XVI. ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. 



The appearance of the "Historical Records of Australia," Series 

 I, Vol. xi, which deals with Sir Thomas Brisbane's governorship, 

 throws light on the had feeling that existed amongst some of the 

 members, and I would suggest that Governor Brisbane, withdrew 

 his support for these personal reasons 



My reference to the Historical Records, which I now proceed 

 to quote, are not exhaustive, but seem sufficient for the purpose 

 in hand. The pages are those of the volume in question. 1 will 

 take the names of the members seriatim. 



Dr. H. G. Douglass, Treasurer and Secretary. Jf the whole 

 volume be perused, it will be seen what a storm centre he was. 

 He was reported on to the Secretary of State by Brisbane on more 

 than one occasion, and his removal from the Magistracy by the 

 Secretary of State was with Brisbane's concurrence— p. 307. 



Brisbane was bitterly opposed to Barron Field, whom he reported 

 to the Secretary of State for misconduct — p. 199. Brisbane 

 accused Field of being the author of an anonymous attack on him 

 in a London newspaper — p. 519. At p. 613 he reports to the 

 Secretary of State that Field "has embraced every opportunity of 

 falsely and foully slandering me and my government." 



Brisbane was very severe on Rumker, the Astronomer, whom 

 he had personally employed and whom he accused of having 

 abandoned science — p. 613. 



Goulhurn, the Colonial Secretary, gave evidence at an inquiry 

 into an accusation against H. G. Douglass, and supported him 

 — p. 784. Brisbane charged Goulburn with neglect in carrying 

 out his instructions — see pp 253 - 255. At p. 556 he reported 

 on Goulburn's want of co-operation with himself in official matters. 



These were perhaps the most prominent members of the little 

 Society, and the evidence seems to me to be overwhelming as to 

 the cause of the break up. 



Of the other members, I find that Capt. P. P. King was friendly 

 with Brisbane — see p. 314. Howe, p. 791, supports Douglass in 

 regard to the charge which was preferred against him. Of 



