ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. 
iii 
Simpson for the year 1911-12, which took the form of a paper on 
‘‘ The Rare Metals and their Distribution in Western Australia.” 
One evening was devoted to a discussion on the divining rod, open- 
ed by Mr. A. Gibb Maitland. The attendances generally were 
good, but the capacity of the Society's room was never overtaxed. 
During the past twelve months excursions were made to 
Bova, the West Subiaco lime kilns, Swan View, and Gosnells. 
In May, Mr. W. h. Cooke provided an instructive evening at the 
Observatory, and demonstrated with the new i2i-inch reflector. 
The second part of Vol. Ill of the “ Journal,” containing 115 
pages, and an exhaustive index to the two parts by Mr. A. Gibb 
Maitland, was issued early in the present year. The cost of its 
production was exceptionally heavy. 
Among presentations to the Society mention must be made 
of the late Mr. Alex. Purdie’s valuable collection of botanical 
specimens, the gift of Mrs. Purclie. 
Signs are not wanting of a quickening of interest in scientific 
matters in this State. The foundation of the Perth L'niversity, 
the recent scientific expeditions in the North-West, and the 
approaching construction of the trans-Australian railway, are 
events which cannot be without influence, direct or indirect, upon 
the fortunes of this Society. The Council is gratified at the 
progress made in the past, and looks with confidence to a period 
of increased activity in the immediate future. 
(Signed) 
Edward S. Simpsok, President 
Maurice A. Browne, Honorary Secretary 
