185 



hitherto. In their negotiations the Committee were obliged to 

 take into account the general increase in rates throughout the 

 West End of London ; and having in view the splendid accom- 

 modation which the Club has so long enjoyed, through the 

 consideration of their landlords, they do not doubt that their 

 action will meet with the approval of all the members. The 

 Committee desire to record their appreciation of the services of 

 Mr. J. J. Vezey, F.R.M.S., by whom the negotiations were 

 mainly conducted, and who thus adds very largely to the long 

 list of services which he has rendered to the Club. 



At the same time, the Committee think it their duty to point 

 out that the increase in rent must be met in one of two ways — 

 viz. either by curtailment of expenditure or by increased member- 

 ship. The offices of the Club being entirely honorary, retrench- 

 ment can only be effected by economies in the Journal, and 

 these have probably now been carried as far as possible without 

 impairing its standard. The remedy, therefore, lies in an increased 

 membership, and the Committee believe that this can be obtained 

 if members will only take the trouble to bring the Club and its 

 advantages more prominently before their microscopical acquaint- 

 ances. At the present time the introduction of new members 

 appears to be almost entirely due to the exertions of a quite 

 limited number of gentlemen, as may be verified at any meeting 

 when the list of members to be balloted for is read out. 



The Balance Sheet shows that the Club's finances are in a sound 

 condition. The item for rent and hire of bookcases shows a large 

 increase on last year, due to the increase in the rental and to 

 the fact that under the new agreement it has become payable in 

 advance. As this was not hitherto the case, the Club is, for this 

 year only, in the position of having paid five quarters' rent in the 

 twelve months, and three of these on the new scale. In spite 

 of this fact, the balance in hand is considerably increased, owing 

 to the decreased expenditure on the Journal and other minor 

 economies, and to the increase in the amount received from 

 subscriptions. 



In conclusion, the Committee desires to express its thanks to 

 the officers for their individual and collective services, on which 

 the Club so largely depends, and which have, as hitherto, been 

 so ungrudgingly rendered. 



Jourx. Q. M. C, Series II. — No. 5G. 13 



