xxiv Proceedings, &c, for 1868. 



Ordinary Meeting. 



Monday, August 10, 1868. 



The President, R. L. J. Ellery, Esq., in the Chair. 



The following contributions were acknowledged : — " On a 

 Scientific Exploration of Central Australia" — by Dr. G. Neumayer ; 

 " Index of Patents Applied for and Patents Granted in the Colony 

 of Victoria," 1854 to 1861 — presented by the Registrar-General of 

 Victoria. 



The four gentlemen nominated at last meeting were balloted for 

 and declared duly elected. 



The following gentlemen were proposed for membership, ballot to 

 take place next meeting : — 



Proposed by. Seconded by. 



Rev. James Moss Mr. G. S. Manns Mr. T. Harrison 



Mr. E. J. White Mr. Ellery Professor Wilson 



Mr. Edward Howitt Mr. Newbery Mr. Rusden. 



The President referred to the alterations in the building, and said 

 that it was proposed to proceed immediately with the work, 

 borrowing money in the first instance from the bank, and repaying 

 that loan by the issue of debentures bearing interest at £'8 8s. per 

 cent, per annum. The debentures to be of £5 each, and any 

 member holding three debentures would have the option of con- 

 verting them into a life membership, now costing £21. 



Professor Wilson said as it was very desirable this matter should 

 be treated in a formal manner, and as the recommendation of the 

 Council embraced three propositions, he would submit them singly 

 to the meeting. He then moved — 



1. " That the offer of the Melbourne Bank to lend the Royal Society 



money on promissory notes at six months' each, renewable for 

 two years, and bearing interest at nine per cent., be accepted." 

 Mr. Bonwick seconded the motion, which was put and carried. 



2. " That two subscription lists be opened and circulated, one for 



donations to the building fund, and one for debentures of £5 

 each, bearing interest at £8 8s. per cent, per annum. That 

 the proceeds of these subscription lists jbe applied to paying 

 the money borrowed from the bank." 

 Mr. Ulrich seconded this motion, which was put and carried. 



3. " That any member of the Society holding debentures to the 



value of .£15 shall be entitled at any time to surrender his 



debentures and become a life member of the Society." 



This motion was seconded by Mr. Rusden, and carried. 



It was intimated by the President, Professor Wilson, and Mr. 



Rawlings that the debenture list was not issued with a view of 



obtaining money to be afterwards converted into donations, but 



