Zealand.”

(Signed)

B. C. Aston

P. W. Robertson.

Thomas H. Easterfield

The report was adopted.

Amount of Hector Award: On the motion of Mr Eliott, seconded by Professor Park, it was resolved that the amount of the Hector Prize be £60.

Declaration of Vacancies in Honorary Members' List: One vacancy occasioned by the death of Sir W. T. Thistelton-Dyer was declared.

Incorporated Societies' Reports and Balance Sheets: With the exception of the report and balance sheet of Manawatu Philosophical Society, and the report of Hawke's Bay Philosophical Institute, the reports and balance sheets of all incorporated societies were laid on the table and were referred to the Hon. Treasurer for report. It was explained that the balance sheet of the Hawke's Bay Philosophical Institute had been recovered, but the report had been destroyed in the recent earthquake and fire in Napier.

Report of the Standing Committee for the Period ended 31st March, 1931.

Meetings: Eight meetings of the Standing Committee were held during the period under review, the attendance being as follows:—Dr Farr (President), Christchurch, 6; Mr Aston, Wellington, 8; Dr Cockayne, Ngaio, 5; Mr Eliott, Palmerston North, 4; Mr Hudson, Wellington, 8; Professor Kirk, Wellington, 4; Dr Marsden, Wellington, 5; Mr Oliver, Wellington, 7; Hon. G. M. Thomson, Dunedin, 1.

The Late Mr A. M. Wright: News of the death of the late Mr A. M. Wright two days after the last Annual Meeting, which he attended, came as a great shock to members. At a meeting of the Standing Committee in February the following resolution was carried:—

“That this meeting learns with great regret of the sudden death of Mr A. M. Wright, F.I.C., and desires to place on record its sense of the valuable work he did in the interests of the New Zealand Institute, and the chemical investigation of problems associated with the frozen meat industry of this Dominion.”

A copy of this resolution was forwarded to Mrs Wright, and it was also published in the press.

Carter Bequest: A meeting of the Carter Bequest Committee consisting of Professor Kirk (convener), Dr Farr, Mr Aston, and Mr Hudson, was held on the 3rd April, 1930. Dr Adams was present by invitation.

It was decided to ask the Crown Law Office to draft a Bill to give effect to the decision of the Board of Governors in January, 1929, but before approaching the Crown Law Office, to inform the City Council of the Institute's intention and ask whether, when an Act was obtained, the Council would transfer to the Institute as Carter Observatory Trustees a site of one quarter of an acre in the position already agreed upon and would donate the telescope or sell it to the Trustees at a price not exceeding £500.

A letter to this effect was written to the Mayor of Wellington on the 3rd April, a copy of the letter being sent to the New Zealand Astronomical Society. On the 17th April, the Town Clerk replied that the letter would be placed before the Observatory Committee at an early date. On the 3rd November, the Town Clerk informed the Institute that the recommendations of the Observatory Committee and the Reserves Committee on the matter were reported to the Council, but consideration of same had been deferred pending a report from the City Engineer regarding a proposed road adjoining the site in question.

Science Congress, 1931: The Standing Committee was empowered by last Annual Meeting to inquire into the possibility of the next Science Congress being held in Napier. In July, the Hawke's Bay Philosophical Institute wrote regretting that it was unable to undertake the organisation of the Science Congress. No further action was taken.

T. K. Sidey Summer Time Fund: In April, Dr Cockayne and Professor Kirk were asked to suggest a design for the proposed Summer Time Medal. They suggested that the obverse side should bear the donor in profile, and that on the reverse side the design should represent the sun's rays from above with the sun's disc or portion of it, while below on each side should be representations of Demeter and Hygeia. These suggestions were approved by members of the Standing Committee and by Sir Thomas Sidey, and instructions were accordingly sent to Mr A. G. Wyon on the 5th May. On the 7th August the design for the medal was received from Mr Wyon, and with a slight alteration was approved at a meeting of the Standing Committee held on the 24th September. Mr Wyon undertook to have the medals ready by May.

Sir Thomas Sidey, in fulfilment of his promise to donate the medal, forwarded his cheque for £120 to cover the cost of it.

The committee set up at last Annual Meeting to revise one of the Regulations affecting the Summer Time Award, reports as follows:—

“I have to report that it has been impossible to obtain a full meeting of the Committee; but I have communicated with the members by correspondence, and find that there is considerable difference of opinion as to whether or not applications for the award shall be called by public advertisement.”

As a compromise I suggest the following regulation:—

“Applications for the award shall be called by public advertisement, and applicants shall be invited to submit a thesis specially prepared on the subject of the award, or the applicants may submit papers already published. The Board shall elect a Committee of not less than three experts to make recommendations regarding the award, and where the subject has a medical bearing, expert medical opinion on the value of the thesis or publications shall be obtained. In making the award, however, the Board shall not be limited to persons who have made application.”

