4 HENRY DEANE. 



Honorary Secretary, Mr. Knibbs. The work so far has cost 

 between <£14 and <£15, a small amount when we consider the 

 result gained, which I think nearly every member will agree is a 

 good one. It keeps members at a distance in touch with the work 

 of the Society, and it gives an opportunity to those who have 

 intended to be present at a meeting and who have been hindered 

 from attending of informing themselves as to how the subjects of 

 the papers were treated. 



It is gratifying to note the large number of engineers on the 

 roll of the Society. The Engineering Section is a very active one, 

 and it has proved the rallying ground of the members of the 

 engineering and surveying professions. The formation of such 

 a section is a very wise and economical way of carrying forward 

 the interest of their particular calling, for not only do they gain 

 the advantage to be derived from membership in a larger and 

 wealthier society, but the Society generally is strengthened by 

 such addition and co-operation, both in a literary and financial 

 manner. Among other things to the advantage of such members 

 is the use of a valuable library and reading room. 



One would like to see other bodies of men bound together by a 

 common interest, who have not already formed themselves into 

 distinct societies, join our Society and use the opportunities 

 afforded. I would suggest, among others the formation of a 

 Literary Section. Reference to the objects of the Society as stated 

 in the Act of Incorporation, will show that Literature is one of 

 them, Art is another. Formerly there existed an Art Section, 

 but unfortunately it fell through. A Literary Section should I 

 think, receive wide support, and I take the opportunity of 

 recommending the matter to the consideration of Mr. Burge, Mr. 

 Hamlet, and Professor David, who, I believe, have been very active 

 members of the Home Reading Union, the last named having 

 been President for New South Wales. 



..... Obituary.^— -The following, is a list of the members who have 

 died since the last Annual Meeting : — 



