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FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT. 



Your Committee in presenting their Report for the year ending 

 December 1916 scarcely need remind members that the Club 

 during the whole of the time has suffered from difficulties caused 

 by the state of affairs referred to in the Report for last year, 

 some of them in even an increased degree. The lighting of 

 the streets and the means of travelling have both been further 

 reduced, increasing the difficulty of attendance for those residing 

 at a distance. Though there has been a diminution in con- 

 sequence, the average number present at the Ordinary meetings 

 has been rather over fifty-five, and at the " Gossip " meetings 

 rather over fifty- two, with a total individual attendance of 1,226 

 for the whole year. Your Committee consider this very satis- 

 factory under the circumstances. During the year, thirty-one 

 new members have been elected ; this is more than in 1915, and 

 the number could have been increased by five had there been the 

 usual meeting for business in December. The resignations have 

 been eleven, a great reduction on the loss due to this cause during 

 the preceding year, when the number was twenty-five ; eleven 

 have been lost by death. The net result is an increase of nine, 

 with a total membership of 458. 



Mr. Dunstall's death took place in January. His energy and 

 enthusiasm in the study of the Rotifera were well known, and 

 his absence is marked with regret, especially at the " Gossip " 

 meetings. Dr. Charters White, President in 1880-81, and in 

 early days a very active member, passed away in March. Mr. 

 C. Lees-Curties died in April. Mr. Enock, an Honorary Member, 

 was lost to us in May. Mr. R. T. Lewis, one of the best-known 

 members, who joined the Club in 1865, soon after its foundation, 

 and had been since 1866 Hon. Reporter, passed away after 

 a short illness in June. His familiar figure, his wonderfully 

 regular attendance during fifty years, his frequent contributions 

 to the Journal, and participation in discussions on the various 

 communications, made him one of the most valued and appreci- 



