COUNCIL FOK 1896 . 
IX. 
Thuisday, November 26th.—“The Dolomites” (illustrated 
by Lantern Pictures taken by the Lecturer). By Paul 
Lange, Ex-President of the Liverpool Amateur Photo¬ 
graphic Association. 
Thursday, December 10th.—“ John Sebastian Bach.” By 
Miss M. M. Paget, A.R.C.M , L.P.A.M. (with Musical 
Illustrations by Miss C. A. Bigge, A.R.C.M., Miss 
Knocker, and Mrs. Burrell). 
Thursday, December 22nd.—“ The Yolcanic Eruption of 
Ambrym Island.” By Commander Purey-Cust, R.N. 
Several of these have been of unusual interest, and the 
Council desire publicly to thank those who have so kindly 
and generously assisted them, since owing to the unfortunate 
state of the finances of the Society it has been impossible to offer 
them any honorarium beyond expenses out of pocket. They would 
particularly thank Baron Alphonse Berget, who came specially 
from Paris ; and Sir Creighton Browne and Miss Paget, who 
came from London; and Paul Lange, who came from Liverpool. 
The attendance at the lectures has been, as a rule, very good, 
and has several times taxed the accommodation of the Theatre 
to the utmost. Financial considerations prevent, at present, 
the consideration of extensive schemes of improvement on 
which the Council would willingly embark; but they hope 
that certain small alterations in the doors and gangways will 
be found to have materially reduced the discomforts hitherto 
justly complained of. 
It cannot be too constantly borne in mind that there is still a 
funded debt of about £3,000 owing by the Society, the sinking 
fund for the ultimate extinction of which involves an annual 
payment of nearly £200, which, with the unavoidable establish¬ 
ment charges incident on such extensive premises, seriously 
cripples the work of the Society. 
The Council recommend Mr. T. S Noble as a Yice-President 
in place of Chancellor Paine, deceased ; the following as new r 
members of Council in place of those who retire by rotation:— 
The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor (Mr. Alderman Milward), 
The Sheriff (Mr. Alderman Dodsworth), James Backhouse, 
F.Z S., and George Wilson; and as honorary members, 
Baron Alphonse Berget, Sir Clements Markham, and Professor 
Sylvanus Thompson, F.R.S. 