(Signed)

E. Marsden

Dominion Muscum: On the 2nd April, a deputation of members of the Standing Committee and others waited upon the Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs to protest against the proposed site on Mount Cook, and also against the proposed allocation of funds in the building of the Dominion Museum and National Art Gallery It was pointed out that it was an integral part of the

Change of Names of Incorporated Societies: Mr Oliver stated that the reason for the suggested change of titles of incorporated societies was that it would bring the New Zealand Institute into greater prominence, and that uniformity of title would give a truer conception of what the New Zealand Institute is and of the local societies' connection with it. The suggestion was that the societies should be known as local branches of the New Zealand Institute; for instance, the Wellington Philosophical Society should be known as “New Zealand Institute: Wellington Branch.”

The opinions of the various societies on the matter were read, and after a good deal of discussion it was moved by Dr Marsden, seconded by Mr Eliott, and carried:—“That the Board of Governors agrees to any steps necessary in connection with the change of designation of any of the incorporated societies to that of local branches of the New Zealand Institute.”

Fellowship New Zealand Institute and National Research Council.

A committee consisting of the President (Dr Farr), Hon. G. M. Thomson, Mr Oliver (convener), and Dr Marsden, was set up to report on the proposed National Research Council and on the Fellowship of the New Zealand Institute.

A meeting of the committee was held in the Dominion Museum on 31st March, 1931, when there were present Dr Marsden, Hon. G. M. Thomson, and Mr Oliver (convener).

The following resolutions were adopted:—

• 1. That the Fellows of the New Zealand Institute constitute the National Research Council.

• 2. That the election to Fellowship be in two groups:

  • (a) Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics.

  • (b) Biology, Medicine, and all other sciences.

• 3. That two Fellows from each group be elected each year until the total number of Fellows is 50.

• 4. That the Committee recommends that the New Zealand Institute impress upon the Government the necessity for obtaining the best scientific advice on all questions of policy.

The above resolutions have been submitted to Dr Farr, who is in agreement with them.

The adoption of the report of the committee on these subjects was moved by Mr Oliver and seconded by the Hon. G. M. Thomson. It was, however, resolved that the report be considered clause by clause. A good deal of discussion took place on the various clauses, and finally it was decided that:—

Clause 1 be: “That the Fellows of the New Zealand Institute with power to co-opt constitute the National Research Council.”

Clause 2 be: “That the election to Fellowship be in two groups:

(a) Physics, chemistry, mathematics, geo-physics, meteorology, and astronomy.

(b) Biology, geology, medicine, and all other sciences.” Clause 3 be: “That at least one Fellow from each group be elected each year until the total number of Fellows is 50.”

On the motion of Mr Aston, seconded by Professor Easterfield, it was resolved that the report of the Fellowship and National Research Council as amended be referred to the incorporated societies and to the next Annual Meeting.

Summer Time Award Regulation: The recommendation of the convener of the Summer Time Award Committee was that Clause 6 of the Regulations be as follows:—

“Applications for the award shall be called by public advertisement, and applicants shall be invited to submit a thesis specially prepared on the subject of the award, or the applicants may submit papers already published. The Board shall elect a committee of not less than three experts to make recommendations regarding the award, and where the subject has a medical bearing, expert medical opinion on the value of the theses or publications shall be obtained. In making the award, however, the Board shall not be limited to persons who have made applications.”

(Signed)

E. Marsden

After much discussion of the foregoing recommendation, it was finally resolved on the motion of Professor Easterfield, seconded by Dr Marsden: “That the fact that an award of the prize and medal is to be made shall be announced in the principal papers of the Dominion not less than six months before the making of the award. Theses and copies of published work may be forwarded to the secretary, and will be considered together with any other evidence which is in possession of the Board. Expert opinion shall be obtained on the matter of any piece of work before it is finally accepted for the reception of the prize.”

On the motion of Dr Marsden, seconded by Professor Worley, it was resolved that an announcement be made of notice of intention to award the Sidey Medal on 1st January, 1932, should a candidate of sufficient merit be available.

Honorary Treasurer's Report.

The Balance Sheet for the 15 months ended 31st March, 1931, shows a debit balance of £38 6s 2d, as compared with a debit balance of £287 19s 8d on the 31st December, 1929.

The old amount due to the Government Printer has been reduced from £521 9s 7d to £147 13s 3d. This balance still owing is all made up by interest, and it could therefore well be written off by the Government, particularly in view of our lessened grant.

Since the close of our financial year, advice has been received that our Statutory Grant has been reduced from £1500 to £750. This drastic cut will necessitate a very material reduction in our printing estimates for the coming year. The utmost that appears available for printing the Transactions will be £500. It will be necessary, therefore, to reduce the number of papers and size of the next Volume considerably.

