902 THE chairman's address. 



Thus by the death of Professor Stephens not only has this 

 Society been bereft of its official head for the time being, and of 

 one who, in the course of his long official connection therewith had 

 evinced a warm interest in its welfare, backed up by assiduous 

 effiDrts for its progress, but many of its members have lost a 

 personal friend not less appreciated for his modesty of character 

 and for his warm-hearted generous nature than he was admired 

 for his scholarship and learning ; and the loss to the colony of one 

 so experienced in educational matters is a loss it can ill-affiard to 

 sustain. 



In addition to our late President, we have to deplore the 

 removal by death of four other members, — Dr. Mann, P.R.G.S., 

 elected in July 1890 who died in November following; Mr. 

 Justice Mein, M.A., of Queeensland, elected in 1883; Mr. Felix 

 Ratte, the contributor of a number of important papers contained 

 in Vols. IX, X and I, II (2nd Series), elected in 1883 ; and Dr. 

 Reginald B. Read, an original member of the Society. 



The number of members at present on the roll is 158, five 

 members, as mentioned above, having deceased, two having 

 resigned, and the names of fourteen having been removed from 

 the roll for continued neglect to fulfil their obligations to the 

 Society. 



In June the Council elected Mr. Charles Hedley, F.L.S., of 

 Brisbane, a Corresponding Member. 



In prospect of a lengthy absence from the colony Dr. George 

 Hurst in July felt called upon to resign his position on the 

 Council, whereupon the Council elected Mr. T. G. Sloane to fill 

 the vacancy. 



A considerable addition has been made to the library during 

 the year, by donation or exchange, to the extent of 207 Volumes, 

 660 Parts of Volumes, 120 Pamphlets, and 34 Official Reports. 



The usual number of Meetings was held, at which fifty-two 

 papers of varied interest were submitted, and many interesting 

 exhibits brought under notice. 



