294 NORTH or ENGLAND VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCHiTION. 
Letters were read by the Hon. Sec. from Professor Armatage and 
Messrs. Peele, Hartlepool; Plews, Stockton; Foreman, Leadgate; 
and Gofton, North Shields, regretting their inability to attend. 
The President then read his inaugural address, which was well 
received, and followed by a brief discussion, in which several of the 
members took part. 
Mr. IPmting proposed a vote of thanks to the President for his 
practical address, which was seconded by Mr. Bryden, and carried 
unanimously. It was proposed by Mr. Meihle, and seconded by 
Mr. Stephenson^ “ That the President’s address be sent for insertion 
in the Veterinarian.'''^ Carried unanimously. The members after¬ 
wards sat down to a sumptuous repast provided by Mr. Grey. 
Mr. Hedley, President, in the chair, Mr. Hall occupying the vice¬ 
chair. 
After spending a few hours in a friendly and professional inter¬ 
course, the company broke up at an early hour. 
John Meikle, 
Hon. Secretary. 
THE PRESIDENT’S INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 
Gentlemen, —In appearing before you to-day, I have to ask ‘ 
your kind indulgence for a short time, promising you that I will 
not detain you long. Before introducing my subject, allow me to 
return you my heartfelt thanks for the high honour you have con¬ 
ferred upon me in electing me your president for the present year, 
a position that I most reluctantly accept, because I know there are 
other gentlemen in the Society who could fill the office more effi¬ 
ciently and with greater satisfaction to the members of the Associa¬ 
tion. 
I am very sorry indeed that my friend Mr. Plews, through indis¬ 
position, was under the disagreeable necessity of resigning the 
presidentship of bur Society, after such a unanimous call. I fondly 
hope he may soon be restored to his wonted health and strength, 
and that at some future period he may be able to fulfil the duties 
of our presidential chair. Gentlemen, nothing but this circum¬ 
stance which rendered it necessary for you to elect another presi¬ 
dent could have induced me to accept the office, as I feel quite in¬ 
adequate to the performance of its duties. However, with your 
united support, I promise that anything and everything I am able 
to do will be done for the good of this Society, With a ready and 
willing hand, trusting then to your needed help, I hope the year 
which we have entered upon may be one of profit and happiness 
to us all as veterinary surgeons and members of this our Medical 
Society. 
As an individual member, I have great pleasure in reflecting upon 
the many interesting and instructive meetings we have had. I 
look upon the meeting of professional brethren and the discussion 
of the various subjects brought before them as the best means of 
breaking down petty jealousies and diffusing useful knowledge; and I 
trust the same spirit which has animated our meetings in the past may 
