SECKETARY S REPOUT. 
505 
The membersliip at the close of the current year is 180, being 
two less than at the same period of last year. We have to record, 
with deep regret, the loss of four members by death. Mr. Charles 
Wheatley, of Mirfield, who had been a member since 1840, and passed 
away at the advanced age of 88 years ; Mr. Arthur Briggs, J.P., 
of Rawdon, who had been a member since 1875 ; Alderman William 
Gaukroger, J.P., of Halifax, who was an active man in public and 
political circles, and a prominent freemason. He v:as a life member 
of our Society, and was elected in 1883. Mr. Richard Taylor Manson, 
FXi.S., L.R.C.P., of Darlington, who was a widely respected medical 
and scientific man, and joined ovu- Society in 189G. Eight members 
have severed their connection with the society by resignation, but 
ten new members have been elected. 
On April 8th our honoured President (the Marquis of Ripon) 
and the Marchioness of Ripon celebrated their golden wedding. 
It was thought fitting by our Council that they should present an 
address of congratulation to His Lordship, who has for the long 
period of 43 years presided over the afl'airs of our Society. It was 
therefore resolved that an illuminated address should be prepared, 
and that Messrs. G. Bingley, F. W. Branson, and W. L. Carter should 
be a sub-committee to carry out the necessary arrangements. The 
following were the terms of the address drawn up by the sub-com- 
mittee : — 
1851—1901. 
To 
The Most Honourable The Marqtjis of Rh^on, 
K.G., G.C.S.I., LL.D., D.C.L., F.R.S. 
May it please your Lordsliip, 
We, the members of the Council of the Yorkshire Geo- 
logical and Polytechnic Society, desire to present to your 
Lordship our sincere and respectful congratulations on your 
Golden Wedding. 
We have much satisfaction in recalling that your Lord- 
ship's connection with this Society, as a member, has con- 
tinued over the long period of 45 years. During the G4 
