344 Royal Colonial Institute. 



was to promote social intercourse, particularly among people from overseas, and he did 

 not think they did as much in that direction as they might. 



The Chairman : With regard to Mr. Hughes's remarks on the subject of Associates 

 over-crowding the building, I think he seemed unaware of the fact that Associates are 

 not entitled to the privilege of using the building. As regards our meetings to which 

 they have access, I think we may rejoice that men from all parts of the country should 

 come and attend them and hear the excellent papers ; ~ and the more the better. They 

 take very good stuff away with them. Captain Slack spoke of the cost of the 

 Year Book, but forgot to tell you there was something on the other side in the 

 way of advertisements. In regard to postal rates, we have already moved, and 

 Major Archer-Shee, M.P., in the House of" Commons lately urged the Postmaster- 

 General to move in the matter, but the latter refused for the present to have 

 anything to do with it. Mr. Martin has asked whether we- could not do better than 

 we do by investing our reserve at 3J per cent. As a matter of fact, we get 4 per 

 cent. He also asked that the figures for the previous year should appear in our annual 

 statement of accounts. That is a point which will receive consideration, but I cannot 

 pledge myself, as there may not be space enough. Mr. Cotton referred to Mr. Garrison's 

 pay as lecturer. Well, we came to a working arrangement as to what he should receive 

 for his labours, which we much appreciate. It is entirely to his satisfaction. With 

 regard to the Aldwych site, we plead guilty to having voted a contribution of £250, 

 which was part of a guarantee towards the option, but we are liable for no further 

 payment. As regards the staff, I think you would not expect me, on this occasion, to 

 speak about the merits or salaries of individuals, and also I do not think you w^ould 

 wish to fetter our discretion in the matter. I think you may be sure that v^e give very 

 careful consideration to all these things, and as to servants like the porters in the Hall, 

 I need not tell you that something goes into the pocket sometimes that is not on the 

 salary list. As regards the Education Committee, the matter came before the Council 

 with numbers of other things, and I cannot remember at the moment what was done, 

 but if Mr. Munford will call upon me, I shall be glad to discuss the matter with him. 

 It is suggested that notices of forthcoming public events should be given in the Journal. 

 It is hard to say yes, because our pages are full, and if we add to them there is a risk 

 of having to pay another ^d. as postage, which means another £250 a year. If, how- 

 ever, it is possible to adopt the suggestion, I am sure the Editor will be glad. As 

 regards Committees, it is open for any Fellow to call at the Institute and ask for their 

 names. 



The motion was carried unanimously. 



Mr. Richard Jebb : I have now, on behalf of the Council, to move a resolution 

 v/hich, from certain sounds, you appear to be anticipating with a good deal of interest. 

 It is that the title of this Society shall be changed if and when practicable to that of 

 Royal Britannic Institute. Of course, any change of this kind would involve trouble 

 and delay ; we should have to get the charter altered, and that of course, would be 

 subject to the assent of the King. This is a proposal which originated, not with the 

 Council, but with the Fellows. It is a sound principle of policy, I think, that when 

 any important proposal comes from outside before the Council they should give it their 

 best attention, and we are ahvays glad if any such proposal can be put into a shape in 

 which we can commend it to the Fellows. The main object of the Council is to test your 

 feehng, because they think that this question has now come to such a state of develop- 

 ment that some decision ought to be come to one way or another. But whether you 



