xl Annual General Meeting, December 9, 1914. 



The Council recognised that they would undoubtedly incur a considerable 

 loss, but, supported by the recommendation of the Finance Committee, they 

 were prepared to face this in the interests of the Society and of agriculture 

 generally. 



It was fortunate that the Society had created a Reserve Fund which 

 enabled them in such a time of stress to proceed with their ordinary operations. 



An exceptional and sad feature in the Report was the record of Members 

 who have fallen on the field of battle while gallantly fighting for their 

 country. 



The first item on the agenda was the presentation of the balance-sheet, 

 and, in accordance with custom, the Council formally submitted the balance- 

 sheet for the year 1913, which, with the statement of receipts and expenditure, 

 were published in the last volume of the Journal. 



From the Show Accounts, of which copies were in the hands of all those 

 present, it would be observed that at Shrewsbury this year the expenditure 

 was 3,616Z. in excess of the receipts. 



In reviewing the Report of the Council, it would be noticed that the deaths 

 of many supporters were recorded, and he might especially refer to the loss 

 of one of the oldest Members of the Society, and an old friend of his own, 

 Mr. Hugh Raynbird, elected in 1847, who, until a very short time before his 

 death, took a lively interest in the Society. 



Since the preparation of the Report the Society had lost a very old and 

 esteemed Member of the Council, Sir Walter Gilbey. At such a meeting as 

 this it was not necessary for him to refer to the many ways in which Sir 

 Walter had given such practical evidence of his interest in agricultural matters, 

 and especially in the improvement of horse-breeding in this country. His 

 activities on the Council in the work of the Society were still remembered by 

 those of his colleagues who worked with him in those times. For some few 

 years Sir Walter had been in failing health, and. had not been able to attend 

 the meetings of the Council. 



His Lordship also regretted to announce that since the publication of the 

 Report information had reached the Society of the death of Dr. William 

 Saunders, of the Department of Agriculture, Ottawa, who had been elected an 

 Honorary Member of the Society in 1908. 



It was with much regret that he referred to the death of Mr. H. M. Freear, 

 who, for the past fourteen years, had been in charge of the Laboratoiy and 

 Pot-Culture Station at the Woburn Experimental Farm. All who knew Mr. 

 Freear would be aware of the deep interest he took in his work, and of the 

 invaluable assistance he had always given to Members and others visiting the 

 Station. 



Mr. Freear's death came very unexpectedly, and his Lordship was sure 

 that Members all sympathised very much with the widow and family in their 

 sad bereavement. 



Interesting paragraphs in the Report were those relating to the Shrewsbury 

 Show. He thought all who were present at that Show would agree that it 

 produced one of the finest exhibitions of live stock and implements that had 

 ever been witnessed in this or any other country — (hear, hear) — and while 

 they regretted that more visitors did not take advantage of the excellent 

 Show provided, they congratulated the Shrewsbury Local Executive on the 

 splendid site and the general excellence of the exhibition. 



The visit of His Majesty the King to the Show had been most enthusiastic- 

 ally welcomed by the people of Shropshire, who crowded into the town of 

 Shrewsbury to give His Majesty a truly hearty and loyal greeting. His 

 Majesty spent the greater part of the time he was at the Sliow in inspecting 

 the exhibits, and expressed himself as liighly pleased with his visit. 



To the Mayor of Shrewsbury (Major Wingfield) the thanks of the Society 

 were due for the strenuous work he undertook in connection with the Society's 

 visit, and also for the hospitality extended to them. The Society were also 



