ROYAL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY SURGEONS. 
865 
of the motion, who, unfortunately, was absent, then expressed Ins 
dissatisfaction with the state of the Examining Board, and expressed his 
intention to have a Committee appointed to inquire into its condition. In 
a subsequent conversation he added that he had no particular desire 
to have second Examiners appointed at the First and Second Examina¬ 
tions, it being the Final Examination that he considered unsatisfactory. 
Before the close of the meeting he (the President), to obviate discussion 
on the matter, mentioned that the present Examiners would cease to 
hold office next year, but he afterwards found that their term did not 
expire till June, 1882. That being so he thought it better to resign his 
office at once, and accordingly placed his resignation in their hands, 
thanking the Council for the honour conferred upon him by his appoint¬ 
ment to this very responsible office, and assuring them that he had 
endeavoured to the utmost of his ability to carry out the duties 
appertaining to that high and honorable position. With regard to the 
question itself he could not help thinking that a second Examiner was 
not desirable, and was unnecessary. There had been no complaint as to 
the Examiners or the examinations that he was aware of, and if there 
was any grievance it would, most assuredly, be heard and considered 
by the Council. The mover of the motion himself knew little with 
regard to the procedure of the Examination or of the subjects which 
were examined upon at the table at which he wanted to have a second 
Examiner appointed ; his information, therefore, must have been derived 
from others, and if the rumours which were afloat were true, that 
source of information was most unreliable. Standing in that position he 
felt it necessary to place his resignation in their hands. The Examining 
Board should be beyond all blame or suspicion, it should suffer no stain 
whatever upon its reputation for impartiality or efficiency. Their 
College existed almost entirely as an Examining Body, and if any fliult. 
was found it should be remedied immediately. He had, therefore, 
decided to pursue this course, in order to enable the Council at once to 
deal with the matter. 
Mr. Bray said the announcement made by Mr. Fleming of his in¬ 
tended resignation as an Examiner would be received with unfeigned 
regret. His competency to perform the functions could not be impugned. 
When he (Mr. Dray) was President of the Council, he took opportuni¬ 
ties of hearing Mr. Fleming examine the students, and could bear 
testimony to the kind and firm manner in which he treated the aspirants 
to veterinary honours. Why then should the Council accept the resig¬ 
nation of a gentleman whose attainments were unsurpassed, and whose 
indomitable perseverance and industry could not be equalled, and who 
was constantly and assiduously applying his energies to the furtherance 
of the interests of the profession of which he is so distinguished a 
member ? (Applause.) He should, therefore, propose the following 
resolution :—“ Resolved, that the intended resignation of Mr. Fleming, 
one of the Examiners of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, be 
not accepted, he having fulfilled the duties with great satisfaction to the 
whole of the profession and justice to the students. The Council there¬ 
fore hope and trust Mr. Fleming will reconsider his intention and not 
abdicate a position for which he is so eminently qualified.” 
Mr. Taylor seconded the motion. He assured Mr. Fleming that in 
retaining his office he would have the support of the whole Council, and 
not only°of the Council but of the whole of the profession. 
Mr. Greaves said he could reiterate every word uttered by Mr. Dray. 
They looked upon Mr. Fleming as one of the most efficient Examiners 
they could appoint. He believed the gentleman who had brought for- 
