PROCEEPINGS, NOVEMBER. 



that the many interesting questions now looked up in that imperfectly 

 unexplored region can be fully settled. In Social Science we have had 

 two papers from Mr. Johnston, the one, *' Root matters in social and 

 economic problems" (second series), and the other, " Observations on the 

 influence of strikes upon real wages. " This second paper of Mr. Johnston's 

 was followed by the paper entitled " Can strikes really improve the 

 condition of the masses ?" read this evening by Mr. A. J. Ogilvy, 

 whom we are glad to welcome as a new working member of this 

 Society, and by Mr. Johnston's rejoinder. Such subjects do not admit 

 of the mathematical demonstration of a problem in Euclid, and 

 difference of view will prevail. But we may congratulate ourselves on 

 the presence amongst us of two such able exponents of the different 

 views held on this subject, and it is only by full and free and fair dis- 

 cussion in a science like this, if indeed science it can be properly 

 called, that truth can be elucidated. At our first meeting this session, 

 Mr. Barnard gave us some account of the meeting in Melbourne in 

 January last of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of 

 Science. He drew our attention to the fact that it had been pro- 

 visionally settled at that meeting that the gathering of the Association 

 for 1892 should be held in Hobart. This provisional arrangement will 

 have to be confirmed at the meeting of the Association, which is to be 

 held in Christchurch New Zealand, in January next, but there is 

 little doubt that this confirmation will then take place, and that we 

 shall have the privilege of welcoming the Association in Hobart in 

 January, 1892. You have heard read this evening the letter of the 

 Premier respecting the contribution of the Government towards the 

 expenses which will be incurred on this occasion. I think we may 

 regard this letter as quite satisfactory, and I confidently look forward 

 to the meeting of the Association in Hobart in 1892 being a thoroughly 

 successful one. I will do my utmost to secure the presence at 

 this gathering of some distinguished man of science from the old 

 country, but of course I cannot be sure that my endeavours in this 

 direction will be successful. You may remember that the cablegrams 

 some time ago announced that Professor Huxley was on his way to 

 New Zealand by way of the Cape, and I took the opportunity of 

 referring to this at one of eur meetings, and suggested that we should 

 prepare for his reception in Hobart, which he was to touch on his way. 

 Unfortunately this rumour proved to be incorrect, but I have always 

 understood that the Professor had it in contemplation to visit Australia 

 some time or other, and it would be a great triumph if we could 

 secure his attendance during the meeting of the Australasian Association 

 for the Advancement of Science, to be held in Hobart in 1892. Although 

 the work of the session is very creditable we might well have 

 received more contributions from our members. With the single 

 exception of Dr. Barnard, whose important paper has been read this 

 evening, we have received no contribution this session from any of 

 our medical members, who from their scientific knowledge might in so 

 many directions have produced interesting work for us ; and I would 

 again press upon their attention that we should much value a more 

 active co-operation on their part in the work of the Society. In 

 conclusion, I would desire to record our thanks to those members who 

 have submitted papers to us, and particularly to Mr. Johnston, 

 whose versatility is as great as ever ; to Mr. Morton for the 

 energy and ability displayed by him in the discharge of his duties as our 

 secretary ; and to the Press for their full reports of our proceedings. _ 



On the motion of Bishop Montgomery thanks were voted to His 

 Excellency for his address and for presiding at the monthly meetings. 



The proceedings then terminated. 



