Biological Society

The Society's activities during 1947 were so successful that we intend to model this year's programme along the same lines. Many of the society's activities have proved so popular that they will probably become recognized annual events.

The Annual Dissecting Competition for Stage I students was held in the third term. This test of practical skill is always very popular and two good prizes are awarded.

During 1947 we inaugurated a Herbarium Competition. This was intended to fill the same place for Stage I Botany students as the Dissecting Competition does for Stage I Zoology students. It was hoped that the competition would encourage field work; this naturally involves more work than the Dissecting Competition and for that reason was less popular. Nevertheless we hope it will become an annual feature of the Society's programme.

At the request of the Social Committee the Society organized one of the fortnightly dances. The attendance was good and we feel that a repetition of this less academic venture will be justified.

More serious but none the less successful was the first appearance of 'Tuatara' in its new form. This periodical promises to be of high scientific value if we can maintain the standard set by the first issue. The second issue will be published soon.

A trip to Kapiti Island was held after the 1947 Finals. Twelve students enjoyed a five-day break in this beautiful sanctuary and took advantage of the chance to observe native wild-life seldom seen on the mainland.

This year has seen two very successful addresses; Mr. Charles Fleming spoke on the Snares Islands, and a few weeks later Dr D. S. Milne of the Evolution Protest Movement spoke to a meeting of more than fifty members of the Society.

The Biological Society was represented in the 1948 Capping Procession by hitherto unknown forms of life—a segmented dragon. We are under the fond impression that our monster stole the show.

The programme for the winter term will commence with a Brains Trust. We also hope to run an ecological project on bottom fauna in the Wellington Harbour.

We wish to take this opportunity of thanking the 1947 Committee for so ably carrying on the Society's activities and only hope that we can do as well in 1948.