124 REPORT OF DELEGATES. 



of admiration ; while Government House itself received a fair 

 meed of praise, contrasting very favourably with vice-regal 

 residences elsewhere. Unfortunately, the pleasure of the event 

 was marred by a storm, which caused the visitors to disperse at 

 an early hour. In the evening there was a large gathering of 

 members at the Town Hall to witness the induction of the 

 President, Sir Kobert Hamilton, K.C.B., Governor of Tasmania, 

 and to hear his presidential address. After a vote of thanks to 

 the retiring President, Sir James Hector, Baron von Mueller 

 addressed a few Avords of welcome to Sir Henry Norman, 

 G.C.M.G., who was referred to as " not only a representative of 

 Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, but also a delegate from the Royal 

 Society of Queensland and the Royal Geographical Society." 

 Sir Henry replied in suitable terms, apologizing for the absence 

 of the Honourables A. Norton and A. C. Gregory, the presidents of 

 the two societies which he represented. Sir Robert Hamilton then 

 delivered his address, in which he stated that although he took 

 the greatest interest in every movement tending in the direction 

 of the advancement of science, he could lay no claim to be 

 regarded as a man of science ; but, in order to be of service to 

 the Association, he had invited several scientific friends from 

 home to attend, including Sir Lyon Playfair, Sir Norman 

 Ball, and Dr. Giffen. The former excused himself on account 

 of his age, but sent a most interesting letter, which His Excellency 

 read. Dr. Giffen had accepted his invitation, and would deliver 

 a lecture to the members. Sir Norman Ball could not attend, but 

 contributed a paper entitled " The Astronomical Explanation of 

 a Glacial Period." Sir Robert referred at considerable length 

 to the admission of ladies as members, and pointed out the 

 directions in which they could render the greatest help. In 

 conclusion, he urged that " science tends to the elucidation of 

 truth. The love of truth is the greatest force in the moral 

 elevation of the human race, and it is directly generated and 

 fostered by the pursuit of science. The more the scientific habit 

 of mind is cultivated, the more will a habit of absolute truth- 

 fulness be established in all relations of life." 



Friday, January 8th, was devoted to addresses by presidents 

 of sections, which were so timed during the day as to give 



