68 Proceedings. 



His researches into the botany of New Zealand, commenced during the Antarctic 

 voyages of Sir J. D. Ross, continued during the preparation of the " Flora Novae 

 Zelandiee," and culminating in the publication of the "Handbook of the New 

 Zealand Flora," have been of incalculable value to science in New Zealand, and 

 have placed the study of its botany on a secure and lasting foundation, while the 

 encouragement and assistance which he invariably gave to all students and investi- 

 gators have been of the utmost service to those who have endeavoured to supplement 

 his work. 



The Board also desires that a copy of this resolution should be sent to Sir 

 Joseph Hooker's family, with an expression of its sincere condolence, and an assur- 

 ance of its sympathy in their sad bereavement. 



Correspondence. — Letters from Dr. W. S. Bruce (21st September, 

 1911) acknowledging his election as honorary member, and from Hon. 

 D. Buddo (3rd May, 1911) with reference to bathymetrical and biological 

 surveys, were received. 



Incorporated Societies' Reports. — The annual reports of the Philo- 

 sophical Institute of Canterbury, the Manawatu Philosophical Society, 

 the Otago Institute, and the Wellington Philosophical Society were received. 



Standing Committee, Annual Report. — The annual report* of the 

 Standing Committee was read and adovjted, on the motion of Mr. 

 Hamilton, seconded by Mr. Chapman. The report was as follows: — 



Report of the Standing Committee. 



Four meetings of the Standing Committee were held during the year, the attend- 

 ance being as follows : Mr. Cheeseman, 4 meetings ; Professor Easterfield, 4 ; Mr. 

 Hamilton, 4; Mr. Chapman, 3; Mr. Ewen, 3; Mr. Young, 1. 



Hector Memorial Fund. — A deed of trust has been prepared, and is submitted 

 for approval of the Board. Award for 1911 : The Committee of Award has for- 

 warded its recommendation in a sealed envelope, to be opened at the annual meeting. 



Hutton Memorial Fund (Medal). — Professor Benham, F.R.S., the first recipient 

 of the award, was publicly presented with the medal on the 4th April, 1911, by the 

 Chancellor of the Otago University, James Allen, Esq., M.P. The next award may 

 be made in 1913. 



Purchase of Bach Numbers of the Transactions. — A number of volumes have 

 been received in exchange, and the Secretary is now able to supply sets of Trans- 

 actions from Vol. 5 at the reasonable price of .£15. The Committee submits that 

 the possibility of reducing the immense stock of back numbers should be considered. 



Publications of the Institute. — Copies of Vol. 43 of the Transactions were, in 

 accordance with the Act, laid on the table of the House of Representatives on the 

 11th August, and on the table of the Legislative Council on the 23rd August, 1911. 

 This volume was posted simultaneously to all New Zealand members on the 17th 

 August. The index to the first forty volumes of the Transactions of the Institute 

 (1868-1907) was published in July, 1911. So far, only some twenty-five copies have 

 been disposed of. 



Finance. — The Standing Committee made an unsuccessful endeavour during the 

 last session of Parliament to have the annual Government statutory subsidy of £500 

 increased. It is, however, hoped that a further effort in this direction which is to 

 be made may be more successful. It will be necessary to consider methods for 

 increasing the income of the Institute in order to enable its liabilities to be met. 

 The following are suggested as some ways in which money may be obtained and 

 saving effected : (1.) By the payment by every incorporated society of a portion of its 

 income to the Institute, as provided by Regulation 5e under the New Zealand Insti- 

 tute Act, 1903. (2.) By exercising greater economy in the travelling-expenses of 

 members of the Board. "(3.) By holding all meetings "in Wellington.* (4.) By ceasing 

 the separate publications of the Proceedings. That the incorporated societies should 

 subsidize the Institute is only fair, since each of their members receives the bound 

 copy of the Transactions and Proceedings, and Regulation 5e states that a propor- 

 tional contribution may be required from each society towards the cost of publishing 

 it. The payment of the hotel expenses of members of the Board, and the holding 

 of the annual meeting away from Wellington, are recent innovations, entailing much 

 extra expense. Tf all the members of the Board attended it would cost, for personal 



* This suggestion was pointed out by Dr. Hilgendorf as being contrary to section 8, New Zealand 

 Institute Act, 1908. 



