RKPORT OF THE COUNCIL XXXlll 



found to be in such condition that it was considered necessary 

 to make them dust-proof. The cases in which the collection 

 of fishes is being rearranged on a systematic basis need similar 

 treatment ; and also the accommodation for the exhibition 

 of minerals needs considerable enlargement. These matters, 

 important as they are, must be postponed for the moment. 



During the year many interesting acquisitions have been 

 received, a full list of which appears on another page. One 

 most interesting addition to the collections is that of the 

 trunk and roots of a fossil tree, secured through the generosity 

 and kindness of Mr. Utrick A. Ritson. Some particulars of 

 this fine object will be found in the Curator's Report. 



The Hancock Prize Competition this year shows a falling-off 

 in numbers. Only nine candidates sent in essays, the quality 

 of these, however, showed a higher standard of work and 

 observation. The prize was divided equally between Mr. 

 W. Leonard Turner, of Low Fell, whose essay dealt chiefly, 

 though not entirely, with the spiders of the district, and 

 Mr. Edward Miller, of Warkworth Old Barns, who took the 

 birds of his neighbourhood for his theme. The task of 

 examining and reporting on the essays was again undertaken 

 by the Rev. J. E. Hull, M.A., and Mr. George Bolam, who 

 applied their usual patience and skill to the work. The Council 

 highly appreciate their help. 



An attractive programme of field meetings was planned at 

 the beginning of the season ; these were faithfully carried out 

 with the exception of that on the coast in September, which it 

 was feared might not be permitted at the time by the military 

 authorities. The attendance at these meetings was only 

 moderate. 



A course of lectures was organised and delivered, details 

 of which are given on another page. The Curator again 

 carried on a series of instructive " museum talks." At the 

 two lectures arranged for children during the Christmas and 

 New Year weeks the attendance was 125 and 72 respectively. 

 Excluding these lectures the average attendance did not exceed 



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