Polynesian Society.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 787, 1 April 1905, Page 2

Polynesian Society.

The annual meeting of the Polynesian Society (formed to promote tho study of the anthropology, clll_ nology, philology, history and antiquities of the Polynesian races by the puliation of an otliuiai journal called the "Journal of the Polynesiau Society, and by the collection of books, manuscripts, photographs, relics, and other illustrations) was h,.ld on Friday night at the Council Chambers. Mr S. Percy Smith, F.U.tI.S., presided, and there were niso present : Messrs W. 1.. Newman, J. 11. Parker, F. P. Corkill, W. I>. Wobsten, andi Messrs W. 11. Skinner and W. Kerr (joint secretaries). In presenting tho thirteenth annual repoit the council congratulated meinbers on the continued w.-ll-beiug of the society, and the fact that it had made some progress during the year. llcl'erring to the

■"Journal," the thirteenth voluu.o contained a few more pages than the m - ece:ling one, and a good many illustrations. It had been suggested that the si/.e of the "Journal " might be increased as there was plenty of mutter on hand, if some of their mouthers would assist in. translating the many papers the society possessed, some of which wera of great value, and should lie available for members generally. There were over twenty members of | the society who were competent, Maori scholars, and who- might undertake some of this work, and( thus relieve the editor of some of his onerous work.. Lord Plunket had consented Co accept tha office of patron. Fair progress? was bWiig made with the new Maori dictionary, which tha Hev. H. W. Williams had in hand, and many contributions from gentlemen who had collections of words had been received and promised. Hefgret was expressed at the death of four members' during the year, including To Kahui Kararekc, of Kahotu, Tarunaki, a iormer contributor to tho journal, and Mr John Fraser, M.D., of MaiOaocfc N.S.W., a frequent contributor. On Jan. 1. th» membership roll showed : Patron 1. honorary members 8, corresponding members 16, ordinary members 104 ; total 189.

The report and balance-sheet, showing a credit balance on Dec. 31 of £4l 3s M were adopted. The present bank credit was; £35 5s lOd. .Mr Percy Smith was re-elected president and Messrs Newman, Frasor, and Kerr members of the council.

Messrs Skinner and Newman were appointed joint hon. secretaries, and Mr Webster auditors rrofesson A. H. Keane, of London, one of the greatest living authorities on! ethnological" matters, was elected an honorary member. Mr It. H. Ashcroft was elected an ordinary member, and Tuuui-a-Rangi, of the Wairurapa, a corresponding member. It was reported that the next issue of the "Journal" would be published next week. Reference was made to the necessity iof properly housing the society's 7 library, which is constantly being;

augmented from all parts of the world, and which, is claimed to rank as the leading society of the k'ind in New Zealand. At present most of the books were at the Council Chambers, while many were stowed away at the president's residence awaiting propei' accommodation. The malter was loft to ihe council. It was reported that the president had interviewed Mr Seckion in Wellington with reference to the new edition of the Maori (Polynesian) Dictionary, which is now being prepared by the Rev. 11. W. Williams, of Gisborne, and which the flovornment has, with l groat liberality, undertaken) to print under the auspices of the society. Seeing the great Importance of access to a large amount of important matter bearing on -this subject now deposited- in the Public Library, Capetown, by the lato Sir George Grey, advantage is to bo talcen off the visit of the Rev. Mr Williams to Cape Colony to authorise him to see the documents and learn' from the authorities there

what arrangements can be made with! a view to their utilisation. Mr Seckion has, to' aid Mr Williams' missloft, given him letters of Intro-

ductlon to the Premier of Capo Colony, and also communicatod with the trustees of the Auckland Public. Library,' with the request that a complete list of «li documents left by the late Sir George Grey to that institution bearing on Cape Colony and SoutE Africa generally bo prepared. This is with. ft view to Mr Williams ascertaining if there is any chance of acquiring tho original documents for the Government of New Zealand, either by way of exchange for the documents' relating to the Cape, or by purchase or by copying them. Tn'o new dictionary wiil, it is staled, when completed contain nearly 10,000 now words.