22 president's address. 



in this part of the world. But his actions leave us in no doubt 

 as to what his ideas about these matters were. 



Sir William Macleay was a man characterised by remarkable 

 foresight, by unwavering energy, by broad views and strong con- 

 victions. Above all things he was a man of deeds rather than 

 a talker ; and he put the mark of his personality on all his 

 important scientific enterprises. He had identified himself 

 closely with the cause of higher education. He knew that the 

 pursuit of knowledge without regard to obvious, immediate, or 

 necessary results is not an income-producing profession; and 

 that, except in a few exceptional cases, such work must ulti- 

 mately depend for its support either upon the State or upon 

 private munificence. He knew, also, that it did not matter 

 from which of these sources the support came, provided it was 

 adequate, reliable and permanent in character. His knowledge 

 of Australian matters was the harvest of half a century's experi- 

 ence. As a politician, he knew much about the claims upon the 

 State in a young and developing country, and the limitations of its 

 powers. Nevertheless he was silent upon the matters referred to. 

 But one thing he did not fail to do. He would seem to have put 

 the case of Australia's need of more workers forcibly to himself, 

 and to have done it in a convincing manner. And then, once 

 more we discern the man of action. For by his deeds, though 

 not in so many words. Sir William has said something to this 

 effect — " I recognise Australia's need for a greater advancement 

 in science. I estimate that, to New South Wales, the capitalised 

 money value of a capable Bacteriologist and four able and 

 qualified Research Fellows, engaged in active work, untrammelled 

 by routine, is not less than £47,000 sterling. After my death, 

 and when certain necessary arrangements which I have made 

 shall have been fulfilled, let the men be found and set to work, 

 and the endowment shall be a charge upon my estate." 



In this way Sir William Macleay has provided for a new and 

 perennial source and spring of knowledge; and he has placedits 

 care and maintenance in the charge of this Society. 



