March Meeting
The subject of the evening was landsnails, and attendees brought in many interesting displays.

Thomas Simpson has, in a short time, managed to assemble a very fine collection of landsnails from around the world. He spoke about his two trays of shells, and pointed out some items of particular interest. One specimen, from Madagascar, had a huge protoconch - about the size of a golf ball. Also about the size of a golf ball was a common garden snail (Cryptomphalus aspersus) from Morocco. It was a magnificent specimen - much larger than we had ever seen in New Zealand. Thomas also pointed out a recently acquired specimen from the Galapagos Islands.

Doug Snook had also brought in some amazing trays of landsnails, as well as a variety tray of worldwide shells. In one corner of that tray was a small colourless shell that was easy to overlook amongst the other magnificent specimens. But Doug was most proud of this peculiar little shell. It was a species he thought he would never own - Siphonochelus pavlova, a very rare Muricid from eastern Australia and the Coral Sea. Doug had traded some prized shells for it just a few weeks earlier.

Margaret Morley reported on some recent trips she did, including a geology trip to Kawhia. In the Jurassic fossil beds there she found Belemnites, the bullet shaped internal skeleton of an extinct cephalopod.

Peter Poortman then used the data projector to show some old club photos from our archives, as well as photos of his favourite shelling locations in Northland.

Next Meeting – Tuesday 8th April
Epsom Community Centre, 202 Gillies Avenue, Epsom at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm). Supper provided.

The subject will be Tonnidae. Please bring in a display from your collection, and be prepared to tell us about it.
Peter Poortman will talk about the aftermath of cyclone Lusi, and will reveal the project he has been working on for several months.
Margaret Morley will give us a shell quiz, with a prize for the winner.

Noel Gardner
Sadly, Noel Gardner passed away on Saturday 1st/February.
Noel and her husband Norm (who died in 2006) were cornerstone members of our club since the early 1940's.
They built a huge shell collection and were extremely knowledgeable on the subject. Besides holding the highest positions in CSAMI for decades, they also contributed massively to our Poirieria magazine.
They made a huge contribution to the Auckland Museum marine collection, not just with the gifting of specimens, but also with the voluntary weekly contribution of their expertise and knowledge.

Subscriptions for 2014
These are now overdue.
Please contact our Treasurer Michael Barlow on (09) 623 3231 if you have not yet paid your 2014 subscription.

Poirieria Magazine
We welcome contributions to our club magazine "Poirieria".
Anything related to shells or collecting would be greatly appreciated - Eg. shelling trips/finds, personal observations/tips, scientific research, historic anecdotes, a notable washup, etc.
Please email articles to Peter Poortman at petermwp@gmail.com, or post to 26 Pendlebury Street, Green Bay, Auckland 0604.

Club Library
We have an extensive collection of books, magazines, and scientific publications available, as well as a biological microscope.

Other News
. The frozen animals of Panopea smithae and Tonna tankervillii are available for anyone who wants them. These were found washed up at Waipu Cove after the recent cyclone Lusi. Contact Paul Leary on 021 0828 6229.

. Items of interest for the monthly newsletter are always welcome - email to petermwp@gmail.com, or post to Peter Poortman, 26 Pendlebury Street, Green Bay, Auckland 0604.

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