The Trust Accounts maintain their customary satisfactory condition. The Carter Bequest capital now totals £8,256.

The books and accounts have as usual been kept in an excellent manner by the Assistant Secretary.

(Signed)

M. A. Eliorr

New Zealand Institute.
Statement of Receipts and Expenditure for the Fifteen Months Ended 31st March, 1931.

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M. A. Eliott

The Audit Office having examined the Balance Sheet and accompanying Accounts required by law to be audited, hereby certifies them to be correct

G. F. C. Campbell

New Zealand Institute.
Statement of Liabilities and Assets as at 31st March, 1931.

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New Zealand Institute.
Revenue Account for the Fifteen Months Ended 31st March, 1931.

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New Zealand Institute Trust Accounts.
Revenue Accounts.

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The Honorary Treasurer moved the adoption of the various financial statements, seconded by Professor Park, and carried.

It was resolved that in view of the reduction in the Institute's grant, the Prime Minister be approached regarding the wiping out of the debt to the Government Printer.

Report of the Publication Committee.

The general conditions of financial stringency have much hindered the publication of the Transactions during the past year.

The last part of Volume 60 was issued in March, 1930, completing a volume of 665 pages with 63 plates. Part 4 contained 145 pages and 4 plates.

Of Volume 61, Parts 1 and 2 were each of normal size; Part 1 contained 215 pages and 38 plates, Part 2 contained 224 pages and 39 plates. The remainder of the volume had to be compressed into one small double-part of 126 pages with 24 plates, making a total for the volume of 566 pages and 91 plates. This was issued in November, 1930.

Since then, publication of the Transactions has been unfortunately suspended, pending the decision of the Government with regard to the Annual Grant. The reduction from £1500 to £750, which has now come into effect, will severely cripple the activities of the Institute, and a much reduced volume will result.

Part 1 of Volume 62, which is now being printed by Messrs Ferguson & Osborn, Ltd., will be a small part of 77 pages. A new tender from the Otago Daily Times has been accepted to publish the remainder of this volume.

It will be necessary for authors to give the most careful consideration to the condensation of their papers and reduce the number of illustrations to a minimum.

For the Publication Committee.

D. M. Y. Sommerville

In presenting the report of the Publications Committee, the Hon. Editor stressed the necessity of authors curtailing the length of their papers, and suggested that in papers where there are many illustrations, authors should be asked to contribute towards the cost of the illustrations. The report was adopted. On the motion of Dr Marsden, seconded by the Hon. G. M. Thomson, it was resolved to circulate the report to the incorporated societies.

Transfer of Printing to Dunedin: It was reported that tenders had been called from all the large printing firms in New Zealand, and the lowest tender was that of the Otago Daily Times, of Dunedin. It was therefore decided that in view of the very limited amount of money available, the printing of the Transactions should be transferred to the Otago Daily Times Company. On the motion of Mr Aston, seconded by Professor Park, it was resolved that the Hon. G. M. Thomson be appointed to act for the Hon. Editor in Dunedin, and see the Transactions through the press.

Report of Honorary Librarian.

It is satisfactory to report that the Library continues to grow rapidly by accessions through exchanges with other learned societies, and is being used to an increasing extent by research workers.

Owing to the increasing congestion it will be necessary to store certain serials temporarily in a less accessible place, there being no further room for expansion in the present premises at Victoria University College.

Two new exchanges have been entered into during the year.

When better conditions arise there should be put in hand the matter of preparing a complete catalogue, which would be available for the use of readers. A cognate matter which will require attention is the revision of Mr Archey's Index of Scientific Periodicals in New Zealand Libraries. These two matters are of the greatest importance in order that the fullest use may be made of the resources of the Institute's Library.

D. M. Y. Sommerville

The report of the Honorary Librarian, Professor D. M. Y. Sommerville, was adopted.

Report of Research Grant Committee.

The Research Grants Committee had three meetings during the year. An effort was made to find from each grantee how long he expected his research to continue and how much he now expected it to cost. Replies were received from all but three grantees, and the information supplied was of great assistance in allocating new grants.

The cessation of the supply of funds from the Government will leave the Committee little to do during the coming year.

In response to an inquiry from the Standing Committee a statement was prepared embodying the principles which the Committee thinks should guide it in allocating grants.

F. W. Hilgendorf

Reports of Research Grantees for Period Ended 31st March. 1931.

Dr C. E. Adams, in 1925, was granted £200 for a research on southern stars. It was proposed to purchase an interferometer, but it was found that the amount was quite inadequate. Mr Hargreaves, in consultation with Dr Comrie, of London, spent a great deal of time on the consideration of a design that could be worked up, and it was decided that he be given £10 out of the grant, and that he be asked to submit a report on his work for the future information of the Institute. This has been the only expenditure from the grant.

