234 LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
be for filling their legitimate position, certainly are not fitted for those 
of cattle plague inspectors. 
I cannot but think, gentlemen, that if the subject of the appoint- 
ment of inspectors was brought before the notice of the Privy 
Council, an arrangement more satisfactory to the members of the 
profession would be the result, and a benefit conferred upon the 
parties most affected by the Act, the cattle-keepers. 
Another subject in which we are interested is that of the 
National Veterinary Benevolent and Defence Society. I am glad 
to think that the machinery and assistance of the latter branch have 
not been required during the past year, and let us hope they may 
not be for a many years to come. It is, however, gratifying to feel 
that in the hour of need we have not only willing friends, but also 
available funds at call to aid and support our unfortunate brother- 
member in the cause of right. 
The Benevolent Fund, gentlemen, commends itself to the 
sympathy of us all, as anything must do that has for its object the 
relief and succour of the poor destitute widow and fatherless 
children. I know of no object more deserving of our support than 
this, and I trust the members will yearly increase, until we have not 
a single veterinary surgeon who is not also a sympathiser with, and 
supporter of, this branch of the society. It is gratifying to us to 
know that the funds, if slowly, are surely growing, and I am informed 
that candidates for its benefits at the present time are the widow and 
family of one who, when living, was an active and intelligent member 
of our society. 
In taking this cursory and brief review of our position as members 
of an enlightened and useful profession, I think I have advanced 
sufficient evidence to show that, if our progress onwards has been 
slow, it has most certainly been sure, and that on the whole we have 
done, and are doing, good service both to our employers and the 
public at large. 
I beg to thank you, gentlemen, for the kind attention you have 
shown me. 
A vote of thanks to the President for his very able and highly 
interesting address was proposed by Mr. Morgan , seconded by Mr. 
T. Taylor , and supported by all present. 
The remainder of the evening was spent by the members and 
their friends in doing justice to the dinner and the toasts following 
it. 
AV. Augustus Taylor, Hon. Sec. 
