356 Timehri. 



resolution : t: That this meeting of the E. A. & C. Society of British Guiana 

 expresses its deep regret at the death of Mr. Fred V. McConnell, an 

 honorary member of the Society for many years, a generous benefactor 

 of the Museum and a warm friend of the colony in whose natural history 

 he took a keen interest, and that the respectful condolences of the Society 

 be conveyed to his widow and relatives in their sad bereavement." 



Professor Harrison, in seconding, said he did so with deep regret. 

 The resolution was then put and carried unanimously. 



Mr. Mewburn Garnett asked that the members join with him in a 

 vote of thanks to the President for his able address which had covered 

 so much ground. 



Mr. Nunan, seconding, said that the federation of the West Indies 

 was a project that could be carried out by the care and co-operation of 

 different possessions. The Appeal Court was a matter that could be 

 dealt with at once. He was an active supporter of the Appeal Court for 

 several years. The chief opposition was from one of the Chief Justices 

 of the various possessions, but he thought the fact that Sir Crossley 

 Rayner had acquiesced in the most recent proposal put forward put the 

 matter on a practical basis at once. 



HOW TO POPULARISE THE SOCIETY. 



Mr. Mewburn Garnett, who was warmly greeted on rising, then 

 introduced the discussion on "'How best to popularise our Society.' 

 He said : " Never in the history of our Society has it been more 

 necessary to consider this question, for apathy and indifference are 

 slowly but surely sending us downward. Are we to sink further!' 

 Most assuredly no, yet the attendance here this afternoon gives us little 

 encouragement. Surely, on the occasion of a Presidential address and 

 when every effort is being made by means of public discussion to restore 

 new life into the Society, I say that on such an occasion a large attend- 

 ance might reasonably have been expected. 



" Whilst Agriculture and Commerce have found protection else- 

 where there is yet ample scope for the discussion of matters which 

 directly concern these two great factors of prosperity. 



" I referred to the apathy and indifference which exist towards our 

 Society ; this is very marked on studying the list of members, for both 

 in Church and State many names are absent which should appear on the 

 list. Indeed, never since I have been on the Executive Committee have 

 the names of the holders of very high offices in our Anglican Church 

 been so conspicuous by their absence. We undoubtedly want subscrip- 

 tions, but we want sympathy still more. 



" Now, we cannot force any one to join our Society, and it is only 

 by offering greater attractions that we may expect them to do so. 

 I would suggest that enquiries should be made of those who were 

 once members for the cause of their resignations. 



