I'orlv-toin 
THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST 
March, 19y? 
because they prefer to take advan- | 
tage of any visitors who may be j 
available. 
The National Parks Association i 
of Queensland publishes a monthly 
circular setting out details of then 
field outings and evening meetings. 
Incidentally, this last mentioned 
body appears to be particularly 
active and more will be said about 
it later. 
In general, members of the above 
mentioned naturalist organisations 
represent all age groups, and come 
from all walks of life. 
Some clubs have been formed 
quite recently, such as Bendigo, 
established in 1945, and Portland 
about 5 years ago. The National 
Parks Association of Brisbane was 
formed in 1950. Some others, such 
as the West Australian Naturalists 
and the Victorian Field Natural- 
ists, have been in existence for a 
long time. 
The number of members bears 
an approximate relation to the 
population of the respective city 
or town, but, in the case of Perth, 
the number of both junior and 
senior members is far in excess of 
that of Adelaide, a city of some- 
what greater population. One 
would expect the converse to be 
the case. 
On analysing the actual subjects 
dealt with at the monthly meetings, 
one finds a very large variety of 
topics and it is apparent that all 
interests are catered for by various 
groups of nature-lovers. To obtain 
speakers for these evening meet- 
ings, it is the general practice to 
call upon members sufficiently 
versed in their particular fields, or 
people from Universities, Colleges 
or other institutions. Leaders for 
the day excursions are obtained by 
interstate clubs from their own 
members. 
In caring for the needs of the 
younger members, the other states 
have the right idea in having sep- 
arate sections or groups which 
foster, specifically, the special needs 
of youth. And this is where they 
can show South Australia a few 
points. Lin fortunately, in some 
States it does not seem to be recog- 
nised that it is essential to cater for 
the younger members, or if this is 
realised nothing very practical 
seems to be done about it. It is 
pleasing to observe that the W.A 
Naturalists have a flourishing body 
of young people WHO ARE CON- 
SISTENTLY INTERESTED, for 
it is from the younger members 
that the future office-bearers of any 
club or society must come and it is 
important to encourage them. 
Mention must be made of the 
National Parks Association of 
Queensland and the very consider- 
able amount of work it has done 
in having numerous areas gazetted 
as reserves. This group has a large 
following, especially among young 
people, and the reason for this is 
because the Association has regular 
tours, camp-outs and hikes. While 
not acting merely as a hiking oi 
camping club, its scope is much 
wider as is evident from its fine 
record of achievement in being 
largely instrumental in recommend- 
ing to the Government suitable 
areas for reserving as parks, etc., 
AND THESE ACTUALLY BE 
ING RESERVED. This association 
has a membership list of at least 
500 in those who love nature (not 
only in a scientific way) and who 
like to enioy nature in the vig : 
orous, healthy out doors fashion. 
The objects of the National 
Parks Association of Queensland 
are worth stating: — 
