PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. 
By H. A. LENEHAN, F.R.A.S., 
Acting Government Astronomer. 
[Read before the Royal Society of N. S. Wales, May 2, 1906.) 
ONE more year has been added to the life of our Society, 
and during its course many events of scientific interest have 
been recorded in the world’s progress in science. In the 
first place, referring to our own internal afiairs, with judici- 
ous management, our Treasurer has pulled through the 
troubles that faced him at the commencement of the 
session better than we had anticipated, but the necessity 
for watchful care of our expenditure will be needed for 
some time, as the Government subsidy has been reduced 
by one half. The Council did its utmost to alter the 
decision of the Minister by interviewing him, but to no 
purpose. One object that should be in each member’s 
mind, is that of encouraging desirable gentlemen to join 
the Society. Thus our finances would be improved and 
additional contributions to the business of our general 
meetings would be offered. 
Roll of Members.—The number of members on the Roll 
on the 30th April, 1905 was 336. During the past year 18 
members were elected; the deaths numbered 5, and resig- 
nations 14, leaving a total of 335 to date. 
Mr. H. C. Russell.—Within the last two years a familiar 
face has been missed from our monthly meetings in the 
person of Mr. H. C. Russell, B.A., C.M.G., F.R.S., etc., whose 
illness in October, 1903, necessitated his taking a holiday 
from his official duties, and later on of retiring from the 
public service and giving up his position as Government 
Astronomer of New South Wales, a position he had held from 
A—May 2, 1906. 
