Haivke^s Bay Philosophical Institute. 551 



HAWKE'S BAY PHILOSOPHICAL INSTITUTE. 



Four meetings were held duiiug 1915, and the following papers were 

 lead: "Between Two Rivers," by F. Hutchinson, jun. ; "The Puke- 

 titiri Hot Springs," by F. Hutchinson, jun.; "National Character," 

 by W. Dinwiddle; " Chemistry of some Explosives and Noxious Gases 

 used in Warfare," by J. Niven. 



At the annual meeting, Ith December, 1915, the annual report was 

 read and adopted. 



Abstract. 



The membership at the end of the year numbei's seventy-nine. The loss by 

 death of three members is noted — Messrs. Taylor White, J. N. Williams, and 

 E. W. Andrews. 



Appreciation of the action of Mr. Gordon in conveying to the Crown the Kid- 

 nappers gannet nesting-place as a public reserve is placed on record. 



Ad.litions have been made as usual to the library, among which are specially 

 noted the two volumes of " Illustrations of the New Zealand Flora," presented to 

 the library by the Minister of Internal Affairs. 



The Treasurer's statement shows a credit balance of £'54 5s. Id. 



Election of Oncers for 1916. — President — Mr. D. A. Strachan, M.A. ; 

 Vice-President — Mr. W. H. Skinner; Council — Messrs. W. Dinwiddle, 

 H. Hill, B.A., F.G.S., F. Hutchinson, jun., W. Kerr, M.A., T. C. Moore, 

 M.D., T. Hyde: Hon. Secretary— Uv. J. Niven, M.A., M.Sc. (Technical 

 College, Napier); Hon. Treasurer — Mr. J. Wilson Craig (Coote Road, 

 Napier); Hon. Auditor — Mi-. J. S. Large; Hon. Lanterni.^t — Mr. E. G. 

 Loten; Representative on Board of Governors — Mr. H. Hill, B.A., 

 F.G.S. 



NELSON INSTITUTE. 



During 1915 four ordinary general meetings were held, at which 

 the following papers were read : (26th April), " Maori Implements in 

 the Museum," by Mr. F. V. Knapp; (31st May) "Rusts," by Mr. F. 

 Whltwell; (5th July) Miscellaneous Items; (6th September) "Maori 

 Implements in the Museum, Part 2." by Mr. F. V. Knapp. 



At the annual meeting, 20th December, 1915, the annual report 

 and balance-sheet were read and adopted. 



Abstract. 



Early in the year it was decided to open the Atkinson Observatory to the public 

 every Tuesday evening, weather permitting, and, though weather-conditions have 

 been to a great extent unfavourable, the proposal met with fair success, particularly 

 during the visit of Mellish's Comet in June. 



It was with great regret that ne\vs was received of the death of the late 

 Mr. Thomas Cawthron. During recent years Mr. Cawthron, whose many bene- 

 factions to Nelson are well known, had made several gifts of great value to the 

 Museum. Am.ong these may be mentioned a very fine set of show-cases in which to 

 set out the Museum exhibits, and a splendid collection of curios purchased from 

 Mr. Lakins, the chief value of which lay in its collection of Maori implements, 

 some of which are unique. 



Election, of Officers for 1916. — President — Mr. G. J. Lancaster; 

 Committee— Messrs. F. G. Gibbs, F. V. Knapp, W. F. Worley, T. A. H. 

 Field, M.P.. H. P. Washbourn, J. Strachan, G. R. Wise, and F. Whit- 

 well; Ho)i. Secretary and Treasurer — Mr. E. L. Morlev ; Hon. Auditor 

 —Mr. F. Whltwell. ' 



