25 
When the post of Secretary fell vacant in 1959, Shillidy volunteered and 
worked with his usual efficiency. Unfortunately within two years he had to 
reduce his activities following a severe illness, but he continued till the end to 
contribute much to the Society. He served on the Council from 1959 onwards, 
and was a member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee for six years. 
The renovation of the building, which began in 1961, gave him exactly the 
opportunity he needed. As chairman of a newly-formed House Committee, and 
aided by a devoted band of workers, he threw himself into a systematic and 
thoroughgoing survey of the contents of the building from attic to cellar. The 
result was that many hidden treasures and records were re-discovered, some of 
them very valuable. He also compiled a complete list of all bequests made to 
the Society from its foundation in 1903. During his last years he turned his 
attention to a detailed inspection of the Reference Library, making a full index 
of its books and papers. Though always reluctant to occupy the platform he 
periodically gave interesting accounts of these things in short talksi 
George Shillidy was always ready to give active help to any fellow-worker 
in the Society. He was a very friendly man, one who sought out those members 
who did not easily make friends — he seemed to know everybody's name. No one 
took more trouble to make new members welcome or to give time to showing 
them everything of note in the building. He is sorely missed by very many 
members. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mrs. Shillidy and the family. 
3fteport£ of ^ecttonsf for tfje pear enbing 30tJ) H>eptemtier, 1968 
ILihvavp 
Increasing numbers of members are using the Library and more books are 
being borrowed. At the Members' Day on November 8th new members> who 
visited the Library were shown round by the Committee. 
By the death of G. A. Shillidy the Library has lost one of its most devoted 
servants. For the last few years of his life (as is related in the Obituary notice) 
it was a major interest with him. His fellow workers miss his friendly presence 
on Tuesday and Thursday mornings when he invariably used to spend two or 
three hours on the books in the Reference Section. 
The Committee wish to record thanks for books presented by members, and 
especially for those which were presented by the late Mrs. W. Boyd Watt and 
from the estates of Mrs. Boyd Watt and Mr. W. P. Winter. 
H. S. Holbrook 
jfJlutfeum 
The Museum continues to aim at being an adjunct to the various sections of 
our Society and the table displays to further interest in these. Several members 
have co-operated by additions to displays; in particular: — Mrs. V. Follett and 
Mr. F. C. Faulkener (Mycology), Mrs. L. M. Maddox (Ornithology). Mr. C. M. 
Pither (Astronomy), Mrs. B. Taylor (Geology) and Mr. F. W. Moss (who pro- 
duced an immense array of material in connection with a lecture on Hardy). The 
Museums collection of fossils also was in demand when Mr. I. M. West, f.g.s, 
a.i. S T., gave his series of six lectures on Geology early in the year. All these 
displays have been augmented by books from our Hon. Librarian. 
Acquisitions 
1. — 1928 3d. piece (Brig. A. B. D. Edwards. 2. — Fossils from Portland (Mr. F. E. 
Tarrant-Willis). 3. — Rocks (Mrs. B. Taylor) : these included a piece of "Desert 
Varnish'" — a common phenomenon of desert regions, a shiny dark brown crust 
on a rock, probably due to evaporation of water brought up by capillary action 
containing salts of iron and manganese and chlorides in solution. This specimen 
came from the Accacia Desert near Khartoum. The thanks of the Society are 
offered to the donors. 
The Curator wishes to thank the Chairmen of Sections for their continued 
support, Mrs. V. Eaton for regular assistance and particularly for deputising for 
one month's unavoidable absence, and finally Mr. Graham Teasdill, F.M.A., 
f.r.s.a., f.r.n. s., f.z.s., for valuable and friendly help. A closer link with the 
Russell-Cotes Museum is much appreciated. 
N. Sephton 
