XIX. 



a society at which papers are read after the manner of local scientific 

 societies. Here we have members gathered from all the Australasian 

 States, and the opportunity would be lost if we could not obtain an 

 expression of opinion in regard to matters of particularly Australian 

 merit. In order to illustrate my proposition, I quote one instance — 

 that is to say, the effect of the destruction of forests on the flow of 

 streams in Australia. This is one which might be brought for- 

 ward at next meeting, should the Council see fit to entertain the pro- 

 posal. I tliink if men from all the States were to come armed with 

 arguments and facts in regard to a subject like that, which is attract- 

 ing very considerable attention at the present time in all Australia, 

 ■we should obtain information which would be of exceedingly great 

 Talue to the Forestry Departments and the heads of Grovernment 

 in all the States. I do not think I need say any more. 



Dr. Jack : I would like information as to the machinery with 

 which it is intended to carry it into execution. Under what circum- 

 stances are discussions to take place? Will they take place at meet- 

 ings specially fixed? Taking this one, what time would be set apart 

 for discussion? To what extent would the general business of the 

 Association be interfered with? 



The PREsmEXT : There is nothing in our rules to guide me in 

 making a decision. I presume it is within the power of the Council 

 to decide what should be done. 



Professor Skertchly : I second the motion, if only for the sake of 

 eliciting information. It would be worth while to devise machinery 

 to carry it out. 



Mr. Shirley : I, like the original mover, think we should pro- 

 ceed by the usual method, by means of papers ; that the papers be 

 written on the subjects selected; that then these papers be read 

 together, and a discussion follow at the end of the series of papers. 

 If we leave the discussion without defining the number of men taking 

 part in it, we shall waste the time of the Association. I simply make 

 this as a suggestion. 



Mr. Maiden : I would suggest that the details be left to arrange- 

 ment by the local committee, but I think it might be desirable 

 to have an afternoon meeting on subjects of great importance. My 

 own view is that, as a rule, we come to listen to papers that through 

 the machineiy of the Association we know nothing about. We have 

 got a number of papers here for reading to-mori'ow. The authors of 

 these papers have not furnished us with any outlines. It would be 

 incumbent upon us before bringing up any discussion to give some out- 

 lines to the local secretary on which discussion could be obtained. I do 

 not think that a paper quite meets the case, for this reason : Suppose 

 I, for example, take up a subject, I should want to know what other 

 people know about this subject — not what I know. I should want to 

 elicit information in regard to the experience in Western Australia or 

 Tasmania. 



Mr. Shirley: Could you not get that by a paper? 



Mr. Maiden : Of course, that is simply a matter of opinion, I am 

 afraid I do not think it would be an advantageous way of conducting 

 our business. 



