standing a loss of 28 Members by decease and retirement, owing to the war and other causes, the satisfactory increase of 16 Life and 25 Annual Members; making a total gain of 41.
The Council regret that so many Subscriptions remaining unpaid has prevented their commencing the publication of Transactions. It must be manifest that with so small a Subscription, it not only is essential for effecting the objects we have in view that a large number of Members be enrolled, but also that the Rule which provides for the payment in advance of Subscriptions should be adhered to; whereas many of our Members continue in arrear, notwithstanding repeated applications, which entail a large amount of useless trouble and expense, and tend greatly to obstruct the progress of the Society.
The Council have much gratification in stating that friendly relations have been established with thirteen kindred Societies, and that in nearly every case the Committees, without waiting until the interchange of publication's agreed upon could be effected, have promptly and liberally forwarded to us copies of their Transactions.
On the motion of the Chairman, the Report was unanimously adopted. The Balance-sheet was also read, and, with the Report, ordered to be printed for circulation amongst the Members, which has been done.
The Rev. Charles Boutell then brought forward a proposition to the effect that the operation of the Society should be extended to the county of Middlesex. In a discussion which ensued, the motion was opposed by the Earl of Lovelace, Rev. J. Chandler, Mr. Godwin-Austen, Mr. H. L. Long, and supported by other Members. The adjournment of the question for a year was ultimately agreed to.
Several new Members were elected, and the Office-bearers for the ensuing year appointed.
A Paper, on the "Monumental Brasses of Surrey," was read by the Rev. Charles Boutell, M.A.
The Chairman then called on Mr. Godwin-Austen to read his promised Paper on "The Castle," but Mr. Austen suggested, that as the day was beautiful, and the foliage in the castle grounds would afford shade from the sun, it would be more desirable to repair thither.
It being arranged that this proposal should be acted on,
The Earl of Lovelace said—I rise to propose a vote of thanks to Mr. Evelyn, who has so readily come from a distance to preside over this Meeting. That he should evince his usual courtesy and ability in doing so was perhaps to be expected, but on this occasion the Meeting has especial cause to feel beholden to him for the address and tact which he has displayed in disposing of a difficult question, and preventing us from coming to a precipitate, and therefore indiscreet, vote on a subject whereon we were unprepared, and adopting a decision which must be fatal to the independence and prosperity of the Society. (Applause.) As I have not previously had an opportunity of attending the Meetings of this Society, I was anxious to avail myself of the present one
