Royal Society of N.Z. (Rotorua Branch).

Ordinary Meetings. Eight regular monthly meetings were held, at which lectures and papers covering a wide range were presented. March 27: Presidential Address, “Civil Engineering”, Mr. J. A. Andrew. April 24: “Modern Samoa and its Current Problems”, Mr. Stuart Cameron. May 13: “Plant Disease Control”, Dr. Harvey C. Smith June 26: “Blood Groups and their Application”, Mr. G. R. George. July 24: Conversazione: Laboratory Demonstrations and Displays of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography and Engineering, Rotorua High School Pupils. August 28, “Some Aspects of Public Health Resources”, Dr. W. C. Davidson. September 29, “Mineral Resources of the British Commonwealth,” Mr. R. W. Willett. October 23, Original Papers: “A Simple System of Calendar Reform”, Mr. Forester, “Lake Shore Forests of Rotoehu and Rotorua”, Mr. R. Cameron.

Special Meetings. Three extra meetings were arranged. September 4, “Town and Country Planning, with Reference to Rotorua District”, Mr. A. Rosenberg. October 11, “Talk and Films on Life Cycle of Sea Birds-” Mr. F. C. Kinskly November 20, “Scientific Advances in Antarctica”, Dr. Falla.

Finance. The attached financial statement prepared by the Treasurer and audited by Mr. A. D. Holloway, indicates that our financial position is satisfactory, but outstanding accounts due to the visit of the Royal Society will be a charge against next year's expenditure.

General. Three events during the year can be recorded as marking the progress of this local Society.

First, the Society having now qualified to become a Branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand, its name was changed accordingly from Rotorua Philosophical Society to Royal Seciety of New Zealand, Rotorua Branch. And, secondly, two sections, the Historical Section and the Museum Section, were formed. Reports of the activities of these two sections are attached.

However, while our Branch may thus appear to have successfully survived its infancy, it will not develop to adolescence if interest and enthusiasm are allowed to wane. Despite a varied and interesting programme of lectures presented again this year, the attendances were not as satisfactory as in previous years. It is most necessary if the Branch is to flourish that all members attend as frequently as possible and take part in the discussions, and I feel sure the incoming Committee would welcome any suggestions as to how our attendances

Another event we are happy to record is that the Royal Society of New Zealand accepted and membership can be increased.

the invitation of this Branch and held its November meeting in Rotorua on November 20 last. We are also indebted to our parent body for providing such an eminent speaker as Dr. Falla for our last lecture of the year, which was held that evening Both functions also enabled members of the parent Society and the Branch to get to know one another and to discuss mutual problems.

Thanks. As in previous years, we have been most fortunate in having the free use of the High School staff room for our meetings, for which we thank Mr. W. G. Harwood, headmaster of the High School The general atmosphere of our meetings is in no small way contributed to by the unselfish work of Mrs. Harwood and members of the High School staff in so regularly serving supper. The assistance given by Mr. A. D. Holloway, honorary auditor, is acknowledged. In conclusion, I would express my personal appreciation of the co-operation and guidance of the Committee and in particular the work of both the secretary and the treasurer, whose duties extend beyond just attendance at meetings.

27/11/57
J. A. Andrew, President

Historical Section

It was suggested to the Society early in the year by the Rotorua Borough Council, which had been approached by Mrs. Enid Tapsell, that it might set up an historical section. This was approved, and Mr. J. H. Kempthorne appointed convener.

An inaugural meeting was held, and attracted nearly 30 interested members of the Society and of the public. An interim committee was elected to draw up a set of rules in consultation with the Society and to frame a general statement of aims and objects. The committee also went ahead organising the section's first programme of lectures.

Three lectures have been delivered under the section's auspices this year. The Very Rev. J. G. Laughton, Director of the Presbyterian Maori Mission, spoke on the Urewera country and its inhabitants, Mr. J. Colson, of the anthropology department of Auckland University, discussed archaeological diggings on the Waihi coast and the prehistoric inhabitants of this area, and Mr. L. W. Melvin, of Tauranga, chairman of the regional committee of the Historic Places Trust, explained the work of the trust and its application to the Rotorua district, and added an interesting account of the life and times of the fighting chief Te Waharoa. The average attendance at the three meetings was between 20 and 30.

The preparation of a set of rules having been completed, the inaugural meeting was held in September, and the rules adopted. The interim committee was elected as the section's first