Dr H. H. Allan, in 1923, was granted £30 for a research on eocksfoot. He reported on the 8th April, 1931, that during his absence from New Zealand the work had been carried out by Mr Malcolm, of the Feilding Agricultural High School. The three selected plants were increased vegetatively and seed secured from each; one set has been abandoned owing to high susceptibility to rust. General observations confirm the opinion that extra-New Zealand cocksfoots do not provide material at all approaching those long-grown in New Zealand. The selected cocksfoot is fine-leafed, succulent, and much less fibrous in leaf tissues than the common commercial forms. No further expenditure from the grant will be necessary, and Dr Allan refunded an unexpended balance of £10 16s 6d.

Dr H. H. Allan, in 1924, was granted £50 for a research on Mount Egmont forest. He reported on the 8th April that owing to his absence in England, no further field work had been accomplished. He hopes to carry the investigation to a conclusion during the next season, and as the remaining work will not require financial assistance, he refunded the balance, namely £23 0s 10d.

Mr G. Archey, in 1926, was granted £40 for a research on New Zealand Chilopoda. He reported on the 9th April that collecting had been conducted in the Auckland District, at Taupiri, Mamaku, Rotorua, Urewera, and Waikaramoana. A report on the order Geophilomorpha had been prepared. and will be presented for publication after the incorporation of this season's results and the results of a comparison made with type material in England. A further season's collecting should provide material for a final paper revising the whole of the New Zealand Chilopoda. Collecting expenses for the period amounted to £2 15s 6d, leaving a balance in hand of £5 6s 4d.

Mr B. C. Aston, in 1928, took over from Dr J. Malcolm £9 16s 7d, balance of a grant for research on Pukateine. On the 12th March, Mr Aston reported that Professor Barger, F.R.S., of Edinburgh University, to whom quantities of the bark of Pukateine had been sent, reported that the bark had been extracted and the alkaloids separated and examined. He had been able to complete the determining of the constitution of one of the alkaloid pukateine. Dr Fogg, of the Otago Medical School, is also working on the alkaloid which has been prepared by Mr Aston. There is now a quantity of the pure alkaloid pukateine in hand available for further physiological investigation in New Zealand. An expenditure of £1 was incurred, leaving a balance of £7 6s 7d.

Director of Meteorological Services, whose department bears the expense. Similar pilot balloon observation has been initiated lately in Wellington and Auckland, and it is desirable that the Christchurch flights should be continued for some years at least, so as to enable adequate correlation of results with synoptic charts. Expenditure amounts to £173 3s 7d.

Mr H. D. Skinner, in 1929, was granted £20 for a research on line fishing among Maoris. He reported on the 1st April that Mr Teviotdale visited sites along the north shore of Foveaux Strait. The expenditure amounted to £8 16s 7d, and £5 was refunded by grantee.

Professor R. Speight, in 1928, was granted £150 for geological work in Mount Somers district. He reported that the area has been almost completely surveyed. Portions have been mapped by compass and chain survey, but owing to the departure of Mr Sylvester from Christchurch, mapping on the original plan has been discontinued, and reliance placed on Lands and Survey maps for the fixing of boundaries. A fossil collection has been made and will be dealt with by Dr Marwick, who has kindly consented to do so. A series of analyses of igneous rocks has been made by the Dominion Laboratory, and further analyses of limestone, coals, and fireclays promised. The economic possibilities of the district are being considered. Only £100 of the grant has been paid over by Treasury, and the expenditure has amounted to £32 12s 1d.

Dr G. H. Uttley, in 1928, was granted £35 for research on Bryozoa. He reported that owing to his removal to Invercargill he had temporarily to discontinue the work, but it has now been resumed. There is an unexpended balance of £6 11s 2d.

Messrs Wild and Zotov, who, in 1928, were granted £10 for research on the sexuality of New Zealand Coprosma, reported that a paper on the preliminary studies has been published in the Transactions. The extent of the parthenogenetic reproduction is being studied in the species C. grandifolia, C. lucida, and C. robusta. No definite results are yet confirmed. Hybridism is also being investigated. An account of these studies is in an advanced stage of preparation. During the year expenditure amounting to £2 6s 8d was incurred.

Professor F. P. Worlcy, in 1923, was granted £25 for research on the chemistry of essential oils of New Zealand Flora. He reported that no expenditure was incurred during 1930–31.

Mr R. M. Laing, in 1924, was granted £100, and in 1929, an additional £25 for research on Marine Algae. He reports that the work is still in progress, and several collecting trips have been made during the last fifteen months. The second part of an investigation of the New Zealand Gigartinas has been sent to the editor of the Transactions for publication, and the third part is in active preparation, the work being done with Mr H. W. Gourlay. There remains an unexpended balance of only £1 3s.

On the motion of Professor Speight, seconded by Professor Park, the report was adopted.

