had declined, but only to the extent of six. The financial position was that that(sic) of 7s. 7d. due to the treasurer, and outstanding liabilities about the same as at the preceding quarter. The classes which had done good work, were discontinued for the summer, and votes of thanks were passed to the superintendents.
The autumn quarterly meeting was held on the 21st of August, and the proceedings were quite of a routine character. The senior secretary, (Mr. S. Putland, jun.) read the report, which showed the number of members to be only one less than at the preceding quarter, and the accounts of the treasurer (T. B. Brett) showed that the outstanding liabilities had been further reduced to £19.
Quite a lively interest was manifested at the annual meeting of this useful society which took place on the 13th of November. The number of members had increased by fourteen; the treasurer’s small adverse balance had been converted into a small favourable one; the library was in good order and had received an addition of new books; classes for writing, arithmetic, drawing and French were progressing; and the reading-room was open from 11 a.m. till 10 p.m. Mr. Stoneman, in moving the reception of the report, was pleased to find that the institution was still prospering, and that a valuable addition had been made to the library without increasing the then considerably reduced debt. The next business was to elect officers for the ensuing year, and in proposing for re-election their former president, A. Burton, