228 
YORKSHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
COMPLIMENTARY DINNER AND PRESENTATION OF AN 
ADDRESS TO MR. DRAY. 
The whole of the gentlemen above named afterwards sat down to 
a complimentary dinner given to Mr. E. C. Dray, in consequence of 
his retiring from the active duties of the profession. After doing 
full justice to the repast the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were 
duly honoured, the “ Army and Volunteers ” being acknowledged by 
Mr. Maclean and Mr. Patterson ; the toasts of the “ Royal College of 
Veterinary Surgeons,” the “Veterinary Schools” and the “Ex- 
aminers” were severally responded to by Mr. Dray, Professor 
Williams, and Mr. Seeker. 
In responding to the “ Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons,” Mr. 
Dray said, As one of theVice-Presidents of the Royal College of Veteri- 
nary Surgeons I respond to this toast. I regret that Mr. Greaves and 
Mr. M. Naylor are not present this evening ; their absence is owing 
to a special and important meeting of the Council taking place in 
London at this time, in consequence of the resignation of the 
President (Mr. Wilkinson), the death of Mr. Ernes, and other 
urgent business. The resignation of Mr. Wilkinson is to be 
deplored, as he was a staunch and energetic member of the Council, 
ever ready to advance and defend the rights and privileges of the 
profession, an excellent friend to the army veterinary surgeons, and 
a thorough gentleman. The death of Mr. Ernes is to be lamented. 
He was a fearless exposer of abuses, and a spirited reformer. His 
translations from foreign works in our monthly periodical will be 
much missed. I am afraid I cannot speak very eulogistically of 
what the Council have done, but you must coincide with me some 
good has been effected. The preliminary examination is a step in the 
right direction, one which I hope is only a prelude to further re- 
forms — such as the practical examinations, &c. I trust, now the 
drag has been partially removed, the machine will move on in the 
right direction ; but if you want to increase its speed you must 
attend in numbers at the annual meeting in Red Lion Square, the 
first Monday in May, make your voices heard there, and elect men 
who are ardent and enthusiastic in the cause. The so-called Charter 
requires many additions and improvements. Empiricism must be 
checked. Now it is rampant. The veterinary surgeon should be 
exempt from serving on juries, and other judicious measures require 
advocating. To effect these changes, I opine a different element 
wants introducing into the Council. It remains with yourselves to 
accomplish these desirable reforms. 
The President then, in eulogistic terms, proposed the health of 
Mr. Dray, and presented to him a beautifully engrossed address, 
expressing the feeling of esteem and regard of the members, and 
their regret upon his leaving the neighbourhood. 
Mr. Dray said there are few who possess the gift of making a 
post-prandial speech, or suitable reply for honours conferred ; 
nothing is more difficult, therefore it cannot be any surprise that I 
