Vlll. ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS. 



not a member of the Society, was closely identified with the pro- 

 gress of the Colony, especially as regards railways. The work 

 done at the monthly meetings of the Society and Sections ; the 

 Reception held last July and the Conversazione in January were 

 mentioned in addition to some other matters. 



Part 2. This part dealt with the principal work done during the 

 year outside the Society, general routine work being excluded. 

 Special attention was invited to electrical tramways, to the newly 

 discovered system of septic treatment of sewage, to artesian bores 

 as inducing settlement of population in the north-west, and to the 

 meeting of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of 

 Science last January. 



Part 3. The importance of science and scientific education was 

 dealt with at some length, and the President pointed out the mis- 

 conceptions that prevail as to what science really is, while some 

 people looked on it as a harmless but somewhat contemptible 

 triviality, others as uninteresting and abstruse and beyond their 

 comprehension. The erroneous nature of these ideas was pointed 

 out and the further dissemination of scientific knowledge advo- 

 cated. Attention was specially drawn to the importance of 

 technical training to all those engaged in the mechanical and 

 manufacturing arts, from the employer through all grades down 

 to the workman. 



The President concluded by advocating greater sympathy being 

 encouraged between teacher and student, especially in the case of 

 large classes. This has reference not only to Universities, but to 

 other educational institutions where similar conditions prevail. 

 By the introduction of more complete intercourse the President had 

 no doubt that results would far exceed those at present obtained. 



A vote of thanks was passed to the retiring President, the Hon. 

 Secretaries and Hon. Treasurer, and Mr. G. H. Knibbs, f.r.a.s., 

 was installed as President for the ensuing year. 



Mr. Knibbs thanked the members for the honour conferred 

 upon him. 



