president's address. 11 



Mr. E. F. Hallniann, Linnean Macleay Fellow in Zoology, in 

 continuation of his study of the Monaxonid Sponges, almost com- 

 pleted the examination of the Axinellidce. A preliminary study 

 of the Sponges brought back by the Australasian Antarctic Ex- 

 pedition received attention. 



Mr. W. N. Benson, Linnean Macleay Fellow in Geology, con- 

 tinued his work on the geology and petrology of the Great Ser- 

 pentine-Belt; and two papers. Parts iv., and v., of the series, 

 dealing with the dolerites, spilites, and keratophyres of the 

 Nundle district; and with the geology of the Tamworth district, 

 were read during the year; and have appeared in Parts i. and iii. 

 of the Proceedings for the year. The preparation of No. vi., 

 treating of the intermediate region between the Nundle and 

 Tamworth districts, and also a preliminary study of the Cuira- 

 bubula and Werris Creek areas were taken in hand, and some 

 progress attained; but were subsequently suspended for special 

 reasons. In August last, as a concession allowed during war- 

 time, the Council granted Mr. Benson three months' leave of 

 absence, afterwards extended up to the end of his term of ap- 

 pointment, in order to relieve Professor David of some of his 

 University work, at first for national organisation at home, and 

 later for military service abroad. The Council felt that the 

 Society should cheerfully accept a share of the inconvenience and 

 of the results of the disturbance of normal conditions arising in 

 connection with the war. Mr. Benson will retire from his Fel- 

 lowship at the end of his term, in order to continue the work 

 which he has undertaken, during Professor David's absence. 

 During his two years' coimection with the Society as Fellow, 

 Mr. Benson has carried out his work with both ability and zeal, 

 and has amply justified his appointment. Throughout his work, 

 he has had the great advantage of being in close touch with 

 Professor David, whose experience and advice have always been 

 freely available, both in the field, as well as in the laboratory. 

 He has well advanced the subject he took in hand; and we hope 

 that, when circumstances permit, he may be able to continue and 



