1891.] TRANSACTIONS. 17 



Dollars ($15,000) unci to give in security therefor, if required, 

 a mortgage upon the Real l^roperty of the Society.'' 



In the discussion that followed, it was stated by the Chairman 

 of the Finance Committee that it was believed that the amount 

 of the Loan, with the sum of money on hand, would prove sufK- 

 cient to effect the improvements. And finally, on motion of Mr. 

 Draper, it was voted unanimously to approve the plan of altera- 

 tions, as submitted ; and to authorize the proposed loan. 



Upon one point, your Committee were especially determined. 

 They meant to secure a Ladies-Parlor, if such a thing were in 

 any way possible. Whether success has crowned their efibrts 

 rests with my fairer auditors to decide. The Committee hoped 

 to provide a room pleasant enough to be an attraction of itself; 

 and of such convenience that it would argue self-denial to stay 

 away from it. Many of our female members, likely as not, 

 have no friends whom they are willing to put to inconvenience 

 upon the occasion of every visit to town. They are joint own- 

 ers in this estate. Why should it not be so arranged that they 

 may feel at home in it? Why should it not be fitted up nicely, 

 if simply ; so that its aspect shall suggest a cheerful welcome, — 

 its snug arrangement a cosy place for repose during the heat 

 and burden of the day? Our Hall is too little used by our 

 Members, for resort and mutual intercourse. Perhaps there 

 will be no improvement in this respect, for the future. But if 

 not, shall it be said of your Committee that they were ])lind to 

 the need and therefore failed to make due provision for its 

 supply I 



And now, when all is virtually done ; now that you can look 

 around and see of v/hat you are in the quiet enjoyment, com- 

 pared with that which, relatively, was a continual source of 

 annoyance ; who is Querulous, out of Carping by Faultfinder, 

 that his neigh (?) should disturb your satisfaction? You were 

 obliged to lease your Hall, as a whole, or in its few subdi- 

 visions ; and year by year competition was continually growing 

 sharper. Applicants were governed by considerations of rela- 

 tive convenience. And although a party might find itself well 

 otf, when it had once got comfortably seated in the excellent 



