PRESIDENTS ADDRESS. O 



educational value, and, as sucli, is objectionable. Two deputa- 

 tions of representatives of Scientific Societies and Institutions at 

 different times since the new decision came into force, have 

 waited on the Minister of the Department, but without result. 

 In response to a request, Mr. J. E. West, Member for West 

 Sydney in the House of Representatives, most kindly and cour- 

 teously took some trouble to understand the Council's views on 

 the subject, and was good enough to lay them before the Postal 

 authorities. As matters stand at present, a new Postal Bill is 

 in contemplation, which will provide for increases in certain 

 rates, including book-postage; but as it is to be a measure for 

 providing for a decreased revenue in war-time, we shall have 

 to make the best of it. Nevertheless, we want to see the defini- 

 tion of "books" revised. Under existing circumstances, it does 

 not seem to be a trivial protest to make, that while works of 

 fiction, for example, can be sent by book-post, the publications of 

 Australian Scientific Societies cannot, on what are really merely 

 technical grounds. 



Five Ordinary Members were elected during the year, two 

 resignations were received, and we have lost, by death, one Oi'din- 

 ary Member, and two of our senior Corresponding Members. 



Mr. William Allan, of Wingham, was born at Cheltenham, 

 England, in 1820; and had resided on the Manning River unin- 

 terruptedly since 1S51. He was elected to Membership on Feb- 

 ruary 24th, 1886. Mr. Allan, throughout his long life, evinced 

 a keen interest in Natural History, especially in Ornithology and 

 Entomology; and it was largely through his unceasing efforts 

 that the "Wingham Brush" was reserved for the preservation of 

 the native flora and fauna. In his younger days, he came to 

 know John Gould, and was in the habit of visiting him in 

 London. He was very highly esteemed in the Manning River 

 district, in which he had resided so long, for his kindly disposi- 

 tion, and for his readiness at all times to take a prominent share 

 in promoting the interests of the district and the welfare of its 

 inhabitants. Mr. Allan passed away on April 2.'5th, 1915, in 

 his 95th year. 



