THE AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. 
91 
has been laid in solid material. I ask yon, one and all, to in no wise relax your 
efforts, for, though we have gained a good foothold at a respectable altitude upon the 
mountain upon whose side we stand, there is still a vast ascent to climb. But 4 who 
can tell how hard it is to climb the hill when Fame’s proud triumph shines afar !’ 
I ask every student who has successfully passed the examinations prescribed 
not only to assist those who have laid this goodly foundation, but, by their 
individual action, to assist in making the College an educational institution of such a 
character as to gain for it an official position, not simply recognised within the future 
empire of Australasia, but having authority in the United .Kingdom, in Europe, 
and in the United States of America. The report which has just been read has 
informed you of the various occurrences of the past year, and I sincerely 
regret that our efforts to bring about a Conference of the various 
Pharmaceutical Societies of Australasia and New Zealand, for the purpose of raising 
the standard of education and of assimilating the same with that of Great Britain,, 
with the obj ect of securing an interchange of certificates, have not yet been success- 
ful. Renewed efforts, however, have been made, and I hope that the Conference of 
October next may bring about satisfactory results. The Report lays stress upon the 
encouraging increase in the number of members which has taken place during the 
year ; but I shall not rest content until every registered chemist is brought to realise 
the advantage of enrolling himself, and thus, by his subscription and influence, 
assisting in extending the prosperity and power of the Society. I would urge upon the 
members, and especially the younger ones, the desirability of contributing papers 
upon matters of interest to pharmacists, either merely to our meetings or for publica- 
tion in the Australasian Journal of Pharmacy. Those whose modesty has hitherto 
restrained them from attempting this desirable work will be astonished at the good 
results which must accrue from the report of practical observations and the 
attendant discussions ; while, should there be any who may not be satisfied with 
their maiden efforts in this direction, I recommend that old-time precept, 4 Try, 
try again.’ Reference has been made to the steps taken by the Council in the 
selection of a lecturer to the College of Pharmacy. This appointment is a matter of 
most serious import, and I know of nothing of any previous action of the Council 
which has so emphatically assured me of the future prosperity of the College as the 
manner in which this appointment has been made. The Council determined to set 
aside all personal friendships, and to secure, in the most unreserved manner, the best 
man available for the position. And I sincerely congratulate the Society on the 
appointment of Mr. J ackson, a gentleman in every way qualified for the important 
duties which he will be called upon to perform. The passing of the 
Amended Pharmacy Act is likewise a matter for 'gratification, as it will 
materially improve our position as pharmaceutical chemists, notwithstanding 
the illogical criticism of one of the candidates for the Council. The determina- 
tion to carry on an independent journal, the Australasian Journal of Pharmacy , 
is also a step in an onward direction ; and I trust that the members will 
endeavour to render the publication all the support in their power, by contri- 
buting information, and instituting discussions by means of which our common 
interests may be promoted. I cannot close this address without referring to the 
able services rendered to the Society by our indefatigable Secretary, Mr. H. 
Shillinglaw, and cannot ignore the moral claim he has upon the Society 
for the valuable assistance he has gratuitously rendered us during so many 
years.” 
A unanimous vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Bowen for his address, on 
the motion of Mr. Atkin, seconded by Mr. Blackett. 
The gold medal and the President’s prize for the dux of 1885 were then 
presented to Mr. Paul Ward Farmer, and that gentleman duly responded. 
