631 



under the Parliamentary vote, yet the Estimates were so 

 worded that it was precluded from this privilege. 



It was not until many years later (1878) that this dis- 

 ability was removed, and it was placed on an equality with 

 country institutes, receiving, like the latter, an annual 

 Government subsidy equal to the subscriptions for the current 

 year. 



Thus for nearly twenty years it paid to the Institute 

 out of its small income of about £50, a sum which it regarded 

 as practically a rental, for the empty privilege of electing 

 a Governor, who was powerless to promote its interests or 

 adjust its grievances. 



It is suggestive of its poverty, that for several years after 

 incorporation the publication of the brief annual reports sud- 

 denly ceased. The balance-sheets show, that since its founda- 

 tion the Society had been striving to establish a reserve fund, 

 which in 1858 stood at £77. This sum would have more than 

 sufficed for the continuation of the reports, but it is probable 

 that in view of an uncertain future, it had been decided to 

 temporarily discontinue them and depend for publicity upon 

 the goodwill of the newspapers. Such strict economy may also 

 have been prompted by a desire to assist in the furnishings 

 of the Museum, about which much difficulty had unexpectedly 

 arisen ; for it is on record that in 1861 , the substantial sum 

 of £50 was expended for this purpose. 



At this period of its history, the Society was extremely 

 isolated from the scientific world, having no publications to 

 exchange for the Proceedings of other bodies and having 

 practically no funds wherewith to effect purchases. As early 

 as 1863, the position had indeed become so acute that it clearly 

 contemplated secession^ and was only deterred by the fear of 

 losing its property. In a letter to the Board dated June 15 

 of that year, the Council wrote requesting it to confer with 

 their Special Committee as to the interpretation which should 

 be placed upon certain clauses in the terms of incorporation. 

 It may be here pointed out, that the Board had retained the 

 right to place its own construction upon any debatable 

 terms in this agreement. The letter proceeds: — "The Com- 

 mittee particularly desires to know the views of the Board, 

 under the possible circumstances of entire removal of the 

 Philosophical Society to other premises. Also upon the 

 restraints which the terms of incorporation have upon the 

 Society; its rights to remove, sell, exchange, or otherwise dis- 

 pose of its movable property, such as specimens and instru- 

 ments. Also upon any independent power which the 

 Governors may claim to exhibit, remove, lend, or use any of 

 such property without previously obtaining the consent of the 



