648 Proceedings. 



Zealand: a Contrast," on the 23rd May. These two meetings were very successful, 

 both our own members and the general public attending them in satisfactory numbers. 

 The Institute has been called upon at its meetings during the past year to place 

 on record its deep regret at the death of three of its former Presidents — Dr. J. H. Scott, 

 Dr. John Shand, C.M.G., and Mr. J. C. Thomson. Dr. Scott, who was President as far 

 back as 1885, had for over twenty years taken an active part in the work of the Institute, 

 and had contributed to the Transactions original work of great value. 



Technological Branch. — The year 1914 has been productive of good and useful work. 

 A full course of seven ordinary meetings was held, at which valuable and interesting 

 lectures were delivered. 



Astronomical Branch. — Five ordinary meetings of the branch have been held during 

 the season, when numerous important papers were read and discussed. 



Presentations to the library have been made by Mr. E. B. M. Walmsley (books 

 and magazines), and Mr. J. W. Milnes (" Observer's Atlas of the Heavens "). 



An arrangement has been made with the Wellington Philosophical Society (Astro- 

 nomical Branch) for the exchange of papers read at the two societies. As a result, two 

 papers have been forwarded from Dunedin to Wellington, and one, on " Variable Stars,'" 

 has been received. It is hoped that this plan will be found of benefit to both societies. 



During the year a transit instrument, as previously promised, was kindly hand* d 

 over to the society by Mr. J. Blair Mason. The instrument has been repaired by Mr. 

 Bremner, and is now erected, and will be oriented by Professor Park. 



Membership. — During the year eight new members have been elected, three of whom 

 entered through the Technological and one through the Astronomical Branch. On the 

 other hand, twenty-seven members have either resigned or been struck off the member- 

 ship list owing chiefly to removals from Dunedin, and six members (Dr. J. H. Scott. 

 Dr. John Shand, and Messrs. John Blair, James Nichol, J. C. Thomson, and J. F. Wood- 

 house) have been removed by death. The membership roll, therefore, has suffered a net 

 decrease of twenty-five, and now stands at 201. | 



Librarian's Report. — During the session, twelve new works have been purchased, 

 and six are on order with our agent. Of these, nine are technical works in zoology, 

 botany, evolution, heredity, and so forth; three are geological; three on natural 

 history in the popular sense, and are suitable for general readers who may be interested 

 in the history of prehistoric or primitive man. 



The Institute has also commenced to subscribe to a botanical periodica], " The 

 New Phytologist," and is arranging to obtain the earlier volumes. 



A number of works added are due to the generosity of certain gentlemen. Mr. 

 E. B. M. Walmsley presented seven astronomical books, most of which are suitable for 

 general reading, and two periodicals of a technical nature. Mr. J. W. Milnes presented 

 a valuable atlas to the heavens. To Mr. F. H. Statham we are indebted for a large series 

 of the back numbers of the Journal of the Institute of Civil Engineers, which should bo 

 useful to members of the Technological Branch. Owing to lack of accommodation, 

 these are at present stored in the basement. 



During the past year fifty-one volumes have been bound, most of which are periodicals 

 and other serials. 



Balance-sheet. — The balance-sheet, presented by the Treasurer (Mr. R. N. Vanes), 

 showed a credit of £30 6s. lOd. The gross receipts totalled £859, including subscriptions 

 amounting to £175, deposits at call amounting to £533 10s. 



Election of Officers jor 1915. — President- — Mr. E. Gilkison ; Vice-Presidents 

 —Dr. P. Marshall and Dr. W. B. Benliam ; Hon: Secretary— Mr. E. J. Parr ; 

 Hon. Treasurer — Mr. E. N. Vanes; Hon. Auditor — Mr. H. Brascli ; Hon. 

 Librarian — Dr. Benham ; Council — Dr. E. V. Fulton, Dr. J. K. H. Inglis, 

 Dr. E. Jack, Dr. J. Malcolm, Messrs. H. Brascli, G. M. Thomson, and 

 Professor J. Park. 



