It is with great regret that your Committee have to announce 

 the resignation of our President, Prof. T. McKenny Hughes. 

 He feels himself compelled to retire owing to his many 

 engagements, and the fact that his connection with this part of 

 the country is in a great measure severed. He was elected in 

 November, 1875, and has been the life and soul of the Society 

 for sixteen years. We may truly say that it was to his energy 

 in those early days, when we had just lost our Founder, 

 Charles Kingsley, that our Society owes its present vigorous 

 existence. His courteous manners and eloquent speech made 

 him at once a popular leader, while in the science to which he 

 has devoted his life we had an unrivalled teacher. 



The Natural History collection has largely increased during 

 the past year. This is due in a great measure to our Curator, 

 Mr. Newstead, whose indefatigable work in this direction 

 will in time render our Local Museum a complete representation 

 of all that is valuable and rare in the district. 



We have pleasure in stating that our Society has been 

 presented with a splendid and complete Microscope by 

 J. Tatlock, Esq., who has added this to his many previous 

 kindnesses. The Microscope is for the free use of the Members, 

 and is an invaluable addition to the Society's property. 



The Library is in good order, and has been increased both 

 by gifts and purchases. The loan of books from the Free 

 Library is largely made use of by the Students of the various 

 classes held in the Museum buildings, and for this your Com- 

 mittee beg to tender their best thanks to the Free Library 

 Committee. 



Mr. Mills, our Honorary Treasurer, will present you with 

 his annual Balance Sheet. It will show that the Accounts of 

 the Society are in a satisfactory condition, and we have 

 pleasure in acknowledging our indebtedness to Mr. Mills for 

 so well carrying out what is often a thankless oflSce. 



Mr. E. J. Baillie will also bring before you the Kingsley 

 Memorial Accounts. 



