FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2449, 30 April 1915, Page 7

FIELD NATURALISTS' CLUB

ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report of the 'Wellington Field Naturalists' Club for the year ending April 29 states that on February 19 of this year a meeting of those interest, ed in tho formation of a Field Naturalists' Club .. was ■ held in the Public 1 Library, Wellington, when it was unanimously decided that such a club should be founded. The following offsoers were elected: —Dr. L. Cockayne, F.R.S., president ; Professor H. B. Kirk, M.A., and Miss Myers, vice-presidents; Sir. E. Bruce Levy, hon. secretary and treasurer; and Dr. C. A. Cotton, Miss E, Richardson, Miss Castle,"and Messrs. H. Baillie, Elsdon Best, and T. Ralph, members of tho committee.

It was decided that the objects of tho club should be as wide as possible, and include the investigation of the archaeology, geology, . zoology, and botany of the neighbourhood of Wellington. Field excursions' on Saturday afternoons and holidays were to bo ail outstanding feature. Indoor meetings were also to be held, at which papers were to be read and discussed and exhibits shown. " Also public collections of natural history specimens were to be made, and, if feasible, a camp held yearly at some place suitable for the work of the club.' Since tho club'was founded so late in the season not a great deal has been accomplished. At the same time wellattended excursions have been made to Wilton's Bush, the rock pools at Island Bay, and the raised beaches between Lvall Bay and Seatomi. Professor Kirk delivered a most interesting address at Victoria College oir tho marine' plant and animal life of Island Bay. Besides the formal .excursions, others not specially arranged have been taken by certain members, especially one to the mouth of the Wainui-o-mata, in order to study the remarkable shrub Muclileubeckia Astoni. A number of the members have commenced special work. Although there has been no attempt to attract members, it is gratifying to report that the membership "of the club already totals 43. There is ample scope ill the open air investigation of the natural history of Wellington for the assistance not only of those well versed in thoir respective sciences, but of others who, knowing little of natural history, love Nature_ and wish to be better acquainted with her marvellous works. Members will be cordially welcome who will undertake the cultivation of the native plants or the breeding of insects. There is also nnicli scope for tho amateur photographer. The annual subscription lias been fixed at 2s. Gd. por annum, merely so that membership shall be witnin reach of all. Tim receipts for the past season wore C 3 12s. 6(1., tho £L 7s. (id.; balance, £2 os. The npxt season monces in the first weel; of October, and before this date a programme for the year will be drawn up bv the committee. Expressions of thanks of the committee were tendered to the chairman of the Public Library Committee and to the Victoria College! Council for the uso of meeting and lecture rooms; also .to. the daily Press for assistance rendered in giving- publicity to the work of tho club. .