BY HIS EXCELLENCY. 25S 



relative proportions, according to wliich he will plan out the 

 space. Large labels will next be prepared for the principal 

 headings, as the chapters of a book, and smaller ones for the 

 various sub-divisions. Certain propositions to be illustrated, 

 either in the structure, classification, geographical distribu- 

 tion, geological position, habits, or evolution of the subjects 

 dealt with, will be laid down and reduced to definite and 

 concise language. Lastly will come the illustrative specimens, 

 each of which, as procured and prepared, will fall into its 

 appropriate place. As it is not always easy to obtain these at 

 the time they are wanted, gaps will often have to be left, but 

 these, if properly utilised by drawings or labels, may be made 

 nearly as useful as if occupied by the actual specimens," He 

 says further : — " A local collection, illustrating the fauna and 

 flora of the district should be part of every such museum." 

 This description of what a museum should be exactly accords 

 with the method pursued by our Curator, and I think it is a 

 matter of which we may well be proud, that we have been for 

 some time and are now proceeding in this respect upon the 

 exact lines laid down by so great an authority as Professor 

 Flower. I have, perhaps, now spoken of the Museum as far 

 as is admissable on an occasion of this sort, but as I have re- 

 ferred to the addition of the new win g, I cannot pass over in silence 

 the appropriation of part of it to form the nucleus of an Art 

 Gallery, and I am sure you all unite with me in hoping that 

 this may develop and increase the taste and love for art 

 amongst us. 



We have held eight meetings this session, and have had 

 some very admirable papers submitted to us. On our first 

 meeting Mr. Benson read a very interesting paper on the 

 question of popularising scientific societies by supplementing, 

 not by subverting, their work, and while our Society, who 

 have carefully considered this matter, have not yet seen 

 their way to give effect to Mr. Benson's excellent sugges- 

 tion, it is satisfactory to note that, under the auspices of the 

 Technical Education Board, several interesting popular 

 lectures, which have been well attended, have been delivered 

 in connection with such scientific subjects as "Human Phsyio- 

 logy," ''Chemistry," and "Art in Eelation to Construction." 

 Acting upon a suggestion of mine made some time ago that our 

 Society might deal with a wider range of subjects,Mr. Johnston 

 has submitted to us to-night a very elaborate paper, and a 

 very able paper, as all his papers are, on " Eoot matters in 

 social and economic problems." This subject is far too wide, 

 covering as it does the whole range of economic science, 

 to admit of discussion without much study and consideration, 

 but I hope that next session we may have some interesting 

 discussions upon it. 



