XLII ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



Marine, and that the result of the discussion which then took place 

 was most encouraging. 



It was pointed out that while the Dominion Government provided 

 for the hydrography of the waters and rivers, it did nothing for the 

 coast. The reason for this was that the Government depended on the 

 Admiralty. 



A statement was presented showing on good authority that while 

 the Admiralty was doing and would do work of an imperial character, 

 it could not possibly do local work. Its funds were insufficient. 



It is obviously difficult to draw a dividing line between what is 

 imperial and what is local. 



The Minister undertook to communicate with the Admiralty on 

 the subject so as to settle what Canada must do for itself. The 

 necessary steps could be determined afterwards. This the Committee 

 consider a very important step in advance, and very encouraging. 



Captain Bernier, who was present, was able from his personal 

 knowledge to confirm the statement that the present charts were defec- 

 tive. It is further encouraging to know that the Marine Department 

 has purchased la special surveying vessel for the work of the "Tidal 

 Survey." This is in addition to a new vessel, the "Bayfield," purchased 

 for the survey of the lakes and rivers. 



For Committee, 



A. Johnson, 



May 21, 1903. Chairman. 



Moved by Sir Sandford Fleming, seconded by Dr. Saunders, and 

 carried : 



That the thanks of the Society are due to Dr. S. E. Dawson for 

 his services in taking up the work of the Society and carrying it on 

 as Acting Secretary during the vacancy in the office caused by the 

 death of the late Honorary Secretary. 



On motion of Col. Denison the thanks of the Society were ten- 

 dered to the retiring President, Sir James Grant, for his services dur- 

 ing the term of his office as President. 



Moved by W. W. Campbell, seconded by Archbishop O'Brien: 

 That the thanks of the Society are due to the Honorary Trea- 

 surer, Dr. James Fletcher, for his services during the long series of 

 years he has filled that office. Carried. 



There being no more business before the Society in general ses- 

 sion, the President declared the twenty-second meeting of the Eoyal 

 Society to be closed. 



