iv. Secretary's Report. 



Secretary's Report. 



We fear history is somewhat repeating itself, for the " troublous 

 times," referred to in our report for 1922, are still with us; yet, we can say 

 once again " We have held our own," therefore the " mutual gratulation " 

 of last year was not amiss ! 



But, it is not all gratulation, for even this carries the reverse, inasmuch 

 as we have tnade but little progress towards pre-war strength and activity 



Aviculture has not yet come into its own since Armagedon was let 

 loose, yet signs are not wanting that a revival is near at hand, if not already 

 commenced, both as to the Breeding of Species, and also to their Exhibition. 

 Several iiotable successes have been achieved in the breeding of a species 

 for the first time — we may en passant mention Mr. Shore Baily's successful 

 breeding of the White-breasted Waterhen, Mons. ."X. Decoux's with the 

 White-capiH'd Tanager, and Capt. Stokes" with the Lilac-crowned Fruit- 

 Pigeon, and, we think, there may l)c others, when the exact species of the 

 birds concerned has been ascertained. As this revival increases, the 

 difificulties with which we have hatl to contend witli in these post-war times, 

 should automatically disappear. 



As to coloured plates our ho])es liave not lieen realised, but we tlo not 

 ex|)ect to have to rejieat this phrase in our next report. 



There is still some slackness in the pa\nient of subscriptions on the 

 part of a small section of our members, much increasing working expenses, 

 and the secretarial work, besides causing annoyance and irritation — this may 

 be carried lo the extent of causing the retirement of some — the Club's claims 

 ujjon their time aiifl energy is very heavy, and I'oUmtary workers are not 

 easy to replace ! 



Bird Nf>Ti:s. the Club Journal, though a])]>caring only bi-monthly at 

 present, igj^ \'()]. will compare favourably with its predecessors in all their 

 features, viz : Imlk, diversity of contents, jiractical information, and 



illustrations. 



The needs of the present are so similar to those of a year ago, that 

 wi- have no hesitation in repealing ourselves in the closing stage of our report. 



The lethargy that has been so marked during the post-war years still 

 lingers. .Shall we |)ermit this to continue ? 



Our income is still insufficient for the effectual working of the Club, and 

 v.c commend this point to the thoughtful consideration of every member — 

 we are assured that very few, if any, would care to see the illustrations or 

 ti-vt matter of Bird N'otk.s curtailed, surely it is the reverse all desire ! 



This vear we have had dies sunk, so that we now reallv have a Club 



