Grazing Permits in Eglinton Valley (Fiordland National Park). This enquiry was commenced under the convenership of Dr. Salmon and is still unresolved as the National Parks Authority advised that the matter would be re-investigated.

Ball's Clearing, Howke's Bay. The committee through Mr. Callaghan investigated a proposal to grant milling rights which would nullify the conditions of a scenic reserve. Eventually a satisfactory reply was received from the Lands Department that a meeting on the spot of all interested groups had agreed to modified proposals which safeguarded the main part of the reserve.

Aratiatia Rapids and Huka Falls. Dr. Salmon originally drew attention to the probable effect on the scenic value of the rapids and the falls of hydro-electric proposals of the Ministry of Works. The Royal Society subsequently consulted the Federated Mountain Clubs and a request for information made to the Ministry of Works. An informative reply was received and published in the F.M.C.'s. Bulletin of September, 1958. This makes it clear that the draft scheme will not be confirmed by the Government until all responsible groups interested in the area have had a chance to express their views. It also outlines the way in which the draft scheme provides for the release of adequate flow in the tourist season as at Niagara Falls. It seems clear that the matter is still open for further submission to be made.

Agricultural Chemicals Bill. A draft of the proposed legislation for controlling the sale and use of agricultural chemicals was referred to the committee for comment. Most of the details are not the concern of a conservation committee, but on one point, the proposed constitution of a statutory Board, it was considered that the representation, being mainly of Government departments and of groups using the chemicals, might be widened to include a nomination from at least one informed non-government body such as the Institute of Chemistry. A comment to this effect was forwarded to the committee.

Noxious Animals Conference. The Royal Society was invited at rather short notice to send a representative to a meeting called by the Minister of Forests to discuss the noxious animal problem and in particular the Forest Service experiments with the poison 1080. The President nominated the Convener of the Conservation Committee as delegate to the meeting held on October 29, and 30.