194 
Annual Congress 
r The Emu 
L Jan. 
printed papers on the subject had been forwarded. Mr. Alexan¬ 
der suggested that if a committee on migration was appointed 
this matter could appropriately be referred to it. 
MATHEWS ORNITHOLOGICAL LIBRARY. 
Dr. Leach stated that Mr. Mathews wished to dispose of the 
library accumulated by him in connection with his great work 
on Australian birds. It contained practically every work quoted 
in his bibliography, and Mr. Mathews hoped that some Australian 
library would secure it. It was moved by Mr. Chisholm, and 
seconded by Mr. Alexander: “That in the opinion of this Con¬ 
ference it is desirable that Gregory Mathews’ library be purchased 
for Australia.” The motion was carried. 
NEXT CONFERENCE. 
Following an invitation from Dr. Leach, supported by Messrs. 
Gates and Barrett, it was decided to hold the next conference in 
Victoria. The site for the camp out was left for the decision 
of the Victorian members. Wilson’s Promontory and the Mallee 
country were mentioned, and the majority of those present ex¬ 
pressed the hope that a visit to the Mallee country would be 
arranged. Dr. Leach stated that it would depend largely on the 
season. 
BIRD SUNDAY. 
A letter was received from Mr. Jennings advocating the hold¬ 
ing of a Bird Sunday. It was decided to refer the question to 
the Gould Leagues in the various States. 
PEA RIFLES. 
Mr. Barrett moved: “That the sale or use of the pea rifle be 
absolutely prohibited in Australia, and that the several govern¬ 
ments be asked to legislate in this direction.” He said that in 
Victoria, the pea rifle was used by large numbers of boys, with 
danger to themselves as well as to others. He himself had had 
narrow escapes. Many deaths had resulted from the use of 
this weapon, and he thought it should be absolutely prohibited. 
Wholesale destruction of birds and animals also took place. It 
should be made an offence to sell, as well as to use, a pea rifle. 
Mr. Chisholm said it was a menace to the bird shooters as well 
as to the birds. 
Mr. Longman pointed out that he had moved a similar resolu¬ 
tion at the last conference held in Queensland. He suggested 
that the Commonwealth Government should be approached and 
asked to prohibit the importation of pea rifles to Australia. Mr. 
Barker viewed the suggestion from the necessity of protecting 
child life. Vested interests would have to be reckoned with in 
the prohibition of this deadly weapon, but children must be 
protected. Mr. IT. G. Barnard pointed out that complete pro- 
