566 Proceedings . 



MANAWATU PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. 



During 1916 seven general and two special meetings were held, in addi- 

 tion to the annual meeting. The following papers were read : " Recent 

 Progress in Chemical and Physical Research,** by A. J. Colquhoun, M.Sc. ; 

 " The Use and Influence of Novel Machines in Warfare,*" by T. C. Salmon, 

 Assoc, in Eng. ; "The Dundonald Terror," by J. Robertson; "Science 

 and Story,." by J. A. Stevens ; " Weather Notes," by J. E. Vernon, M.A. ; 

 " The Timber Industry in New Zealand, its Present and Future," by C. N. 

 Clausen ; ' River Conservation, with special reference to the Manawatu," 

 by R. Edwards ; ' The Use of a Knowledge of Botany to a Farming Com- 

 munity," by L. Cockayne, Ph.D., F.R.S. ; ' Taranaki Ironsand, its Treat- 

 ment and Value," by F. Smallbone ; " The Great Wairarapa — a Lost 

 River," by H. Hill, B.A., F.G.S. ; " Afforestation, or Tree-planting on the 

 Farm," by Rev. J. H. Simmonds, M.A. ; ' The Drama in the Reign of 

 Elizabeth,'" by H. R. Hatherly. M.R.C.S. ; " Leguminous Plants : their 

 Importance in Nature and their Value to Man," by J. W. Poynton, S.M. ; 

 " Experiences during Recent Travels in America," by W. Welch, F.R.G.S. 



At the annual meeting, 7th December, 1916, the annual report and 

 balance-sheet were taken as read, and adopted. 



Abstract. 



Dining the year the Council has continued its efforts for the preservation of the 

 New Zealand bush, and, taking advantage of Dr. Cockayne's visit, invited representa- 

 tives of the Borough Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the Agricultural and Pastoral 

 Association, and the Farmers' Union to meet him, when he gave a most interesting 

 address pn the unique nature of the native bush and its economic value ; and a depu- 

 tation was appointed to urge the importance of the question upon the Government. 

 The Council has good reason to believe that its action has been successful, and that 

 the Government will take the necessary measures for the extension of the Tpngariro 

 Park, and the preservation of the hush adjoining the Manawatu Gorge. 



During the year the Council has had to lament the loss of three members of the 

 society by death — Dr. Martin, a former President : Mr. E. J. Armstrong, formerly on 

 the Council ; and Mr. John Stevens. Six members have resigned through leaving the 

 district or from other causes ; four are absent on foreign service ; three have been 

 written off for not paying their subscriptions ; and seven new members have been 

 elected. 



About thirty exhibits have been added to the Museum, among them being various 

 products from the working of the Taranaki ironsand, and relics from the seat of war. 

 The attendance shows some increase during the year, the average daily number being 

 twenty-four, and for Sundays thirty-six. As the majority of these are children of 

 school age, it is a matter of regret that their visits are not made more systematically 

 under the care of their teachers, thereby resulting in definite instruction as well as 

 amusement. . 



The Government Astronomer (Dr. C. E. Adams) has requested co-operation in the 

 work of systematic observation of variables and binaries, and the Director has promised 

 to do whatever the facilities of the Observatory permit. This work, although tedious, 

 and apparently without prospect of any immediate results, is nevertheless of great and 

 increasing importance, and it is strongly urged that an astronomical section be formed 

 from members as soon as the programme of work is submitted, and a real effort be 

 made to assist the investigation. 



Election of Officers for 1917. -President — C. T. Salmon, Assoc, in Eng. 

 Vice-Presidents — J. W. Poynton, S.M. ; A. J. Colquhoun, M.Sc. Officer in 

 charge of Observatory — C. T. Salmon, Assoc, in Eng. Council — Miss Iron- 

 sidei M.A. ; J. L. Barnicoat ; M. A. Elliott ; W. Park, F.R.H.S. ; D. Sinclair, 

 C.E. ; J. E. Vernon, M.A., B.Sc. Secretary and Treasurer — K. Wilson, 

 M.A. Auditor— W. E. Bendall, F.P.A.N.Z. " 



