Conchology Section
Auckland Museum Institute

April Meeting - DÉJÀ VU
Think you're going crazy and heard this all before ... well you have ... but this is it ... advertised for the last time ... "Snail: The Movie". Unfortunately we were unable to watch this movie at our March meeting due to lack of computer speakers!
This DVD was supplied to us last year by Solid Energy, the state-owned coal mining company, and it is all about the relocation of Powelliphanta augusta Walker et al, 2008 at the site of the Stockton opencast coal mine in northern Westland.
This promises to be interesting footage and very topical and recent.
Martin will also run through (on the big screen) the 2008 paper by WALKER, K.J.; TREWICK, S.A.; BARKER, G.M, describing this new species.
Bring along your Powelliphantas and New Zealand landsnails.
We shall also have a debrief on the Shell Show.

This will be held on Tuesday, 14th April at Epsom Community Centre, 202 Gillies Avenue, Epsom. You are welcome to arrive from 7:00 pm with the meeting commencing at 7:30 pm.

Shell Show Report
What a weekend!!
The Shell Show was a great success, and by all accounts was enjoyed by the many participants and visitors. We had almost 200 exhibits, and as usual the standard was higher than ever. They really were amazing displays and visitors well and truly got their moneys worth.
The judges had many difficult decisions to make, but managed to complete their task by 9pm on Friday night - big winners were Heather Smith for her worldwide displays, and Peter Poortman for his New Zealand displays - view the winners list.
We also had a record number of shell dealers this year, including Alistair Moncur from Britain and Marcus Coltro from Femorale in Brazil.
The auction on Saturday was well attended and the bidding for some lots got quite competitive. The day finished with an enjoyable meal and prizegiving at Valentines Restaurant.
Throughout the weekend we had a steady stream of visitors, with Lena Trnski being the lucky winner of the raffle - a beautiful collection of shells donated by Heather.
Many thanks to all the club members who contributed in some way to make this our best ever show!!

Please send your best Shell Show photos to Peter Poortman so that he can put them on the Club's Website. Here are a few ...

Congratulations to our shell show organisers: Peter Poortman, Heather Smith, Doug Snook and Martin Walker. Your hours of hard work made for an incredibly successful show.

Poirieria Articles
There's no excuse now the Shell Show is over ... we want your articles for the next edition of the Poirieria.
No article too small ... personal interest stories, anecdotes, your greatest find - let us know.
Send it to Jan Munroe at kevandjan@slingshot.co.nz, or telephone Patricia Langford to discuss on 479 6149.

Luen's Mail
Luen Jones reports that a postal bag was stolen in his area. Any mail posted to Luen on the 10th-12th March may have been in this batch. Please contact Luen if this may apply.

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