1920.] 
University and Scientific News. 
59 
the Pacific, and America. Even in our own land the geographical inter¬ 
pretation of many of the features of our country, physical, industrial, and 
human, requires investigation, and it is to be hoped that the introduction 
of these studies into our University will lead to research of much value to 
our community. 
Auckland Institute. 
June 9.-—Mr. J. W. Mcllraith delivered a lecture entitled “ Some Modern 
Views on Education and Social Unrest.'’ He contended that much of the 
spirit of unrest now prevailing is due to a deficient system of education. 
He pointed out the great change in the conditions of living that had taken 
place during the past century, and how our educational system has failed 
to keep place with such changes. In emphasizing the need for an education 
for a life, as well as an education for a living, he pointed out those radical 
changes that are requisite in our system of elementary education, and also 
those equally radical changes that are wanted in the University. 
June 23.-—Professor H. W. Segar gave a lecture on “ The Attenuated 
Sovereign.” The rise in the cost of living had so seriously affected most 
businesses and households that most people desired to know why it 'had 
increased, how long the increase will be maintained, and whether there is 
a prospect of a decrease. The object of the lecture was to discuss these 
questions from various points of view, and in some cases to give tentative 
answers. 
June 30^—Dr. Kenneth Mackenzie delivered a lecture on “ Cancer and 
its relation to Public Health.” After pointing out the increasing prevalence 
of the disease, the lecturer proceeded to show that the death-rate would 
be greatly diminished if the general public realized the importance of certain 
early signs and symptoms. Cancer is curable in the very early stages of 
the disease : hence it is necessary to impress this fact upon the public by 
means of a vigorous campaign. In fact, cancer should be treated mainly 
from the side of public health. 
July 21.—“ The Discovery and Properties of Radium,” by Professor 
G. Owen. An account was given of the discovery of radio-activity and 
the special methods employed. Then the properties of radium and its 
radiations were discussed. Both this lecture and the following one were 
illustrated with lantern-slides and numerous experiments demonstrating 
the properties of radium. 
August 11.—“ The Lessons of Radium.” In this lecture Professor G. 
Owen discussed the new problems raised by the discovery of radium, such 
as the transmutation of the elements, the age of the earth and the sun, and 
also the uses of radium. 
September 1.—Mr. J. A. Bartrum delivered a lecture entitled “ Some 
Aspects of the Geological History and Cultural Development of Man.” 
The lecturer described the more important discoveries of the fossil remains 
of man and his immediate ancestors that have been brought to light during 
the last few decades, and gave the views now accepted as to man’s prehistoric 
evolution during the Stone Age. 
September 22,—Mr. W. S. Vernon gave a lecture on “ Electricity in the 
Home.” By means of a large and varied collection of appliances he fully 
demonstrated the many uses that could be made of electricity in the home. 
He also discussed the relationship of electricity to the domestic-service 
problem and the coal question. 
October 13.—“ Energy and Living Organisms,” by T. L. Lancaster. 
It was shown how the energy required for the bodily processes of animals 
