Conchology Section
Auckland Museum Institute

President's Report
Hello fellow shellers! - The New Zealand contingent visiting the Keppel Bay and Townsville Shell Shows had a marvelous time. The Australian Clubs are so friendly and welcoming - we just want to go back for more!

Mike and Val Hart attended the Keppel Bay Show. Mike was given the task of opening the show and presenting the prizes. He gave a thought-provoking speech about shelling. Bob and Betty Grange attended both shows - they drove from Rockhampton to Cairns and on to Cooktown over four weeks.

Jenny Raven and I attended both shows - we drove from Brisbane to Townsville over two weeks. The sky remained blue the whole time we were there. The tides were not so good for us but we had some wonderful walks on beaches and saw some stunning sunrises and sunsets. Allan and Joan Limpus spoilt us for two nights and we had a great time looking at his huge Volute collection. Ena Coucom in Yappoon is always good to us even though a lot of her time is taken with the new Shell World.

I did win some prizes! Keppel Bay - 1st in Pectens, Mitridae, Cypraea with related animal names, Colourful shells, Philately and Shells. In Townsville - 1st in Conidae, Cypraeidae, Olives one up/one down, Volutidae and Shell of the Show. We saw heaps of wonderful entries and I highly recommend these shows if you are planning a trip to Australia.

Back in New Zealand the wind howled, the rain came down and six people braved getting to the Club Meeting run by Doug. Thank you to Doug and Judith Snook for braving the storm - I hear the members ate chocolate and had a great fun night. Let’s hope the weather is better for our next evening meeting.

I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday 14th August.

Happy Shelling,
Heather

August Meeting
Tony and Jenny Enderby will be the speakers at this month's Club Meeting. Their knowledge is extensive, experiences are absolutely wonderful to listen to and their underwater photographs are exquisite. Definitely a night not to be missed!

Shell family of the night is deep water New Zealand shells. We shall also briefly discuss the proposed purchase of a data projector, our long term arrangements concerning our meeting venue, and the formation of a sub-committee for the Shell Show of 2009. As usual there shall be lucky door prizes to be won, sales table available and supper provided.

We look forward to seeing you there on Tuesday, 14th August at Epsom Community Centre, 202 Gillies Avenue, Epsom from 7:00 pm with the meeting to start at 7:30 pm.

Shell Collection Viewing
Heather Smith is holding an "open home" on 25th August from 2:00 to 5:00 pm where you will be welcome to view Heather's shell collection including those shells recently exhibited in the Australian shows. If you are interested in attending please let Heather know and she'll provide you with a map of how to get there.

Upcoming Shell Show
The Australian 7th National Shell Show is being held in Brisbane, Queensland on 7th - 9th March, 2008. It is also a wonderful show to attend with people arriving from all over Australia (and abroad) with shells to share. For any further information see Heather.

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