Anniversary Address. 203 



I am, of course, well aware that, amongst several 

 members, there is an opinion that some modification of 

 our present system is desirable ; and, I think, this is 

 an opportune time to mention the matter, whilst we have 

 so able a Secretary, whose knowledge and experience 

 would be of the greatest value in any steps that might 

 be taken. 



To carry (jut the view I have indicated, the modes 

 of division into sections and the formation of committees 

 naturally suggest themselves. 



As to the division into sections, it would be a very 

 simple matter. The sections would comprise the chief 

 subjects on which the observations and investigations of 

 the Club are made, and members would attach themselves 

 to that or those in which they were chiefly interested. 



Committees, I think, would be requisite to guide and 

 stimulate the work of the sections. They admit of great 

 variety, both in number of members and constitution. 

 There might be a large committee, embracing members 

 interested in various sections, or a small committee in 

 each section. 



The committees could be elected annually by the 

 sections, and, if thought desirable, amongst other regu- 

 lations, provision could be made for the retirement each 

 year — for a defined period of a certain number — so that 

 there might always be an opening for new members, 

 specially qualified for the committee, and an incentive 

 to young and other members of the Club to distinguish 

 themselves in their sections. 



Probably also, -should any special object of research be 

 originated in the Club, a committee would be the best 

 way of promoting it ; but a plethora of either committees, 

 or of their officers, should, be avoided — for instead of 

 assisting, they would impede the work. 



It might be convenient that the chairman of the 

 committees should also be chairman of the corresponding 

 section, and that he should be the ordinar}'" channel of 

 communication with the Secretary of the Club, responsible 



