jiro Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union. [isfTan. 



purpose of holding meetings. Through representations made by 

 the Council, the Queensland Government has proclaimed Raine 

 Island, Hinchinbrook Island, Goold Island, Garden Island, Eva 

 Islet, Agnes Islet, Channel Rock, and the Barnard Group of 

 Islands sanctuaries for native game. It is now hoped that the 

 Nutmeg-Pigeons which breed on some of these islands will escape 

 the persecution to which they have been subjected in the past. 

 The South Austrahan Ornithological Association, supported by 

 the Royal Australasian Ornithologists' Union, has been successful 

 in inducing the South Australian Government to set aside a large 

 portion of Kangaroo Island as a sanctuary for native fauna. The 

 Association is to be congratulated upon having liberated some 

 Mallee-Fowl {Lipoa ocellata) upon the island, where they will be 

 immune from the attacks of foxes and other enemies. The Gould 

 League of Bird Lovers continues to prosper in the different 

 States. Many papers forwarded by children in connection with 

 League essay competitions show that there is being formed in 

 the Commonwealth an army of young observers. During the year, 

 a deputation from the Council waited upon the Minister for 

 Agriculture for Victoria to protest against the early opening of 

 the Quail season in the State. The Minister seemed impressed 

 with the arguments brought forward, but the season was again 

 opened early. The Council then decided to circularize all members 

 and persons interested, asking for information as to the con- 

 dition of the birds upon the opening day.* Letters were forwarded 

 to the Premiers of the different States requesting them to follow 

 the example of South Australia and prohibit the carriage of 

 protected birds upon the railways. Two States, Tasmania and 

 Western Australia, complied with the request. The Union has 

 again to thank the Zoological and Acclimatization Society of 

 Victoria for having shelved its library during the past year. Mr. 

 C. Price Conigrave, a member of the Union, has distinguished 

 himself by leading an exploration party into the little-known 

 parts of North-West Australia. Another member, Mr. Gerald 

 HiU, while accompanying Captain Barclay's expedition, made 

 valuable field notes regarding birds. The thanks of the Union are 

 due to Mr. H. L. White, of Belltrees, Scone, New South Wales, 

 for his generosity in defraying the cost of the plates which have 

 accompanied articles written by his collectors and published in 

 The Emu. The Council is of opinion that there is need for a large 

 extension of the membership list, and it hopes that, during the 

 coming year, each member will endeavour to persuade at least 

 one of his or her friends to join the Union. The editors of The 

 Emu, Messrs. A. J. Campbell and Charles Barrett, are to be con- 

 gratulated upon the excellence of the puMication, both from a 

 literary and scientific standpoint. Many valuable and interesting 

 papers have been contributed by members, and several new 

 birds and hitherto unknown eggs have been described in the 



* See statement, p. 203. 



