I regret, that in taking a hasty glance over the transactions and occurrences of the last year, that I have to allude to the loss of one—a loss, indeed, not only to the society, but to the profession of which he was an ornament, and to many friends with whom he was intimate, and by whom he was greatly respected. Passing over that unfortunate event, let me congratulate the Institute on the amount of interest which the Government now evidently takes in its progress and success. I rejoice to see so many members of the Government present. Occupying the position that I now do, it is of very little consequence to me who is in and who is out of power, although, notwithstanding that I am debarred from interfering with political matters, I cannot, as a citizen, exclude myself from taking some degree of interest in the actions of those who are in power; and I hail, as a good omen, the fact of so many of my honorable friends supporting this Institute by their presence this evening; and I trust that they will be prepared to support it, if necessary, by other and more substantial proofs of their regard. Not that I wish for State aid to an institution of this kind. On the contrary, I would wish to see the voluntary principle applied to it, although I would not for other things.

I would fain see science with some recognised habitation—where scientific men could meet together and exercise some influence on society, because, as it is, the world, I fear, is too apt to look upon the Institute as a wanderer upon the face of the earth, who has no known habitation; and, perhaps, it may be necessary to trouble the friends of the Institute, in order to establish it. So far, and no farther, would I wish to see a demand made upon the public purse. If the Legislature of this country chooses to place funds at the disposal of the society, it will, I have no doubt, expend them judiciously and honestly. What we want, are persons with a helping and a lending hand. This is required in the old country, and how much more is it needed here.

Royal Society of Victoria