l^A Australasian Ornithologists' Union. \_i^"}ln. 



reminded him of a visit that was paid to Western Australia some 

 years ago by Mr. A. J. Campbell, who, upon observing that there 

 were no Black Swan on the Swan River, suggested that some 

 should be obtained and placed thereon. This was done, and now 

 the Swan River was the pride of Western Australians, and many 

 thousands of people enjoyed the pleasure of watching these 

 graceful birds swimming and flying about the river. 



On Friday, the 20th, the official delegates again attended at the 

 Board Room, and proceeded with the discussion of the articles of 

 an improved Game Bill, designed to regulate the inter-State traffic 

 in game, which had been submitted by the Council of the Union. 



Business. — At 7.30 p.m. the annual general business meeting of 

 the session was held in the Royal Geographical Society's Rooms, 

 421 Collins-street, the president, Mr. D. I.e Souef, C.M.Z.S., being 

 in the chair. 



The minutes of the seventh annual session, held in Sydney, were 

 read, confirmed, and signed, on the motion of Capt. S. A. White, 

 seconded by Mr. J. W. Mellor. 



The annual report of the hon. secretary was then given 

 extempore, since, owing to stress of work, he had been unable to write 

 it. It was shown that the Union's affairs were in a flourishing 

 condition generally. The past year had been a momentous one in 

 the Union's history. Much had been accomplished in advancing 

 ornithological matters. A " Handlist to the Birds of Australasia " 

 had been published as a supplement to The Emu. Ornithologists 

 representing the Commonwealth had joined together in a deputa- 

 tion to the Prime Minister regarding the provisions of a Plumage 

 Bill to be introduced into our Federal Legislature ; whilst the 

 Council of the Union had been engaged on the articles to be 

 submitted to the Government delegates at this session. 



The president, Mr. Le Souef, stated few knew of the enormous 

 amount of labour that had devolved upon the hon. secretary during 

 the past twelve months. 



The hon. treasurer's report and balance-sheet followed, read by 

 Mr. Z. Gray in the absence of the hon. treasurer. The financial 

 statement showed that the Union was financially in a prosperous 

 condition. Mr. Z. Gray moved its adoption, which was seconded 

 by Mr. A. L. Butler, and carried. 



Correspondence. — Several letters on bird protection were read, as 

 well as letters of apology from members for their unavoidable 

 absence. 



Presidential Address.— A paper, entitled "The Most Useful Bird 

 in Australia," was given by Mr. D. Le Souef, C.M.Z.S., as his 

 presidential address. The president was strongly of opinion that 

 the Ibis was the best bird found in the Commonwealth. It held 

 the premier position owing to the sum standing to its credit in the 

 Bank of Nature. Messrs. E. B. Nicholls, Chas. Barrett, and F. R. 

 Godfrey supported the address. 



New Members.~On the motion of Capt. S. A. White, seconded 

 by Mr. J. W. Mellor, the following new members were elected:-- 



