Victorian Branch.

About the middle of the year 1883, the Administrative Council of the Society in Sydney communicated with several gentlemen in Victoria, with a view to organizing a branch of the Society in that Colony. In response to a request made by the Secretary of the Society, Mr. A. C. Macdonald, the present Secretary of the Victorian branch placed himself in communication with a number of gentlemen who were favourable to the project, with the result that, on the 13th August, 1883, a meeting was held at the Melbourne Exchange, to consider the subject. There were present—Mr. Shillinglaw, F.R.G.S. (in the Chair), Messrs H. Rosales, F.G.S., James Chapman, C.E., John Young, C.E., H. J. G. Cattenach, A. C. Macdonald, Captain Pasco, R.N., Professor McCoy, J. Cosmo Newberry, C.M.G., and others. Letters were read from Baron von Mueller, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., &c., from Ernest Giles, F.R.G.S., and several other prominent men, promising their co-operation with the movement. In consequence of the day being a particular busy one in the city, the meeting was adjourned without transacting any business, beyond appointing Messrs. A. C. Macdonald and John Young, C.E., joint Hon. Secretaries, with instructions to arrange for the next meeting, which was held on 21st September, 1883. Present—T. F. Bride, LL.D., in the Chair, and a number of other gentlemen. A number of letters were read from various gentlemen apologizing for non-attendance, also some correspondence with the Premier—the Hon. James Service, M.L.A., with reference to the grant of £1,000 which had been asked for to aid the scientific exploration of New Guinea. The Premier's letter seemed to express a suspicion that the Society was being formed merely on the strength of this grant, but it was conclusively shown by the meeting that the body was established before the grant, which was only a part of the general programme of the Geographical Society of Australasia, was thought of. Some discussion then ensued as to the constitution of the Society. Mr. J. Cosmo Newberry said there was a Geographical Section of the Royal Society of Victoria, and it might be better to join that Society, and still maintain the relation to the Geographical Society of Australasia.

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The Chairman thought it was too late for such a suggestion, as it had already been decided to form an independent Society. Mr. Newberry thought a great saving would result were the two bodies united. After some discussion it was moved by Mr. J. Cosmo Newberry—seconded by Mr. H. Rosales, and carried,—"That a Committee, consisting of Messrs. J. A. Pan ton. P.M., H. Rosales, F.G.S., J. Mc'D. Larnach, G. Gordon, C.E., T. F. Bride, LL.D., and A. C. Macdonald, be appointed to confer with the Council of the Royal Society of Victoria as to the practicability of such amalgamation, and the terms upon which it could be arranged. That such Committee be requested to report upon the whole question of the amalgamation of the Geographical Society with the Royal Society of Victoria, and other kindred Societies in other Colonies." Pending the report of this Committee all other business was allowed to stand over to the next meeting, including a motion by Mr. R. L. J. Ellery, F.R.G.S.,—"That it is expedient to form a branch in Victoria of the Geographical Society of Australasia, and that members be now enrolled, subject to a satisfactory arrangement of founders' list, and payment of entrance fees."

The third preliminary meeting was held on the 22nd October, 1883, T. F. Bride, LL.D., in the Chair. The Chairman submitted the report of the Committee appointed at the last meeting, as follows:—"A conference was held at the Royal Society's rooms on the 15th current, when it was found, after a lively discussion, that the difficulties in the way of amalgamation were insuperable. It therefore now only remains to carry out the original intention to form in Victoria a branch of the Geographical Society of Australasia, or that the gentlemen now assembled, not being committed to any course, join the Geographical Section of the Royal Society."

After some discussion, Mr. J. Mc'D. Larnach moved, and Mr. F. Scarr, seconded,—"That it is expedient to form in Victoria a branch of the Geographical Society of Australasia, and that members be now enrolled under the constitution of the said Society."

As an amendment, Mr. H. Rosales, F.G.S., moved, and the Hon. J. J. Casey, C.M.G., seconded,—"That the gentlemen present cast in their lot with the Royal Society, with a view to becoming members under division E."

The votes being equally divided, the Chairman gave his casting vote in favour of the original motion, which was accordingly adopted. After appointing office-bearers and Committee, the meeting adjourned.

On the 1st April, 1884, the Committee held a meeting, when it being considered that the movement had made sufficient progress, it was decided to hold a conversazione, and inaugural page 109 meeting of the Society on the 18th April, 1884. The Vice-president, Baron von Mueller, promised to prepare an inaugural address, and papers were also promised by several other gentlemen. The Hon. Secretary was instructed to apply to the Royal Society for the use of their hall, which on this and many other occasions was cheerfully granted.

The Committee having completed their arrangements, the inaugural meeting took place on the appointed date, and was very successful, and largely attended; T. F. Bride, LL.D., in the Chair. The Vice-president, Baron von Mueller, was unfortunately prevented by illness from attending, but he forwarded the manuscript of his address, which was read by the Hon. Secretary. Mr. Pan ton next read a paper on "The Kimberley District," Western Australia, which proved of great interest. The Hon. Secretary then read a short paper on the "Utility of, and necessity for, a Geographical Society." After a vote of thanks had been passed to the Royal Society, on the motion of H. G. Turner, F.R.G.S., for granting the use of their hall, the meeting closed.