222 The N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology. [May 
tempted to relinquish his position as Chief Electrical Engineer in the 
Public Works Department and to leave New Zealand. Though no country 
in the world possessed such potentialities as New Zealand in regard to 
the utilization of water-power, unfortunately the people of the country 
did not sufficiently appreciate the services of their gifted servants. As a 
member of the Philosophical Society Mr. Parry had on all occasions 
taken an active part in the proceedings, and as a member of the Council 
in the management of the Society’s affairs. On behalf of the Society he 
thanked Mr. Parry for the services that he had so freely given. 
Mr. S. H. Jenkinson, speaking on behalf of the Technological Section 
of the Society, claimed that Mr. Parry had been above all a member of 
the section. Though at the same time he had taken an interest in all the 
activities of the Society, to the Technological Section he had been a tower 
of strength. Mr. Parry’s departure would be a great loss to the engineer¬ 
ing profession in New Zealand, the members of which, however, had the 
consolation of shining in his reflected glory. Though he came to New 
Zealand six years before as a Welshman, Mr. Parry now went abroad as a 
New-Zealander and would act as an ambassador for his adopted country. 
Of two projects in the technical field in New Zealand in which Mr. Parry 
had been particularly interested, one—the establishment of a technical 
library — had not materialized, but the other — the inauguration of a 
technical journal — had, for the New Zealand Journal of Science and 
Technology was now an established fact. On behalf of the Honorary 
Editors of the Journal the speaker tendered to Mr. Parry their special 
appreciation of his work, and thanked him for his promise to continue 
as a contributor to its pages. 
Dr. C. M. Hector and Professor T. H. Easterfield also offered good 
wishes. 
Mr. Parry, in reply, disclaimed merit for all the good things said of 
him. He certainly had taken an interest in the Technological Section 
of the Society, and he had also taken very much to heart the success of 
the Journal. He hoped that the time would soon come when the efforts 
already begun would result in the establishment of a technological library 
in New Zealand, for the lack of such a library was seriously felt by the 
engineering profession. Mr. Jenkinson had referred to his being an 
ambassador for New Zealand. In one sense he would be an ambassador, 
for the Government of New Zealand had given him a retainer to act for 
them if need should arise. He thanked the company for their good 
wishes. 
Ordinary General Meeting, 30th April. 
Mr. S. H. Jenkinson addressed the Society, his subject being “Majority 
and Proportional Representation.” 
The lecturer maintained the thesis that no system of election could 
be satisfactory which did not result in giving one party or other a 
working majority of about 10 per cent, of the House, and made an 
analysis of the returns at a number of New Zealand elections, from which 
he concluded that under the system of proportional representation satis¬ 
factory working majorities would seldom have been returned. He therefore 
condemned the system. 
An apology for absence was received from Mr. George Hogben, who 
was unfortunately prevented by ill health from attending ; while other 
enthusiastic supporters of proportional representation were also unavoid¬ 
ably absent. There was, nevertheless, an interesting discussion. 
