clvi Proceediv^s. 



Our largest and most popular Section at present, owing to the 

 widespread use of the camera, is our Photographic Section with 

 its sixty members. This Section has long felt the want of a dark 

 room where its practical work could be carried on, and where 

 friendly suggestions on the intricacies of developing could be 

 imparted by our experienced to our inexperienced members. 



I therefore devoted my attention to obtaining such a room, and 

 found that it was difficult to find anything quite suited to our 

 wants. I discovered, however, on these premises a room which 

 I could see would answer our requirements with certain necessary 

 fittings. Upon application to the Committee of the Institution, 

 I obtained this room for one year from 8th inst., and I have 

 given myself the pleasure of making it useful and comfortable, 

 in which work I have been most kindly assisted by Mr. Waller, 

 who has vastly improved the appearance of the walls. 



This room I now beg to hand over to the Club for the use of 

 its Photographic Section for the present year, as a slight proof 

 of the interest I have always taken in its welfare, and as an 

 acknowledgement of the honour I received when I was elected 

 by you to this chair. The particulars of the room, which I hope 

 you will all visit at the close of this meeting, are as follows : — 

 Length 25 ft., width 8 ft. 10 in., height about 7 ft. 6 in. Con- 

 crete floor, which I have covered with thick coir matting. Water 

 is laid on, and there is a copious sink. It is heated and lighted 

 by gas : the stove meter, &c., for which however are hired. I 

 have also placed there a table and a few chairs, &c. 



Of course this room is practically available at all times, but 

 this will doubtless be arranged by our Photographic Sub-Com- 

 mittee. In the meantime, I would like to suggest that in 

 addition to the fixed photographic meetings, the room shall be 

 open one evening a week for purposes of practical work and 

 comparing notes, and later on if one evening is not sufficient 

 two can be arranged, but it is necessary that the room when 

 open shall be under the charge of someone, and our new Photo- 

 graphic Secretary, Mr. Gower, has undertaken this charge in the 

 meantime. I sincerely trust that this room will meet with the 

 approval of our photographic friends to such an extent that they 

 will want to bring to our Club a number of their friends to enjoy 

 with them its advantages. 



In conclusion, gentlemen, I must thank all those who have by 

 their wise counsel and help so kindly assisted me in endeavouring 

 to carry out the responsible position in which you did me the 

 honour to place me ; and, whilst feeling a little pardonable 

 satisfaction at our success so far, I venture to express a hope 

 that if all is well this year we may look forward to still further 

 progi-ess, more good practical work, and a largely augmented 

 list of members, in which hope I feel sure I am joined by you all. 



