PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. ie 
of our able young men as possible to be induced to take up 
science as a life-work, or to undergo at least a scientific 
training. At present pure science commands too frequently 
but a pittance. A few high Government and University 
appointments furnish salaries approximating more to the 
merits of the positions, though sadly deficient when com- 
pared with those paid to business men. If our own gradu- 
ates on low salaries, after fitting themselves by years of 
study and research, are to see from time to time the higher 
positions they have understudied pass from their grasp 
to men, however capable, from overseas, what inducement 
is there for them to continue along unprofitable financial 
paths? How can we expect parents to consent to their 
sons thus, from’ the public point of view, throwing them- 
selves away by adopting such careers? If a really suitable 
man is available in Australia for one of these higher posi- 
tions, then let him be directly appointed, after adequate 
investigation by really competent persons, to such position, 
be it in the Public Service or at the University. Let the 
vacancy be advertised, if necessary, in Australia, prefer- 
ence being given to a candidate, if really suitable, already 
in the employ of the body concerned. Failing such a suit- 
able applicant here, then let us advertise abroad. It 
should always be remembered that a committee selecting 
applicants in Britain may be little aware of the personality, 
ability and work of the Australians applying, whilst they 
have probably been in personal touch with the applicants 
from Britain. Naturally, therefore, they select a good man 
whom they know, in preference to someone whom they do 
not know, and with whose particular field of work they have 
perhaps had little to do. It is to be hoped, therefore, that 
the precedent now established in the University of Sydney 
by this appointment will be followed in all cases by the 
Public Services and other Universities of Australia. There- 
by encouragement would be given to young men to follow 
