Thirteenth Annual Meeting. 533 



noted, is reasonably cheap, is of convenient size, and contains a very ample repre- 

 sentative series of figures. The Government Printer can be warmly congratulated 

 on the production of this fine work. 



Two years hence the New Zealand Institute will have reached its fiftieth year 

 of activity. The New Zealand Institute Act was passed in 1867, the "'Abstracts 

 of Rules and Statutes " was gazetted on the 9th March, and the inaugural meeting 

 was held on the 4th August, 1868. It may be desirable to hold some formal celebra- 

 tion of the semi-centenary of the Institute's foundation. 



An important event in the development of science and its practical applica- 

 tions within our Dominion is the recent generous bequest of a very large sum for 

 these purposes by the late Mr. Cawthron, of Nelson. When the Cawthron Insti- 

 tute has commenced its activities we may look for very considerable benefits to 

 many of our prominent industries, and to a growing number of scientific workers 

 who may there be trained lor research without submitting to the shackles that 

 university degrees too often impose on the courses of study and the training of 

 students at our universities. 



A month or two ago the Honorary Editor of the Transactions (Dr. Charles 

 Chilton) communicated to me his desire to be relieved of this onerous office, owing 

 to a sudden enlargement of his other work. For his gratuitous and laborious 

 services as Editor for some years past Dr. Chilton deserves the warmest thanks 

 of this Board. It would be in several ways convenient if the new Editor were 

 resident in Wellington. The filling of the position will come before you in the 

 course of this meeting. 



Our experienced Secretary (Mr. B. C. Aston) has been appointed a member 

 of th% Board as one of the Government representatives. Mr. Aston has intimated 

 to me that he will be prepared to act as Honorary Secretary for some time to come. 

 The Board will be invited later to consider how the office can be best filled. Should 

 Mr. Aston' s generous offer be accepted it will help to lessen the cost of adminis- 

 tration. 



Arrangements for distributing the large stock of surplus copies of the Trans- 

 actions which, through the kindness of the Librarian, are now stored, not without 

 inconvenience, in the Parliamentary Buildings will be submitted for the con- 

 sideration of the Board. It is proposed to offer as complete sets as possible to all 

 public libraries and all secondary and technical schools free of cost, other than 

 that of transmission to their destination. 



The Standing Committee has considered the propriety of increasing the number 

 of scientific societies and institutions to which our Transactions are presented 

 annually, and proposals to give effect to their views will no doubt be submitted 

 at the present meeting. 



