20 Proceedings. 



Profound I'egret was expressed at the death of Sir James Hector, and mention was 

 made of the fact that a movement was on foot to commemorate in a worthy manner his 

 great services to science and to New Zealand. 



The number of members on the roll was 100, including honorary and life members. 

 The Council pointed out that this was far too small a membership for such a society in 

 a centre of population so large and prosperous as Wellington. 



In May, 1908, the Council had joined with the Council of the Otago Institute in 

 urging the Tiovernment to set aside the Auckland Islands as a botanical and zoological 

 reserve in perpetuity. 



Satisfaction was expressed at the decision of the Government to establish research 

 scholarships in science. 



In accordance with arrangements effected in the previous year, a scientific expe- 

 dition had been made to the outlyins islands to the south of New Zealand. It was con- 

 sidered that our scientific knowledge had been increased by the researches of those who 

 had taken part in this expedition. 



Attention was called to the hints to aiithors which had been issued by the Publication 

 Committee, and members were reminded that no papers could be accepted for publication 

 in the Transactions iinless they were clear enough to be easily read by the compositors. 



The Council had pleasure in recording the fact that the Surveyor- General had con- 

 sented to publish in due course the results of the establishment of bench-marks on the 

 coast of New Zealand. 



The statement of receipts and expenditure for the year closing on the 30th Sep- 

 tember, 1908, showed that, inclusive of a balance of £47 Is. 2d. brought forward from 

 the previous financial year, the receipts amounted in all to £14.5 15s. 2d., and that the 

 total expenditure was £103 13s. 3d., leaving a credit balance of £42 Is. lid. The amount 

 of the Research Fund (on fixed deposit with the Bank of New Zealand) was £44 ISs. 6d. ; 

 making the total funds in hand £87 Os. 5d. 



Election of Officers for 1909. — President — Mr. A. Hamilton ; Vice- 

 Presidents— M.x. G. V. Hudson, F.E.S., and Mr. C. E. Adams, B.Sc. ; Council 

 —Mr. T. W. Kirk, F.L.S., Dr. A. K. Newman, Professor T. H. Easterfield, 

 Mr. Martin Chapman, K.C., Mr. Ernest Dillon Bell, Dr. Charles Munro 

 Hector, and Professor H. B. Kirk ; Secretary and Treasurer — Mr. Thomas 

 King ; Auditor— Mx. E. R. Dymock, A.I.A.N.Z. 



Exhibits. — 1. Several Maori musical instruments ; shown and described 

 by Dr. A. K, Newman. 



2. Moa-bones found at Seatoun, near Wellington ; shown by Mr. H. N. 

 McLeod. 



3. The arterial system of a dog ; shown by Professor H. B. Kirk. 



4. Large leeches infesting the penguin ; shown by Professor H. B. Kirk. 



Professor Kirk (Chairman), Mr. J. S. Tennant, and Mr. G. V. Hudson 

 gave a popular account of the recent scientific expedition to the southern 

 islands, dealing principally with the Auckland Islands. 



In illustration of their remarks, a large numbei' of photographs were thrown on the 

 screen by means of the projecting lantern of Victoria College. 



Payer. — " Further Notes on Sea-anemones found in the Neighbourhood 

 of Wellington," by F. G. A. Stuckey, B.A. 