Proposed Research Grant Policy.

1. In making a grant, consideration should be given to the importance of the research, the training and capacity of the grantee, and the opportunities he has of prosecuting the research.

2. Preference should be given in the first instance to investigations which appear to have an economic bearing, but purely scientific investigations should be by no means excluded. (See Committee Report—Trans. Vol. 49, p. 536, 1917).

3. There is no difference in eligibility for grants between Government officials, employees of institutions such as universities, and individuals not in paid employment.

4. The fact that an applicant has access to the laboratory or field and apparatus supplied by the institution to which he belongs, may be a recommendation for a grant, as this access must facilitate his research.

5. At the same time, care should be taken that grants are not used for the purchase of books or equipment that the institution to which the grantee belongs might reasonably be expected to have purchased for its own work, but only for equipment beyond the scope of the institution's work.

6. Reasonable travelling expenses on a research are regarded as a suitable object for a grant, but applications for living expenses while travelling will not in general be looked upon with favour.

7. The financial position of the applicant in respect of his ability to undertake the research without monetary assistance may be taken into account when an application is being considered.

F. W. Hilgendorf

It was resolved that the policy as set out by the Research Grants Committee, with the deletion of paragraph 2, be adopted.

Tongariro National Park.

Report of New Zealand Institute's Representative on Park Board.

As representative of this Institute on the Board of the Tongariro National Park, I have to report a very great increase in the responsibilities of the Park Board during the past year.

Two full meetings of the Board, held at the Chateau, and four meetings of the Executive, held at Wellington, were attended by your representative.

At the time of writing the last report, the writer had not visited the new building designated as “hostel,” a term quite inadequate to convey an idea of the palatial nature of the building erected as a private venture to attract and accommodate visitors to the Park. The steps leading up to this development are given in my report for 1929. (See Tongariro National Park Act, 1922. and Section 36 Finance Act, 1928). The Tongariro National Park Tourist Co., Ltd., sought and obtained power from Parliament to borrow another £20,000 for the purpose of erecting and equipping a hostel and laying-out of grounds (see Section 45 Finance Act, 1929). The Public Trustee, who was secured in repayment of principal and interest by debentures issued by the Board with Government guarantee, had therefore lent to the Park Board £60,000 for the purpose of lending to the company for construction and furnishing the hostel, the Board being secured by mortgage and chattel security lease on the furniture, etc. The Board also lent an additional sum at its disposal, making altogether £63,750 secured. The Company defaulted in the payment of the December, 1930, instalment of interest, a little over one year after the opening of the Chateau Tongariro, as it is now called. Matters received the earnest consideration of the Board, and after several meetings it was decided at a full meeting of the Board, held at the Chateau, to take over the management and apply to the Supreme Court, Wanganui, to sell the lease, including the chattels, by auction. This was effected at Wanganui on 30th March, 1931, the Park Board purchasing the property for £61,000 (£46,000 lease, £15,000 chattels). Throughout the changes in the management from the Company to the debenture holders, and from these to the Board, the Chateau did not close its doors, but continued to run as a going concern. On February 3, 1931, the disastrous Hawke's Bay earthquake was severely felt at the Chateau, but it had no injurious effect on the building. The financial statements furnished to the Board by the Company were submitted to this Institute's honorary treasurer, Mr M. A. Eliott, who, inter alia, reported as follows:—

“It is interesting to note that the actual receipts total very closely the estimated receipts when the Company was formed, when it was originally estimated that the total receipts would be £29,500, of which £24,650 would represent payments for board…. With careful and economic management it should be possible to pay interest on the £63,000 owing to the Park Board.”

It will therefore be seen that the default of the Company was not due to want of patronage on the part of the public, seeing that the original estimates of attendance were fully realised.

While every sympathy must be felt for those shareholders and debenture holders who have lost heavily in their venture, they have the consolation of knowing that their lost capital has not only been the means of erecting a permanent memorial to their enterprise, but has enabled the Board to exhibit to

all classes of visitors requiring every grade of accommodation a National Park which is destined to become famous throughout the world.

The Chateau, said to be the best hotel in New Zealand, together with the lodges and outside cubicles situated at 3800 feet above the sea, is capable of housing over 300 guests. There is an eighteen-hole golf course being laid out in front of the entrance, while tennis and other games can be played at the Chateau. Winter sports are a special attraction, and a motor road is in course of construction, which will take the enthusiast up 2000 feet higher than the Chateau to the ski grounds. The National Park railway station is some ten miles from the Chareau, and as supplies of food, milk, butter, meat, vegetables, and even cut flowers have to be brought from even a longer distance than from this station, the question of the lease or the establishment of a farm to supply the Chateau must arise. The views of this Board of Governors are sought as to the desirability of allowing further areas of tussock lands in the Park to be broken up and grassed for cow and sheep farming; pigs are already raised and fattened at the Chateau on kitchen refuse, excellent bacon being the only food product at present raised there.

