374 



— a long, and perhaps too long, a period of continuous service, 

 but he hoped it was true that he had always done his best to 

 further the interest of the Club, and the knowledge that he had 

 received their approbation for so long a time had rendered the 

 work nothing but a pleasure. There was, however, sometimes 

 a possible impression in his mind that he might after all be 

 getting a little mouldy, for he quite thought it was possible for 

 a Secretary to be in office too long, and if they thought that 

 this applied in any degree to his own case he hoped that they 

 would not fail kindly to give him the hint. When he took over 

 the duties from Mr. Ingpen he found everything in such order, 

 and had always received so much assistance from him that the 

 trouble was scarcely to be thought of. The help also which 

 had always been afforded to him by the seven Presidents who 

 had held office during the period, and the consideration always 

 shown by the Officers and Committee, and by the members 

 generally, had contributed largely to render his work a plea- 

 sant one. He thought, perhaps, he ought to say something as 

 to the rather mercenary form which he had chosen for this 

 testimonial. It was, of course, difficult to suggest anything 

 original in this way — a portrait was sometimes presented ; this 

 would hardly be useful — a piece of plate ; having inherited a 

 little he did not want more — a watch he had, and he also had 

 microscopes — but when working at any particular branch one 

 often wanted a book or a piece of apparatus which one had to 

 'do without, because they cost more than could be conveniently 

 given at the time, and he had therefore asked them to allow him 

 to make use of their gift in that way. He could only again 

 tender to them his hearty and sincere thanks both for what 

 they had done and for the kind way in which it had been 

 done. 



Mr. Ingpen said that Mr. Karop had made some reference to 

 the time he had been in office, whether twelve or thirteen years, 

 and he might explain this by saying that during*the last year, 

 when he was himself the Secretary of the Club, he was able, 

 through his failing eyesight, to do very little of the work, and 

 that this was therefore done for him by Mr. Karop. He was 

 glad to be able to mention this, as he very greatly appreciated 

 this kindness. 



The President said that the Scrutineers had handed in their 



