Proceedings, die. xiii 



"Among the most important objects now affecting the future 

 well-being and practical utility of this Institute, one is the formation 

 of a museum of objects, models, specimens, &c. This I conceive 

 will be best accomplished by the sections, working as they will each 

 with a view to its own particular aims and requirements. The mem- 

 bers will then have a direct interest in the collection. 



Thus in a direct way by writing, or collecting, or contributing 

 objects and books; or indirectly by countenance and advice; in one 

 way or another, the talent, energy, and sympathy of the members 

 would be enlisted and drawn out, and turned to practically useful 

 ends. 



" It does not seem to me at all incompatible that the same indi- 

 vidual should belong to more than one section ; for it might, and 

 very often will happen that the studies and pursuits of the same 

 man will embrace the separate objects of two or more sections. For 

 example, some members of the sanitary section might be able mem- 

 bers in chemistry on one hand, and engineering on the other, whilst 

 some of every section might be interested in astronomy, meteorology, 

 or microscopic investigation. 



" I will content myself with raising a few starting points, as a 

 general idea of the grouping of subjects under sections. I am dis- 

 posed to give precedence to the medical section ; embracing all that 

 belongs directly to sanitary science, water, air, ventilation, and 

 drainage, and statistics. 



" 2. Engineering in all its branches ; mining, and the supply of 

 water to the gold-fields. A section devoted to the development of 

 the material resources of the colony. 



" 3. Natural philosophy ; and associate with it astronomy and 

 magnetism. 



" 4 Geography, geology, and paloeontology. 



" 5. Chemistry, botany, and microscopy. 



" 6. Agriculture, horticulture, and natural history. 



" I believe that I am not over-estimating the strength of the Insti- 

 tute, when I calculate upon our being able to work the above six 

 sections. 



" Leaving the consideration of the number of members required 

 for the formation of a separate section, I would suggest that for the 

 present not less than twelve be deemed requisite. 



" It is almost foreign to such a paper as this to attempt to lay 

 down any rules for the guidance of the sections, or to enter upon the 

 extent and limits of then* privileges, or to advocate their representa- 

 tion, or the manner of their representation in the Council of the 

 Institute. 



" It has been my intention to inaugurate an idea which I trust 

 will be of advantage to the Institute and the colony ; and now, 

 with a view to giving it effect, I give notice that I will move, 

 at the next ordinary meeting, as follows: — That the whole ques- 



