8 
T. B. Spencer, Alfred Strange, W. Sutcliffe, John 
Thompson, Wm. Thompson, junr., W. A. Wadding- 
ton, T. Watson, John Whittaker, junr., Wm. Witham. 
Letters of apology for non-attendance were read from 
Dr. Coultate, Rev. E. C. Maclure, M.A., Rev. John 
Stroyan, who expressed a desire to become members ; 
and the following had also intimated a similar wish: 
Messrs. J. G. Broxup, John Howorth, J.P., J. W. 
Phillips, W. Robinson, J.P., C. Slater, Saml. Small- 
page, H. Uttley, T. T. Wilkinson, F.R.A.S. Dr. 
Brumwell presided, and after the objects sought to be 
promoted by the Society were stated, rules were 
formed, members were enrolled, officers were elected, 
and the date of the first meeting was fixed. The 
Committee subsequently met and arranged the first 
syllabus, and settled other matters connected with the 
working of the Club. 
The Inaugural Address was delivered by the 
President, Alderman Coultate, on the occasion of a 
dinner held in the Bull Hotel, January 6th, 1874, 
which was attended by sixty-two persons. 
With respect to the objects of the Club, which 
were clearly set forth in the admirable speeches made 
at the initiatory gathering, it may be stated that it 
was not proposed to aim at exalted literary achieve- 
ments, or prosecute elaborate scientific researches. 
The design of the founders was rather to encourage, 
stimulate, and diffuse a taste for literature and 
science; to facilitate the interchange of ideas on 
these subjects; and to provide a common meeting: 
ground for the purpose of intellectual recreation and 
social intercourse. These aims have been uniformly 
kept in view from the commencement ; and those who 
are cognizant of the Club’s work will testify to the 
success which has attended the endeavours to carry 
into effect the original designs. 
The subjects introduced have been of a most 
varied and comprehensive character ; for it must be 
