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THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. 



Ladies and Gentlemen. 



Our Anniversary Meeting last year took place in the 

 midst of a General Election. We may be permitted to hope 

 that these political tournaments are not about to become as 

 regularly annual as our own celebration, but the fact remains 

 that this year we have only escaped a similar coincidence by 

 the space of a few weeks. Our feelings with regard to the 

 recent contest are probably mixed ; but I am on safe ground 

 in asserting that we one and all regret that the House of 

 Commons has lost, even if only for a time, the services of a 

 distinguished representative of Entomology. 



The year just finished has been an eventful one. It has 

 been marked by the passing of a beloved Sovereign, who, 

 during his all too short reign, more than fulfilled the hopeful 

 anticipations with which his accession was greeted. In his 

 Successor we welcome a Ruler who has already given evidence 

 of the solicitude with which he watches over the best interests 

 of his people, and who inspires us with confidence that in him 

 the cause of science and learning will find an earnest advocate 

 and promoter. In this he will but be following the tradition 

 set by an illustrious Father and Grandfather, whose example 

 is destined to bear fruit for many years to come. 



It will be within the recollection of all the Fellows of this 

 Society that loyal Addresses were presented on their behalf to 

 King George on his Accession, and to the widowed Queen 

 Alexandra. The text of these Addresses, together with that 

 of the Royal Reply, is to be found in our Proceedings. 



At a time of general mourning it was obviously fitting that 

 we should defer the holding of our proposed Conversazione. 



