34 
The Australasian Scientific Magazine. [August i, 1885. 
the time : e.g. } the appointment of surgical and medical registrars, publica- 
tion of accurate statistics, improved nursing, and ambulance and telephonic 
arrangements, though he was afraid it was useless to say more on such 
subjects at present. As regards Medical Education here, it compared 
unfavourably with that of Great Britain, though the fault was not owing to 
the want of intellectual capacity and industry on the part of the students, 
neither was it due to incapability on the part of the teachers, but the 
heavy drag of a worthless and inefficient Hospital system, which before 
long must be reformed throughout. 
The learned gentleman then strongly insisted on the necessity for a 
scheme which should insure, on the part of all signalmen, railway engine 
drivers, officers navigating vessels, and all others employed as look-out men, 
perfect competency as regarded their visual organs ; and the desirableness 
of the appointment of an opthalmological teacher at the University. 
Finally, he hoped the Lunacy Commission, then sitting, would urge the 
necessity for legislation to relieve the medical profession from undue 
responsibility in connection with certificates of mental insanity and some 
other matters, and would indicate means by which the condition of patients 
and the medical attendants in asylums would be materially improved. 
A vote of thanks was then passed to Mr. Rudall for his address and 
past services, on the motion of Drs. Henry and Neild. 
The President then presented, on behalf of the Council, a very finely 
illuminated address to Dr. Neild, in which they stated their deep sense of 
obligation to him for his indefatigable and successful efforts in his capacity 
— during the three last years — as Honorary Secretary, and their desire to 
place on record the opinion that the present satisfactory position of the 
Society was mainly due to his zeal and energy. 
Dr. Neild, in returning thanks, said he had not expected, nor did he 
deserve this kind presentation, but he felt it to be an agreeable intimation 
that the Association was satisfied with the services he had rendered, for 
which he was very grateful and thanked them sincerely, and, at the same 
time, he desired to state that it had always afforded him the greatest 
pleasure to work with the officers of the Society. 
The proceedings then terminated. 
NEW SOUTH WALES. 
Geographical Society of Australasia. 
EXPLORATION OF NEW GUINEA. 
We have now before us a copy of the instructions laid down by the 
Geographical Society of Australasia for the guidance of Captain Everill, 
the leader, and of the other members of the Expedition for the exploration 
of New Guinea. The Society is making a bold step in thus signalizing 
its second year. The funds at its disposal are not very great, consisting of 
some ^4000 or ^5000 contributed by various Colonial Governments, 
supplemented by private subscriptions. But the Council seem to have 
