ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS, 



Delivered 12th May, 1875, ly the Eey. W. B. Claeke, M.A., 

 F.G.S.,8fc., Vice-President. 



Inteoductory. 

 Gentlemen, 



During several past years, it has been my privilege to be 

 invited to address this Society on the return of its Anniversary ; 

 but, unfortunately for myself, I was prevented on the com- 

 mencement of the last year by a serious illness from fulfilling the 

 duty which was expected from me. Indeed, if I had consulted 

 my own inclination, I would even now have preferred that my 

 place were occupied by one of yourselves, being sensible that I 

 am hardly yet sufficiently restored to undertake, with satisfaction 

 to myself, the promotion of the objects for which we are again 

 assembled. I rely, however, on that patience and courtesy which 

 I have always experienced from my associates, to receive with 

 kindly forbearance the remarks which I may venture to offer for 

 your acceptance this evening. 



The usual plan adopted by me on former occasions has been to 

 preface observations of a scientific character by an allusion to 

 matters of a more domestic kind ; and I must now commence 

 with a few words on a topic which has been introduced to notice 

 before, but which is required to" be again urged on your attention. 

 It concerns the well-being of our Society, and bears on the ques- 

 tion of its reputation. 



Some years since we received from Authority the right to call 

 ourselves by a more lofty title than our predecessors possessed. 

 Foreign Societies have also honored us by their recognition, and 

 have from time to time presented us with publications of some of 

 their most eminent men. Strangers from neighbouring Colonies 

 3 i 9—75 



