Auckland Institute. 621 



tions from foreign societies have also been received, together with some 

 donations from private individuals. 



The steps which have been taken by the Government to constitute 

 the Little Barrier Island a reserve for the preservation of the fauna and 

 flora of New Zealand are no doubt fresh in the recollection of members. 

 Soon after the last annual meeting the Council received a communi- 

 cation from the Government asking whether the Institute would under- 

 take the management of the island, the Grown Lands Department con- 

 tributing a yearly grant to defray the necessary expenses. As the 

 proposal to reserve the island emanated from the Institute, and has 

 always had its active support and sympathy, the Council at once stated 

 their willingness to undertake the work. The negotiations lingered, how- 

 ever, and it was not until the end of the year that the island was formally 

 handed over, together with a grant of £200 for the first year's expenses. 

 Mr. R. H. Shakespear has been appointed curator, and left for the island 

 early in the month of January. A residence is urgently wanted, and the 

 Council trust that the Government will act on their representations and 

 erect one before the winter sets in. 



A visit of inspection has proved that most of the rarer birds known 

 to inhabit the island still linger thereon, in some cases in fair numbers. 

 Now that Maoris and Europeans have practically left the island, and 

 now that a caretaker armed with sufficient powers to prevent the landing 

 of unauthorised persons is residing there, it is hoped that the depreda- 

 tions of collectors will be effectually stopped. Fortunately, wild cats 

 and other vermin appear to be scarce, and there is every probability that 

 the island may for many years afford a secure home to species that have 

 either disappeared or will shortly disappear from the mainland. 



In conclusion, the Council have once more to thank the members 

 and many others for the aid and encouragement which they have given 

 to the objects of the Institute, and which they trust will be again freely 

 rendered during the coming year. 



Election of Officees for 1897. — President — E. Eober- 

 ton, M.D. ; Vice-presidents— D . Petrie, F.L.S., Professor A. P. 

 Thomas, F.L.S. ; Council— G. Aickin, J. Batger, W. Berry, 

 H. Campbell, C. Cooper, E. A. Mackechnie, T. Peacock, Eev. 

 A. G. Purchas, M.R.C.S.E., J. Eeid, J. Stewart, C.E., 

 J. H. Upton; Trustees— Fi. A. Mackechnie, S. P. Smith, 

 F.E.G.S., T. Peacock ; Secretary and Curator—^. F. Cheese- 

 man, F.L.S., F.Z.S. ; Auditor—^. Gorrie. 



