THE 
Zoological $ Acclimatisation Society 
OF VICTORIA. 
Offices : Zoological Gardens, Melbourne. 
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL 
FOR 1903. 
HE Council of the Zoological and Acclimatisation Society of 
Victoria begs to submit its Fortieth Annual Report to the 
Subscribers and the public. 
Mr. A. S. Le Souef left his position as Assistant-Director in 
May last year, he having been offered and accepted the position 
of Director of the Zoological Gardens in Sydney, N.S.YV.; and 
Mr. H. P. Godfrey was appointed Accountant and Librarian in 
his place in Juue last. 
The Council intimated to the Government in July last that 
it was practically impossible to reduce the Society’s over¬ 
draft of over ^"3000, or indeed carry on efficiently with the 
reduction of the ,£500 in the annual grant last year and this year. 
In reply, the Government suggested the charging of one penny 
entrance fee on Sunday afternoons (which day had hitherto been 
free), with the expectation that even that small charge would 
recoup the Society to the extent of the ^500. This charge has now 
been in operation for two months, and so far averages a little over 
^300 per annum. The Council also engaged a band to play sacred 
music on those afternoons during the summer months. Therefore, 
if the charges were increased to 2d. and id., which would no doubt 
be willingly paid, it is more than probable that the £500 would be 
made up. 