It appears probable that under the management of the Chateau by the Board, it will be far easier to exercise control over the amenities of the Park than if a portion is leased to a money-making company. One has only to look at the care exercised at the Waitomo Hostel in the preservation of the caves and their contents by the Tourist Department officials, who realise that the wonders theie are an asset which must not be destroyed, to understand that the best guarantee that the birds, forests, and vegetation generally will be preserved intact at the Tongariro National Park is that everything, including the Chateau, should be under direct control by the Park Board.

(Signed)

B. C. Aston

Mr Aston moved his report as representative of the Institute on the Park Board, which was adopted. He asked for an expression of opinion as to whether he should advocate the establishment of a farm in the Park to supply the Chateau with produce. It was resolved to leave the matter to Mr Aston's discretion. On the motion of Mr Eliott, seconded by the Hon. G. M. Thomson, it was resolved that the question of holding the next Science Congress at Tongariro National Park be kept in view.

Report of New Zealand Institute's Representative on the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture.

As recorded in my 1929 report (see Vol. 60. p. 15, May, 1929). the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture continues to do good work. At the Eighth Annual Meeting and Conference a variety of subjects was dealt with, and the Banks Annual Lecture, inaugurated in 1926, was delivered by Mr W. R. B. Oliver, a member of the Board, who took as his subject. “National Botanical Gardens.” Monthly meetings of the Executive Committee are held in Wellington, all of which during the present year have been attended by your representative.

The first National Flower Show, under the auspices of the above Conrerence, representing the New Zealand Horticultural Trades Association, the Association of Directors of Parks and Reserves, and the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, was highly successful, and an official dinner was a further attraction of what will in future be known as “Horticultural Week.”

The most outstanding of the Institute's activities are the granting of the Diploma of the Institute by examination or otherwise, and the issue of a very promising Journal of Horticulture. The shrinkage of funds, due to the depression, has somewhat curtailed activities in publishing, but an effort is being made to increase the membership, the subscription being only 12s 6d per annum, of which 2s 6d goes to the local branches. It is hoped that a systematic canvass will increase the membership to such an extent that the Institute will be able to maintain its activities with little curtailment, and provision is being made for

this canvass to be carried out. The Institute has in the past received a Government grant of £100 per annum, the income from other sources being about £250, from receipts of fees from examinations and subscriptions from members.

(Signed)

B. C. Aston.

Mr Aston presented his report as representative of the New Zealand Institute on the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. The report was adopted.

Board of Trustees National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum.

As Vice-President, the writer is one of the two representatives of the New Zealand Institute on the Board of Trustees of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum, constituted by the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum Act, 1930.

Since the Act was passed, five meetings of the Board have been held, and attended by your representative.

The new Board had inherited certain arrangements made by their predecessors, including the site chosen for the buildings, the plan for the erection of the new buildings, and the contracts made in connection therewith, and the necessity of the demolition of the great brick structure known as the Mount Cook Barracks or Gaol, which occupied the position chosen as site for the new Art Gallery and Museum. At the first meeting the amount of subscriptions promised, collected, or accrued interest thereon was stated to be £98,128 2s 1d, of which £56,934 14s 7d was in the bank.

The erection of the carillon tower and steps has been authorised, and is being proceeded with, the tender of P. Graham & Co. for £17,110 being accepted. The contract for the demolition of the barracks has been accepted, and this work is now almost completed.

The important question of the building stone to be used was a matter in which the writer took particular interest, seeing that Dr Marshall had expressed very decided views in preference of New Zealand stone instead of Portland stone. In looking into the matter, it appeared to the writer that Dr Marshall's opinion was unassailable, especially as it was supported by very positive opinion from the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (Mr Furkert). At the meeting on 3rd February, which the President's deputy (Professor Kirk) was unable to attend, I appointed Dr Marshall to act for the President at the Board, and this gave the opportunity for him to explain his preferences for Putaruru vitric tuff over Portland stone. The Board at this meeting adopted the New Zealand stone.

Errata.—After the word “arrangements” in paragraph 3, insert “validated by Section 11 of the above Act.” After the word “predecessors” in paragraph 3, add “the provisional Board of Trustees constituted under Section 64 Finance Act, 1929.”

(Signed)

B. C. Aston.

Mr Aston, as one of the Institute's representatives on the Board of Trustees, read his report, which was adopted.

Report on Meeting of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science. By Dr P. Marshall.

In accordance with instructions. I duly represented New Zealand at the meeting of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, held in Brisbane, May 28—June 4.

The meeting was attended by a large number of representative scientific men from all States of the Australian Commonwealth. It happened that I was the only New Zealand delegate present, though two other scientific men had accepted nomination as president of two of the sections.

