With the Proceedings of the Society approaching its 50th volume, the desirability of compiling a general index to the first 50 volumes became obvious. It was agreed that this work should be carried out on similar lines to that of the Geological Magazine. Failing the obtaining of financial assistance from outside the Society, it was proposed that the work be carried out by volunteers who would each take a number of volumes. This again proving impracticable, the honorary librarian submitted an author index for the period covering 80 years of publications, which was gratefully accepted and published.

The long period of printing the Proceedings by Ford and Sons received a temporary set-back in 1931 when, because of further financial difficulties, the Society was compelled to seek the further assistance of the government. There being little possibility of receiving additional money, the proposal that the Government Printer print the Proceedings at a concession was accepted by the Society. The government finally agreed to accept the responsibility for £100 of work with the printer, the Society to pay the balance. This arrangement continued for a number of years.

The publication in 1935 of the Pitt-Mund report on the libraries of Australia brought the inadequacy of the housing of the library of the Royal Society into prominence. The suggestion that the library be transferred to the Public Library for housing and administration was vigorously combated by the council as not being in the best interests of the Society. However, the report served a very useful purpose as it drew attention to the state of the valuable library and forced the council to take steps to improve its housing by the provision of additional steel shelving.

Royal Society of Victoria