11 



problem of the preservation of the world's bird-life, namely, the 

 checking of the destruction of birds for trade purposes. Another 

 phase needing consideration, which is not in evidence in Europe or 

 the United States, but which manifests itself in Australia in con- 

 nection with the destruction of rabbits by poison, is the preserva- 

 tion of useful birds, many of them not having ornamental plum- 

 age of value to the trade, whose welfare is not provided for by the 

 Hobhouse Bill. 



I have pleasure in making known to Members, that the Society 

 is in receipt of a very cordial invitation from Mr. J. A. Barr, 

 Manager of the Panama-Pacific Exposition, to be held in San 

 Francisco from February to December, 1915, supported by Mr. 

 J. P. Bray, American Consul-General in Sydney, to hold a Meeting 

 during the Exposition. In thanking these gentlemen for their kind- 

 ness and courtesy, they have been informed that the invitation 

 would be communicated to the Members at the Annual Meeting; 

 and that, thereafter, if a sufficient number are able to visit the 

 Exposition, the Council will inquire as to the possibility of arrang- 

 ing for the acceptance of the invitation. It may be presumed that 

 the object of holding such a Meeting will be to provide an oppor- 

 tunity of discussing the Australian aspect of problems of general 

 interest ; or matters arising out of scientific exhibits or the assemb- 

 ling of scientific men from all parts of the world in connection 

 with the Exposition. Members who contemplate visiting the 

 Exposition are requested to give in their names to the Secretary in 

 good time. Perhaps if the number of representatives of any one 

 Society is not very large, it might be possible to arrange for a 

 joint Meeting of visitors from Australia. 



An event entitled to notice is the return of the second contingent 

 of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, which left our shores 

 in 1912, under the leadership of Dr. Douglas Mawson. It is not 

 intended to touch on the tragic losses, nor the fortitude of the 

 leader — which have already been fully brought to the attention of 

 members and the public. But the actual, and potential scientific 

 results are such, that they are well worthy of the attention of those 

 interested in Australian science. The outstanding feature of the 



