654 Proceedings. 



Seventh Meeting : 17th September, 1914, 



Paper. — " Further Notes on the Geology of New Zealand," by Mr. 



J. W. Poynton, S.M. 



Showing how the recent discoveries of fossil forms, both animal and vegetable, 

 in Antarctica supported the theory of a land connection between that continent and 

 New Zealand on the one hand, and South America on the other, during the Tertiary 

 period. 



Eighth Meeting : 15th October, 1914. 



Paper. — " Plant-life in the Solomon Islands," by^the Ven. Archdeacon 



Comins, D.D. 



After a brief sketch of the history of the islands from their discovery by Mendena 

 in 1567, the paper, which was illustrated by many exhibits and photographs, described 

 the leading characteristics of the island flora, which bears a close affinity with that of 

 Papua, with which the islands have probably at one time been connected. 



Annual Meeting : 26th November, 1914. 



Abstract of Annual Report. 



The report referred to the efforts which had been made by the Council during the 

 past year to secure the enlargement of the Tongariro National Park, with a view to the 

 preservation of the native bush, at present greatly endangered by the introduction of 

 sawmills, &c, and also to the provision of better accommodation for tourists. Inquiries 

 had also been made into the tenure of the land on the summit of Mount Wharite, with 

 a view of getting it proclaimed as a scenic reserve ; and the Council pressed upon their 

 successors the urgent necessity of continuing the advocacy of both these measures. 



The Museum was being slightly rearranged, on the advice of Mr. T. W. Kirk, F.L.S., 

 in order to bring together the exhibits which illustrate the natural products and 

 industries of the country, and thereby to increase their direct educational value. The 

 time was fast approaching when increased and more secure accommodation must be 

 provided if the Museum was to do its work properly. 



Election of Officers for 1915.— President— Mr. J. W. Poynton, S.M. ; 

 Vice-Presidents — Messrs. J. L. Barnicoat and M. A. Eliott ; Officer in charge 

 of the Observatory — Mr. C. T. Salmon ; Secretary and Treasurer — Mr. K. 

 Wilson, M.A. ; Council — Miss Ironside, M.A., and Messrs. K. Gardner, 

 J. B. Gerrard, W. Park, H. D. Skinner, B.A., and J. E. Vernon, M.A. ; 

 Auditor— Mr. W. E. Bendall. 



On the motion of the Secretary, seconded by Mr. Park, it was resolved, 

 That the Council be authorized to contribute annually, if required, to the 

 funds of the New Zealand Institute a sum not exceeding 2s. 6d. per member. 



