325 



specimens of obsidianites or australites were made the text of 

 a short address, in which by means of diagrams the lecturer 

 illustrated the various theories of their origin and distribution. 



On August 24 members took the tram to Paradise, and 

 walked to Highbury under the leadership of Mr. W. H. 

 Selway. The geological features of the locality were explained, 

 special attention being directed to the beds of fluviatile origin 

 corresponding in age with the marine tertiaries of the coast. 

 The sandy soil of Highbury is prolific in native flowers, 

 including a considerable variety of orchids, of which several 

 species were found, in particular Diuris palustris. Heath-like 

 plants were numerous, amongst these being Cryptandra tomen- 

 tosa. Many acacias were in full bloom, including A. montana, 

 which is usually found only at higher altitudes. Dr. Fenner 

 explained the existence of gravel beds at a high elevation, 

 forming an apron of alluvial, the water-worn material having 

 been deposited at the base of the ranges. 



On September 14 Mr. W. H. Selway conducted an excur- 

 sion to the National Park. The leader gave an interesting 

 account of the steps which had been taken to secure the old 

 Government Farm as a National Park, and of the various 

 troubles which the pioneers of the movement had to encounter 

 from the opposition of those desirous of seeing the land cut 

 up for occupation as working men's blocks, etc. 



W. J. Kimber, Chairman. 

 W. Ham, Hon. Secretary. 



TWENTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 

 NATIVE FAUNA AND FLORA PROTECTION 

 COMMITTEE. 



On May 1, 1918, Mr. E. Ashby resigned his chairmanship 

 prior to leaving for America, and Capt. S. A. White, 

 C.M.B.O.U., was elected as chairman. 



Several committee meetings took place during the year 

 to discuss important questions. The chairman attended two 

 meetings of sportsmen and others to consider the advisability 

 of bringing in a new Bill for the protection of animals and 

 birds. This was decided upon, and the chairman, through 

 the courtesy of the Government, had a good share in the 

 framing of the Act. The Bill was introduced into Parliament 

 by the Hon. the Attorney-General (Mr. H. N. Barwell), and 