At the first Council meeting on Wednesday, May 28, a letter was read from Otago University, asking that the name of the Association be changed in some way so as to indicate the definite inclusion of New Zealand. This matter had

been brought before the Council on several occasions, but there has always been a decided wish to continue the old title, which has stood for over 30 years. I spoke on this subject at the Council meeting, pointing out the want of precise meaning in the title. A small committee, consisting of the President, General Secretary, and myself, was appointed to consider the question and report later. At the reception by the Lord Mayor of Brisbane in the Town Hall in the afternoon of the same day, I was asked to reply to the speech of welcome on behalf of the visitors. Since several of the earlier speakers had referred to the use of the word “Australasian,” with pointed reference to the New Zealand, delegate, it seemed advisable to refer to the matter again. I therefore pointed out that the wish for a change in the title in no way implied antagonism to the Continent of Australia, but merely a wish to maintain the individuality of New Zealand.

It seems that a favourable impression was made, for at the final meeting of the Council, the report of the committee was adopted, viz.: “In future the title of the Association be ‘The Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science.’” Thus the New Zealand objection was fully met. I feel that New Zealand is greatly indebted to the kindly consideration and accommodating feeling of Australian scientific men in thus agreeing to a change of title which has become established by such long usage, and for which many members had devcloped an affectionate regard.

The working sessions of the Congress began on May 29, and lasted until June 5. My work was mainly in association with the geological section, at which there was a large attendance. Many subjects were presented for discussion, as shown in the programme sent in with this report. Each of the subjects was spoken to by a large number of members, and the exchange of views cannot fail to be profitable to all. It is certainly of great importance to hear at first hand the Australian view in regard to the many geological questions on which the Australian Continent is equally involved with New Zealand. From a commercial standpoint the discussion on geophysical methods for discovering mineral oil was probably the most important. The other discussions were of a more technical nature, though, in general, the subjects were treated in a manner that was more practical than academic.

It will perhaps be remembered that a special invitation had been extended to me to deliver an evening lecture to the whole Association on the subject of the Coral Reefs. This was duly delivered on the evening of May 29, and I enclose a letter kindly sent me by Professor Richards, chairman of the committee of local organisation in regard to it.

I think it is a matter for regret that time and distance, as well as the question of expense, so often prevent New Zealand scientists from attending the meeting of the Association. I feel that they would derive a stimulating encouragement in their work, and would gain great advantage from personal discussion with men who are studying the same subjects as they themselves, often from a slightly different angle.

His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir John Goodwin, was present at several of the public functions and public addresses, and entertained the Association at a garden party at Government House. The Lord Mayor and Corporation of Brisbane gave an official reception at the Town Hall, and afterwards the Government of Queensland entertained members at a river excursion.

On all sides I was treated with the utmost hospitality and cordiality as the representative of the New Zealand Government and of scientific bodies in New Zealand.

(Signed)

P. Marshall.

The report of Dr Marshall, who represented the New Zealand Institute at the Brisbane meeting of the Association, was adopted.

Great Barrier Reef Committee.

Five meetings were held during the year 1930.

The British Barrier Reef Expedition having returned to England, the Committee has decided that, apart from expenditure in printing, no large scheme of expenditure should be undertaken at present.

Mr F. W. Moorhouse has been appointed by the Queensland Government to carry on marine biological work on the reef. This is to be mainly of an economic nature, including investigations on turtle, beche-de-mer, sponges, fish, and oysters.

The Trustees of the British Museum have agreed to undertake the full publication of the results of the British Barrier Reef Expedition.

(Signed)

W. R. B. Oliver,

This report, presented by Mr Oliver, the Institute's representative on the Committee, was adopted.

Hutton Grant Applications: Two applications for grants from the Hutton Fund, one from Mr F. J. Turner and one from Mr C. E. Christensen, were read and referred to the Research Grants Committee for recommendation to the Standing Committee.

British Association for the Advancement of Science: An invitation to attend the Centenary of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, to be held in September, 1931, was received. It was resolved to appoint Professor D. M. Y. Sommerville to represent the Institute at this celebration. It was resolved that the preparation of a scroll containing the congratulations of the New Zealand Institute on the occasion of the British Association's centenary be left in the hands of the President and Vice-President.

International Research Council: It was resolved to ask Sir Richard Glazebrook, F.R.S., to act for the New Zealand Institute at the forthcoming General Assembly of the International Research Council at Brussels in July.

Pacific Science Congress: Invitations from the National Research Council of Canada to send delegates to the Fifth Pacific Science Congress, to be held at Victoria and Vancouver in June, 1932, were received. It was resolved that the matter be left in the hands of the Standing Committee to appoint delegates.

