308 THE president's address. 



be a demand for the so-called students' instruments, at a relatively 

 low price; but surely this ought not to be incompatible with 

 the production of other and better lenses at a commensurate 

 increase in cost. 



It now again becomes a pleasing duty to acknowledge my 

 personal obligations to my brother officers, and to all other members 

 of the Club, for the kindness and support which I have received 

 throughout this my second year of office. I cannot leave the 

 chair to-night without placing on record my regret that, as a 

 Club, we are losing the services of two of our most valuable 

 officers — I refer to Mr. Nelson our Hon. Editor and Mr. Vezey 

 our Hon. Treasurer. Our Committee have already expressed 

 their sorrow at the loss they have sustained by the resignation 

 of these gentlemen : and whilst desiring to associate myself with 

 all the kind things which the Committee have said about our 

 retiring friends, I will express the hope that as unofficial members 

 of the Club, we may long enjoy the privilege of their companion- 

 ship and co-operation. 



We are fortunate in having two gentlemen amongst us ready 

 and willing to supply the places so honourably filled by IMr. 

 Nelson and Mr. Vezey. Mr. Scourfield has kindly undertaken 

 the post of Editor, and in his hands we are confident that the 

 high character of our Journal will be ably maintained; whilst 

 in Mr. Morland we have an old and valued friend of the Club, 

 who may safely be trusted to look after its pecuniary not less 

 than its general interests. 



It now only remains for me to thank you one and all for the 

 confidence you have reposed in me throughout my two years of 

 office. Duties elsewhere have prevented my devoting so much time 

 as I should have wished to do to those of the presidency ; but 

 you have always shown a generous appreciation of the poor 

 services which I have been able to render in the chair ; and in 

 handing over to my successor, Mr. Massee, the honourable position 

 which I have, I trust, done nothing to tarnish, I bid you, 

 officially, a grateful farewell. 



Joarn. QueJcett MkroscoxnmlClub, Scr. 2. Vol. VIL, No. 40, April 1000, 



