472 
MINUTES  OF  THE 
who  in  former  times  met  with  and  gave  us  their  aid.  Yet  let  us  hope 
that  before  we  again  assemble,  the  blessings  of  peace  may  once  more 
visit  our  land,  and  we  may  be  permitted  to  meet  with  friends  long  sepa- 
rated from  us,  and  enjoy  all  the  benefits  of  association  so  long  denied  us. 
It  is  cause  for  congratulation  that  so  many  of  our  number  are  spared  to 
lives  of  usefulness  ;  yet  in  the  providence  of  God  we  are  called  upon  to 
mourn  the  absence  of  some  bright  names,  whose  presence  we  have  enjoyed 
and  whose  words  we  have  listened  to  with  pleasure  for  the  last  time,  among 
which  is  that  of  the  lamented  Meakim.  His  absence  leaves  a  void  which 
time  will  scarcely  fill.  Yet  it  is  with  satisfaction  that  we  can  say,  he 
has  performed  his  part  faithfully,  whilst  amongst  us, — has  finished  his 
work,  and  passed  to  his  reward  in  another  world.  I  regret  that  my  nu- 
merous engagements,  apart  from  my  regular  occupation,  have  precluded 
the  possibility  of  my  communicating  with  the  various  Standing  Commit- 
tees, but  from  the  known  zeal  and  ability  of  the  gentlemen  composing  the 
Committees,  together  with  their  Chairmen,MI  feel  assured  we  will  have 
able  and  interesting  reports  from  all. 
The  report  of  the  Treasurer  on  the  financial  condition  of  the  Associa- 
tion for  the  past  year,  is  highly  gratifying :  notwithstanding  the  increased 
expenses  attending  the  publication  of  the  Procedings  and  other  inci- 
dental expenses,  the  funds  have  been  sufficient  for  all  expenditures,  and 
leaves  a  large  balance  for  the  coming  year. 
The  Treasurer  in  his  report  calls  your  attention  to  several  subjects  of 
importance,  to  which  I  would  solicit  your  earnest  attention.  On  exami- 
nation of  his  books,  it  will  be  found  that  there  are  many  enrolled  as  mem- 
bers, who  have  failed  to  pav  their  dues  for  a  number  of  years.  Some,  in- 
deed, who  have  not  paid  their  first  subscription,  and  several  are  now 
tendering  their  resignations. 
I  think  the  Association  should  take  some  action  with  regard  to  snch 
cases,  and  would  suggest  that  the  Executive  Committee  be  instructed  to 
withhold  the  Proceedings  from  all  members  in  arrears  for  more  than 
three  years.  It  is  also  desirable  that  the  Treasurer  should  have  some  in- 
structions as  to  the  disposition  he  is  to  make  of  those  tendering  resigna- 
tions whilst  in  arrears.  Accompanying  the  report  are  several  communi- 
cations, which  the  Treasurer  is  desirous  to  lay  before  the  meeting,  that 
he  may  receive  instructions  as  to  the  disposition  to  be  made  of  them. 
In  view  of  these  circumstances,  I  would  suggest  that  the  whole  subject 
be  referred  to  the  Executive  Committee,  or  to  an  especial  Committee 
appointed  for  that  purpose  to  report  at  our  next  annual  meeting. 
I  would  again  call  the  attention  of  the  Association  to  the  fact  that  the 
time  is  fast  approaching  when  many  of  our  members  will,  in  compliance 
with  the  Constitution,  cease  to  be  Contributive  Members.  Some,  indeed, 
are  already  entitled  to  Life  Membership,  and  in  view  of  the  fact  that  the 
income  will  not  more  than  meet  necessary  expenditure,  it  becomes  a  se- 
rious question  whether  we  will  be  justified  in  depending  solely  upon  new 
