When, nearly five years since, by the efforts of a few, united by the bond of science, both the Philosophical Society and the Victorian Institute were formed, and when even, subsequently, strength was gained by them in their present combination, we could not well expect, considering the difficulties which then beset our path, to see speedily our labors crowned with success.

Much less could I, for myself presume that you would ever deem me worthy of being raised to the high position assigned to me on this occasion, and to fill an office on which I had certainly in no way any claim. Having been desirous, ever since this Society was established, to be regarded only as one of its humbler working members, it was with the utmost diffidence in my ability that I gave way to an opinion expressed, that the Institute exercises a right in demanding from its members services, however difficult or responsible. But, at the same time, Gentlemen, I appreciate to its full extent the generosity evinced in your over-rating so far my qualifications for the honor which you have conferred. Let me assure you that I consider this day one of the proudest of my life, and that my wishes for the welfare of the Institute will ever be equally ardent and sincere.

Reverting to the past days of this Institution, we have, I think, no reason to regard its labors without some degree of satisfaction. Established in that era of Victoria in which, apparently, the whole energies of the population were absorbed in the desire of accumulating the glittering treasures of our mines, the Institute not only more and more consolidated its position, but has offered, in its uninterrupted progress, an additional proof that the lasting benefit of intellectual exertions has been ever fully comprehended in our youthful country. Glancing around us, nothing can be more manifest.

Can we, at the early days of our colony, view without pride the establishment of an University, of Observatories, of a Public Library, of a Museum, of Associations cultivating varied branches of science successfully, of several higher educational institutions; these, too, all flourishing, all (our own Institute not excepted) bearing the additional guarantee of their prosperity in being fostered by a representative of Royalty, in whom the learning of a scholar and the urbanity of a nobleman are blended with a tried knowledge of the world, and with an ardent wish to he the benefactor of this country.

Royal Society of Victoria