Estimating Chronology”, Dr. J. B. Robertson. May: “The Geology of Samoa”, Mr. D. Kear. June: “Wild Caves of the Waikato”, Mr. L. G. Watson. July: “Earthquake Study Today”, Mr. G. A. Eiby. August: “Taste and Taste-testing (Presidential Address), Mr. R. R. White. September: Maori Craftsmanship”, Mr. V. F. Fisher. October: “Further Evidence on the Mystery Wreck at Ruapuke Beach”, Mr. C. G. Hunt.

The average attendance was more than 40, which included a fair proportion of non-members.

Special General Meeting. One special general meeting was held during the year for the purpose of amending Rule 4.1, to enable the subscription to be increased from 10/- to 15/-per annum. The Annual General Meeting was adjourned to enable this special general meeting to be held in order to comply with Rule 10.

Field Trip. A party of 20 visited the Perlite Products factory near Atiamuri on the morning of August 11. In the afternoon the party was shown over the Hydro Project at Atiamuri, where Mr. D. Kear described the geology of the district.

Publicity. The Waikato Times has continued to publish advance notices of meetings and reports of lectures and field trips. Mr. Eiby gave a radio interview on the occasion of his visit, which resulted in some publicity for the Association.

Ruapuke Beach Wreck. Mr. C. G. Hunt has pursued his researches on behalf of the Association and has succeeded in narrowing down the field of investigation. Wet weather prevented further search at Ruapuke, but it is hoped to resume activities in the coming season.

Royal Society of N.Z. Dr. Davies attended the half-yearly meeting in November, 1956. He subsequently resigned as delegate and Mr. R. R. White, who was elected in his place, attended the half-yearly meeting of the Council in May, 1957.

During the current year, proposals to amend the system of contributions to the Royal Society have been considered by member bodies and suggestions have been put forward to institute a more equitable system. Under the present arrangement those branches of the Royal Society which contribute to the upkeep of museums or libraries do not pay a levy. However, your committee considers that any amendment to the system cannot alter the fact that contributions from member bodies will continue to represent only a small fraction of the Royal Society's income, the major part of which is obtained in the form of a Government grant to enable it to meet the high costs incurred in publishing the Transactions and in maintaining its library in Wellington. Even so, the committee, while appreciative of the prestige accruing from membership of the Royal Society, considers that our contributions and other expenses incurred in connection with our membership, already represent a very high proportion of our expenditure, and has instructed our delegate to vote against any amendment which would increase our expenses.

Finance. The financial statement shows no appreciable change from last year in spite of the raised subscription. There were increases in travelling expenses to Royal Society meetings and in advertising, postage and stationery. Furthermore, there were the expenses of two outside speakers to be met. Allowing for outstanding liabilities, there is a cash balance of £9 4s 6d, a figure slightly below that of last year. Membership of the Royal Society involved us in an expenditure of £14 18s 8d from a subscription income of £38 10s.

General. Your Executive considers that this association should convene a meeting of interested organisations with the object of forming a Waikato Museum Society Inc. The object of this Society would be to establish and maintain a Museum in Hamilton, possibly as a Centennial Memorial. Subject to the approval of members at the Annual General Meeting, your committee recommends that the incoming committee takes steps to put this into effect.

Acknowledgments. We wish to thank all those who have contributed to the success of our activities. Our thanks are specially due to Mr. A. G. Greenslade, our honorary auditor, and to our speakers for their interesting lectures.

R. R. White, President