THE WOMBAT. gi 



usually sooner or later affiliated with the parent institution. 

 Perhaps the most noticeable of these, combining both 

 mental study and training for hand and eye, are the Field 

 Naturalists' Club, the Art Society, and the Photographic 

 Society. No scientific expedition is to-day complete without 

 an expert in at least two of these subjects. The numerical 

 strength of these sections, and the enthusiasm with which 

 their pursuits are followed, apart from the advance of the 

 latter into the mechanical arts, all serve to show the import- 

 ance of these sciences. The fact that the authorities are 

 already considering the advisability of making the photo- 

 graphic art part of the recognized course of instruction at our 

 technical colleges, marks it as a growing power and factor in 

 our present and future industries. 



In looking at these things one cannot help feeling the 

 desirability of the affiliation of the different societies connected 

 with the great work of technical education. The strength of 

 unity has too long been experienced to require any reference 

 here. The governing body of the College has always shown 

 its energy in furthering true and liberal education by wel- 

 coming to the institution, and granting to these societies 

 every privilege to further their aims. That these efforts are 

 appreciated, a glance at the records and work will show. 

 The well-equipped rooms, with samples of the skill of the 

 members, the organized and carefully planned expeditions 

 that always result in additions to their stores, are all working 

 towards one great end. These societies are working well, 

 but are they not working as outsiders ? There is a great 

 mental and physical spur in feeling that one's efforts are with 

 and for others, as well as for the individual. The effect of 

 the affiliation of the individuals would be of great moral 

 benefit to the members themselves, the extent of which it is 

 difficult to estimate. In addition to this there are the union 

 of interests, and a common aim from a scientific point that 

 would be far more easily achieved by this means. But this 

 affiliation means far more than a mere union of individual 

 interests and objects. It means the adoption of these 

 societies into the inner circle, so that they become part of the 

 institution itself, and not extraneous additions, working in 

 and for themselves only. 



R MONTEATH, 



RYRIE STREET, GEELONG. 



