Materials for building purposes are so scarce here, or rather are considered of so poor a quality, that freestone has actually been imported from Tasmania, and yet it is believed by many practical men that much good freestone may be obtained even in this district.

These, and subjects of a kindred character, would have been inquired into by exploring parties, and even had one discovery of such a nature rewarded their toil, it would have been an ample recompense for the outlay we had proposed to ourselves.

Though all these researches have been admitted to be of vast importance in the national advancement of Victoria, the indifference of the colonists, and the apathy of the Legislature, led to an abandonment of the scheme.

Let me not, however, be misunderstood in what I have said. I do not advocate the adoption of state aid or state organisation for institutions like this. I do not believe they would harmonise with our social or political character. In this as well as in many other associations, experience has proved that in British communities, the voluntary efforts of individuals have rendered more essential service than the cold, and too often ungracious, vote of a Legislature, whose views, frequently narrowed within the prospect of an immediate result, cannot recognise the gradual steps that must be taken even by the bold and original, though still cautious enquirer. The extreme indifference towards those things which do not promise immediate and certain pecuniary profit or advantage, is an evil the effect of which will extend to the next generation.

Royal Society of Victoria