MR. HERMAN said - "Mr. Premier, Members of the Institute and Visitors: before plunging into the more or less shallow waters of my presidential address, I take this as the most favourable opportunity to say how deeply I appreciate the honour of my election by members as their chief officer for the current year. My gratification is in no wise modified by the fact that it is the State to which I belong rather than myself personally that has been selected for what we all regard as a coveted distinction. I have endeavoured, with the co-operation of my colleagues on the Council and our secretary, to arrange a session worthy of the Institute. I trust that, so far as it has already gone, it has met with your approval, and that, on its completion in a few days' time, you will say you have been satisfied with all of it.