XV-in RFPORT OF THF, COUNCIL 



away at the ripe old age of 86. He acted as one of the 

 Honorary Secretaries of the Field Club during 1857 and 1858, 

 and was elected an Honorary Member of the Society in 1864, 

 his connection with the Society extending over 68 years. Mr. 

 Arch. E. Macdonald, a keen observer and writer, who under 

 the name of " Whist " did much in the local press to enlist 

 interest in nature. Sir Benjamin C. Browne, D.C.L., who 

 joined as a member in 1876. Mr. C. Harrison of Hexham, 

 a member of 30 years standing; and others, whose loss is 

 deplored. 



The membership has been reduced by 18 through deaths 

 and resignations, but it is pleasing to record that 22 new 

 members have been elected. The total number of members 

 and associates is 398, and the Council are grateful for their 

 continued loyal support, which has lightened their task of 

 administering the affairs of the Society. 



One briglit and noticeable feature in the life of Newcastle 

 during 1916 was the Meeting of the British Association (after 

 a lapse of 27 years) under the genial presidency of Sir Arthur 

 Evans, D.Litt., Lid., P.S.A., F.R.S., the eminent Archaeologist. 

 Under war conditions, which interfered with facilities of travel 

 and accommodation, it was deemed advisable that the social 

 amenities, which usually form a pleasant part of the meetings, 

 should be abandoned and that work and interest be con- 

 centrated on the educational and scientific side. It was 

 agreed at the close of the meeting that, although the number 

 who attended fell short of that of other years, the proceedings 

 were highly successful. This success was largely due to the 

 energy and- enthusiasm of the Chairman, Principal W. H. 

 Hadow, M.A., Mus. Doc, the Honorary Secretaries, Dr. P. 

 Phillips Bedson and Mr. E. Fraser-Smith and their local 

 Committees, whose arrangements for the comfort of the 

 visitors and the holding of the sectional meetings surmounted 

 the exceptional difficulties. The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, 

 Councillor Geo. Lunn, also entered heartily into the work of 

 the Association, holding a Reception on Wednesday evening. 



