Many members are aware of the awards our Branch presents from time to time but do not know the history behind these awards. The Branch awards are the Dr. W.J. Wright Award; the John Kirk Worth Memorial Award, the George Neumann Award; and the Director's Award (Friends of the Institute Award).

The John Kirk Worth Memorial Award is to honour the memory of John Worth. John was a consultant at the time of his death, which was caused by a traffic accident. While with the Department of Natural Resources and Energy, John was in charge of a drilling program that resulted in the discovery of potash in the Sussex area. The work resulted in two potash mines, one of which is closed due to flooding, and a third prospective area.

The John Kirk Worth Memorial Award is presented periodically to someone who has made a significant contribution to the potash and/or industrial minerals industry. There is a John Kirk Worth Memorial Award committee which is suppose to propose names to the Branch executive and directors. Contact Sam McEwan (506) 453-2206 or Don Barnett (506) 453-3862

Dr. W. J. Wright Award

The Dr. W.J.Wright award was first presented in February 1980 to none other than Dr. Wright himself on the occasion of his 99th birthday. Dr. Wright was Provincial Geologist from 1929 to 1951. The award is presented to someone who has made significant contributions to New Brunswick's mineral industry. The criteria for nominations as first established are 1) interests in the fields of geology, mining or metallurgy 2) significant amount of work in New Brunswick and 3) the nominee must be living. The Branch wanted the award open ended with respect to field of interest because the Branch itself represents so many interests. The Branch realised a recipient may be recognised by others for their accomplishments but that this award would be for work done in New Brunswick or directly applicable to New Brunswick. The criterion that the nominee be alive was that we wanted the recipient to appreciate our appreciation. Since the award was established the criteria that the nominee be living is the only one that has caused any concern. This is because people who were ideal candidates for the award died before being nominated. The Dr. W.J. Wright Award committee is comprised of Ron Shaw, permanent chairman as well as the Branch chairman, vice-chairman and past chairman. The committee submits recommendations to the executive and directors for approval. This award is been presented annually and at the Convention in Bathurst in September. Anyone wanting to nominate someone for this award is urged to contact Ron Shaw, Energy Division, Department of Natural Resources and Energy, PO Box 6000, Fredericton, N.B. E3B 561. Telephone (506) 444-4195 fax (506) 453-3671 e-mail ron.shaw@gnb.ca

George Neumann Award

Director's Award Friend of the Institute

Director's Award (Friend of the Institute)

In 1984 the Branch established an award called Director's Award to be presented to a "Friend of the Institute". These friends are companies or individuals who have helped our organisation grow through either continued financial support or through their personal support in organising the many events. The directors wanted to let these individuals and/or companies know that they were and still are greatly appreciated. The nominations for the award usually come from the organisers of the various events and are voted on by the executive and directors

In addition, our members are eligible for the many national awards. District is eligible to present a Proficiency Medal and a Distinguished Service Award. The awards are presented such that one year New Brunswick will present the Proficiency Medal and Nova Scotia will present the Distinguished Service Award; the following year New Brunswick presents the Distinguished Service Award and Nova Scotia the Proficiency Medal. The third year Newfoundland presents both awards. The criteria for the awards published in the CIM Directory and can be found on the net under the CIM National web site.

For university student entering second or subsequent years, leading to a first degree in an earth science discipline (geology, mining, metallurgy, etc.). The $2,000 scholarship is tenable at a Canadian university of the recipient’s choice. Recipients are selected on the basis of their interest in a career in earth sciences, scholastic ability and achievement, need and interests outside earth sciences. Recipients should have been born or have resided in New Brunswick for a total of seven years or have his or her immediate family reside in the province. The application deadline is May 30 each year. Contact Paul Rennick - Telephone (506) 453-2206. Mailing Address: Mr. Paul Rennick, CIM Scholarship Chairman, c/o Geological Surveys Branch, Dept. of Natural Resources and Energy, P. O. Box 6000, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5H1.