8 EIGHTH PACIFIC SCIENCE CONGRESS 



become convinced of the desirability of forming an oceanographic so- 

 ciety of the Pacific. It is suggested that such a society be part of the 

 Pacific Science Association and its meetings would be an integral part 

 of a Pacific Science Congress. The officers and executive committee of 

 such a society, elected by popular vote of the membership, would func- 

 tion for the association in much the same manner as the present stand- 

 ing committee. Through membership in such a society every oceanog- 

 rapher would have a voice and the privilege of active participation. 

 The present standing committee may be criticized as being more or less 

 of a closed system. More than twice the numbers now comprising the 

 Standing Committee were recommended for or volunteered for member- 

 ship. Then again there are a number of young men just beginning 

 their careers in oceanography who would undoubtedly profit by affilia- 

 tion with such an organization. This would also be true of oceano- 

 graphers who are citizens of nations where scientists are relatively few. 

 Such a society could sponsor a much needed oceanographic publication 

 for the entire Pacific area, provided funds could be obtained, in which 

 oceanographers could publish the results of their finding. Here also 

 would appear information of current activities, periodic abstracts of out- 

 standing articles published elsewhere and a current bibliography. It is 

 recommended that such an organization be considered by this Congress. 



The 7th Pacific Science Congress meeting in Auckland and Christ- 

 church, had a marked catalytic effect on oceanographic research in New 

 Zealand, and those who came from afar to attend the Congress learned 

 much from their New Zealand colleagues. It was an education to 

 have seen this delightful country and to have been received so generously 

 by its charming people. It is hoped that the oceanographers of the 

 Philippines will receive a similar stimulus and those that have come 

 from afar will be inspired by seeing the Philippines and meeting with 

 the citizens of the country which has played a major role in recent his- 

 tory. 



It seems fitting for the chairman and the secretary of the Standing 

 Committee on Oceanography to express their appreciation for the excel- 

 lent cooperation received from all members of the committee. It has 

 been a real pleasure working with Dr. D. V. Villadolid, chairman of 

 the local organizing committee on oceanography and also chairman of 

 the subcommittee on fisheries. Through his untiring efforts an excel- 

 lent program has been organized and it promises to surpass even those 

 of previous congresses. To Dr. Villadolid and his associates the Stand- 

 ing Committee expresses its profound thanks and appreciation for their 

 many efforts. 