The possibility of an invitation being sent to the Pacific Science Congress to meet in New Zealand in 1935 was discussed, and it was left in the hands of a committee consisting of Mr Aston, Dr Marsden, and Dr Marshall, to report to the Standing Committee on the matter.

Faraday Celebrations: The Institute received an invitation to send a delegate to attend the Faraday Celebrations, which will commence on 21st September, 1931. It was resolved that Professor Sommerville should represent the Institute.

University of Cambridge: The University of Cambridge is commemorating the centenary of James Clerk Maxwell on the 1st and 2nd October, 1931, and the New Zealand Institute has been invited to send a representative. It was decided to ask Professor Sommerville to represent the Institute at this centenary also.

Professor Sommerville thanked the Board for the honour of representing the New Zealand Institute at these various functions.

Notices of Motion were then taken:

Presidential Address
Delivered at the Annual Meeting at Wellington on 20th May, 1931.

By Dr C. Coleridge Farr, D.Sc., F.R.S., F.N.Z.Inst.

Before I proceed with the remarks I have to make, I would ask you to stand while I refer to some of those who have passed away.

At the last Annual Meeting, held about sixteen months ago, we had with us Mr A. M. Wright, and he and I travelled down by the same ferry steamer that night. On the next evening he was taking part in a dinner to celebrate the formation of a local branch of the Institute of Chemistry, when his end came suddenly and quite peacefully. He just ceased to live. I need not give an account now of his work. He was one of those who formed the connecting link between science and industry. He took a keen interest in the more or less academic operations of our Institute, and at the same time he was a leading authority upon the scientific problems connected with the frozen meat trade. We shall miss him from our midst to-day.

Others to whom I may refer are Mr Carse, of Auckland, Mr A. Philpott, of the Cawthron Institute and Auckland Museum, Mr F. T. Leighton, who acted as secretary of the Institute during Mr Aston's absence in England, Sir Robert Stout, and Lady Hector, who, as the widow of Sir James Hector, was a link between the past history of our Institute and the present time. Sir James Hector was mainly responsible for the early traditions of the Institute, and the solid foundations on which it was built were largely laid by him. One only of our hon. members has, as far as I know, died, viz., Sir W. T. Thistelton-Dyer, late Director of Kew Gardens, whose name is, of course, well known to you all. There is, too, one other to whom—though he was not connected with our Institute—I should like to refer. Lord Melchett, the mainspring of Imperial Chemical Industries, died during the year. As Alfred Mond he succeeded his father, Dr Ludwig Mond, in the management of that great firm of chemical manufacturers, Brunner, Mond, and Co., which later on, by absorbing several smaller concerns, developed under the guidance of Lord Melchett into Imperial Chemical Industries, which is probably the greatest chemical manufacturing organisation that the world has ever seen.

As regards the occurrences of the year, there are one or two events which I should like to refer to.

Change of Title:—

One of these is the change of title, which I suggested last year. I am greatly in hopes that this meeting will authorise your incoming President to take the necessary steps to bring about the suggested change, a change which I venture to think would clothe the Institute with that dignity and distinction which, by its many years of unostentatious work, it has most justly earned. Inquiries which have been made indicate that in the Institute's case there should be no great difficulties, and the steps which must be taken are now known to us.

The New Zealand Institute Act:—

As was agreed last year should be the case, application was made for certain amendments in the New Zealand Institute Act. A special committee was appointed to consider these, and in due course a Bill to amend the Act was introduced into Parliament. Whilst this Bill was before the House, the valuable suggestion was made that power should be incorporated in it so that apart from the regular Government nominees and members otherwise elected, the Board of Governors itself should be able to add the name of one extra member. It was felt that occasion might arise when it would be most useful to have the advice of someone who was not on the Board, and the claim I am referring to, which was finally incorporated in the Act, gives this power. As this matter had not been before the Board of Governors or the committee, I communicated in writing with the various members of the Board regarding it, and am glad to say the suggestion (which was not my own) was unanimously approved.

It is in consequence of the new Act that we are meeting to-day instead of in January as we have hitherto done, and it is also in consequence of it that we now have a vice-president—the first of whom is Mr Aston. I feel sure you will agree with me that the immense amount of work Mr Aston has done over so many years points him out as a most suitable occupant for the new position.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the various members of the Board for their help during the two years in which I have occupied the presidential chair, and which will terminate in a few hours, and in particular I should like to say how much I have appreciated the cheerful, pleasant, and efficient way in which our assistant secretary, Miss Wood, has put me right in the many places where otherwise I should have gone wrong. May I finally make the suggestion that as, most unfortunately under stress of circumstances, we have had to reduce the remuneration she receives, we should at any rate give her her due and alter her title from assistant secretary to that which she really occupies, namely, secretary. If the word assistant is at all required, which I do not think it is, a much more just title would be assistant president, for without her advice and assistance I fear the affairs of the Institute would speedily become entangled.