X PKOCEEDINGS, JUNE. 



Of the many distinguished Presidents of the Royal Statistical Society 

 of England it is certain that he ranks amoDg the foremost, while his 

 numerous contributions to the journal of that Society, in connection 

 with important questions of the day, reveal what a marvellously wide 

 and thorough grasp he possesses of the facts which bear upon the 

 subjects which he discusses, and of the still more remarkable power 

 displayed by him in the manner in which he brings his facts into 

 logical array, and in drawing important conclusions therefrom. Perhaps 

 in this respect he has no living equal in his own branch of science. 

 The following is a list of the more important papers on statistical and 

 economic subjects contributed by Dr. Giffen to the Royal Statistical 

 Society since the year 1879 : — (1) "On the fall in prices in tecent 

 years." — (Journ. S.S., Mar. 1879). (2) " The progress of the working 

 classes in the last half century (presidential address). — (Journ. S.S., 

 Dec. 1883.) (3) " Further Notes on the progress of the working classes 

 in the last half century."— (Journ. S.S., Mar. 1886). (4) "Recent 

 rate of material progress in England" (presidential address, Brit. 

 Assoc. 1887). — (Journ. S.S., Dec. 1887). (5) "Recent changes in 

 prices and incomes compared." — (Journ. S.S., Dec. 1888.) (6) 

 '• Accumulation of capital in the United Kingdom in 1875-85." — 

 (Journ. S.S., Mar. 1890). Dr. Giffen's presidential address to the 

 Royal Statistical Society in 1883, " The progress of the working 

 classes in the last half-century " was a most remarkable one, and 

 created a profound impression throughout Europe, America, and these 

 colonies, and the effect on the minds of the leading statesmen of the 

 United Kingdom is best indicated by the fact that at Mr. Gladstone's 

 special request the address was reprinted, and widely circulated 

 throughout the United Kingdom. Dr. Giffen is also widely known as 

 the author of several important works on financial matters. The pre- 

 sence of such an illustrious economist will add great lustre to the 

 coming meeting of the Association, and will be especially welcomed 

 by Section F. — Economic and Social Science and Statistics — where 

 his active support and influence will undoubtedly increase the interest 

 and usefulness of its proceedings. 



SOUTHPORT CA.VES. 



His Excellency said that there had recently appeared in the Press 

 an account of some caves recently discovered at Southport. Mr. 

 Morton formed one of the party who visited the caves, and brought 

 away some specimens, and he thought it would be interesting to hear 

 from him an account of that visit. 



Mr. Morton said that an opportunity having been afforded to visit the 

 caves in the vicinity of Ida Bay, near Southport, he took advantage of it, 

 and notwithstanding the short time at his disposal he thought that what 

 he saw was sufficient to justify writing to the Minister of Lands, drawing 

 his attention to the very urgent necessity of having these caves thoroughly 

 examined and a report furnished, with a view of having them protected, 

 under similar conditions to the well-known Jenolan and Fish River Caves 

 in New South Wales. As these caves were of easy access from Hobart, 

 excursionists being able to reach them within five or six hovirs, they should 

 undoubtedly prove a favourite resort to tourists and visitors to the colony. 

 They were situated about four miles from Ida Bay, and a fairly good road 

 led to them. On reaching the mouth of the caves it was seen that the 

 entrance was through a limestone formation. There was a very strong 

 stream flowing along the floor of the cave. The first chamber reached 

 showed some fine stalactites, and along the floor some fine stalagmites were 

 seen. On extinguishing the lights carried by the party the ceiling and 

 sides of the caves seemed studded with diamonds, millions of glow- 

 worms banging to the sides of the walls and from the ceilings causing this 

 phenomenon. Proceeding further, several chambers were explored, each 



