,530 Proceedings. 



Vote of Thanks. — On the motion of Mr. G. M. Thomson, seconded by 

 Professor Kirk, it was resolved. That the Board pass a very hearty vote 

 of thanks to Dr. Chilton tor his valuable services as Hon. Editor diirin<i' 

 the past six years. 



Government Grants.— The Hon. the Minister of Internal Affairs 

 attended the meeting again at the close, when Mr. G. M. Thomson's 

 motion regarding a request for a grant was read to him. The 

 Hon. Mr. Russell again addressed the meeting, and promised to 

 grant the application for funds to distribute the excess of Trans- 

 actions and to bind a set of the Institute's publications in half- 

 calf for the University of Lovain ; and also to donate to that 

 university any scientific Government publications which were avail- 

 able. He further promised to recommend to Cabinet the authorization 

 of an additional grant to the Institute of £250. to be specially spent in 

 furthering one or more branches of research not hitherto provided for 

 from the Institute's funds; the Minister to be informed of those suIj- 

 jects on which the vote is to be spent, the only proviso being that the 

 subject should have as practical an object as possible. A vote of thanks 

 to the Minister for his attendance and offer was unanimously carried. 



A vote of thanks to the President and officers concluded the business. 



Confirmed 29th January, 1916. 



D. Pbtrie, President. 



PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. 



The following is the presidential address delivered at the annual 

 meeting of the Board of Governors of the New Zealand Institute, at 

 Wellington, on the 28th .Tanuarv, 1916, bv Mr. D. Petrie, M.A., 

 Ph.D. :— 



Gentlemen of the Boakd of Governors of the New Zealand Institute, — 

 We meet again with the cloud of war hanging over the Empire. Our own land 

 has had its share of suffering and sorrow, but the daring and heroism of its sons 

 have already created a glorious tradition that can never be forgotten or sullied 

 by the dwellers in these Islands. Our isolation and the protection of the British 

 War Fleet allow us to go about our usual affairs with little distraction other than 

 the anxiety which the passing weeks bring along. 



The 47th volume of the Transactions of the Institute was accordingly issued 

 in July last. The volume is considerably larger than those of recent years, extend- 

 ing to over 700 pages exclusive of plates. Among its varied contents is the usual 

 large number of important contributions to local natural history, geology, and 

 cognate subjects. The original papers in the various branches of zoological research 

 are specially numerous and valuable, and several of them, it may be noted with 

 satisfaction, are by young and promising workers. 



For a good many years past the annual volume of Transactions has been issued 

 in flimsy paper covers. At the suggestion of our Secretary I authorized the bind- 

 ing of the last-issued volume in stiff paper boards with a back of thin binding- 

 cloth. This will prove a great convenience to those who do not care to bind the 

 book and have frequent occasion to consult it, and the increased cost is practically 

 met by the saving in packing the books for transmission by post, as an ordinary 

 paper cover is now sufficient to ensure safe carriage. • 



It is obvious that the increased size of the volume means increased outlay in 

 printing and postage. The Printer's bill alone exceeds by more than £70 the 

 statutory grant of £500, which is all we can reckon on to cover the cost of publi- 

 cations and the Board's management. For two years a supplementary grant of 

 £250 was voted by Parliament, but this aid to our scanty funds was not renewed 

 last session. The Board is consequently faced with a considerable deficiency on 

 the year's operations, and I fear will be compelled to resort to a levy on the funds 

 of the incorporated societies. Should Parliament decline to pass a supplementary 

 vote hereafter, a result which all interested in scientific inquiry must deplore, 



