Report for Year Ended March 31, 1945.

President: Miss C. McHaffie.

Secretary: Mr. A. D. Nisbet.

Membership: The year began with a membership of 38. During the year five new members were admitted and one has returned from overseas. Against this, one member was lost by death, two resigned, and one was struck off the roll for arrears of subscriptions, leaving an active membership of 41.

It is with pleasure that we record the return from overseas of Mr. C. Barwell, after an absence on military duties of nearly four years.

The Branch has still the following members on military service:—Messrs. A. E. W. McDonald, J. H. Somensen, D. C. Berry and A. Ward.

Lectures: During the season a delightful series of lectures was arranged, and our thanks are due to the people who gave their time and work to the preparation and the giving of these lectures. We trust that they all enjoyed their time with us as much as we enjoyed having them. The following is a list of the lectures given:—April 27: Presidential Address, “The Application of X-rays,” Dr. C. C. Anderson. May 24: “Developments in Dehydration,” Miss C. Macgibbon. June 28: “The Economic Function of the State,” Dr. Billing. July 27: “Modern Methods in the Purification of Water,” Mr. F. M. Corkill. September 28: “The Industrial Mineral Resources of New Zealand.” Mr. R. W. Willett. October 25: “The Calendar and Calendar Reform,” Dr. C. M. Focken. December 4: “Psychology in the University of Otago,” Mr. H. H. Ferguson.

Bird Work: During the year the work of bird protection was carried on, on Herekopare Island, and after having visited the island at Christmas time in company with Mr. William Denham, Mr. Richdale gave it as his opinion that the cats would disappear this coming winter. Should this occur steps can then be taken to restore to the island some of the species of land birds which have gone from there. Unfortunately there is nothing that we are able to do in the way of returning the sea-birds to that Island.

This Branch can take a large share of the credit for this valuable contribution to the protection of the bird life of this country.

Financial: The year began with a credit balance at the bank, and as is shown by the balance sheet the financial position improved to the extent that we now have a credit balance of assets over liabilities of £52 16s 4d. This, in view of the small membership, must be considered highly satisfactory.

General: It is now possible to consider this Branch as being firmly established, and the fact that the few years of our existence have been probably the most difficult that this Dominion has ever had to face should give us great confidence in our ability to function and grow in the years that lie ahead.

A sense of loyalty in the members to the Society is yearly growing stronger, and augurs well for future activities. This is evidenced by the good attendance at the lectures and by the happy spirit which prevails at the little supper functions held after the meetings.

The thanks of the Branch must also go to those members who opened their homes and extended hospitality to lecturers who came here from Dunedin. This feature appears to bring to lecturers a very desirable feeling of friendship, which reflects itself in them and in our Society as a whole. It also contributes in no small way to strengthening our financial position.

Conclusion: The President and Council extend thanks to all who contributed to make the 1944 session such a bright and happy one, and trust that the 1945 one will be equally successful,