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THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST 
July, 1952 
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE FIELD NATURALISTS' SECTION 
OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY (INC.) STH. AUST. FOR THE YEAR 1951-1952. 
I have much pleasure in presenting, on behalf of the Committee the following report for the year 
ending 30th June, 1952. 
Members. — We have 220 ordinary members (of which only 180 are financial), 10 life members, and 
6 honorary members, making a total of 236. During the year 31 new members joined our ranks, a number 
of them being young people, it is pleasing to note. 
The Section suffered great losses in the deaths of Professor Harvey Johnston, Mr. J. M. Black and 
Mr. J. Ferries, who, in his will left the Section estate valued at a considerable sum. 
Mr. J. M. Black, you will recall, was awarded the Australian Natural History Medallion for the 
year 1944. 
Excursions. — During the year 48 excursions were held, including some localities which had never 
been visited before, at least, not by members present. 
General Meetings. — An average of 43 members and visitors attended the following monthly general 
meetings: — 
August 21st — Presentation of the Aust. Natural History Medallion to Mr. B. C. Cotton. 
September 18th — Aboriginal Campsites — Dr. Cooper Black. 
October 16th — Film Evening — Messrs. Anderson and Sandercock. 
November 20th — A Visit to Europe illustrated — Dr. Best. 
February 19th — Nature Films — Mr. Moore. 
March 18th — Aspects of Evolution — Mr. J. Mitchell. 
April 15th — Coloured Slides — Mr. Stevens. 
May 20th — Native Plants, their Cultivation and Future — Mr. T. R. N. Lothian. 
June 17th — Desert Insects — Mr. G. Gross. 
All of these evenings were most instructive and interesting, and the Committee records the thanks 
of all members to those who gave us these lectures. 
Arbour Day. — This was held on 19th April, in the Flora Reserve, National Park, when about 14 
species were planted. A good attendance of members helped greatly in the work. Funds were made 
available from the Conservation Fund with which to purchase the plants. After the planting, Mr. Lothian 
who convened the function instructed the party in the recognition and control of Osteospermum moni- 
lifomm, sometimes called the “necklace daisy.” 
Wikiflower and Nature Show'. — A very successful Wildflower and Nature Show' was held on 5th and 
6th October in the Liberal Club Hall. Much of the credit for it was due to Mr. Lothian, who once 
again organised the show in his usual vigorous and enthusiastic fashion. He was ably assisted by a 
small band of keen members. Miss Waterman’s shell ornaments, Miss Gregor’s robin redbreasts and the 
excellent work done by those on the flower stall augmented the proceeds of the show. 
An outstanding feature of the show were the unusual plants displayed there, including a number 
of the remarkable West Australian wild flowers, and the W. A. Pitcher plant; also the “ant-plants” from 
North Queensland, kindly loaned by the Botanic Gardens. Sincere thanks are due to Miss Ashby, Miss 
Burdett and Mr. Payne, who again supplied excellent collections of flowers from their gardens. Thanks, 
too, are recorded to T.A.A. for carrying free of charge, flowers from interstate, a fact which materially 
contributed towards the success of the show. To the press and radio who again greatly assisted in the 
publicity of the show, to the Director and staff of the S.A. Museum for exhibits; Technological Museum 
for exhibit of pearls; School of Mines for glass cases; and to all those members who assisted in the 
many ways possible; the Committee records its thanks. 
The emphasis of the show was on native plants under cultivation, and a poll was held to find which 
of the flowers displayed the public enjoyed most. This was an interesting feature, and together with the 
lists of Australian plants for Adelaide, which were supplied free to all who visited the show, did much 
to stimulate interest in our native plants. 
The “South Australian Naturalist.” — Only one part of the “S.A. Naturalist” was published during 
the vear under review. Mr. G. Buick, who was again appointed Hon. Editor, resigned later due to 
pressure of work, and the position was filled by Mr. Lothian. Preparations are now in hand for a further 
issue of the present volume, and this should be available shortly. We would point out that reports of 
excursions are requested for publication. 
Advertising.— An extensive advertising campaign has been going on for some time, the main object 
of this being to get more young people into the Section. A certain amount of success must be recorded, 
and for this our thanks are due to the co-operation of Station 5KA, the W.E.A., the Zoo, Public Library 
and the S.A. Museum. 
Clubs. — Those clubs functioning have reported a satisfactory year’s work, but membership of these 
clubs is not as great as the Committee would like it to be. 
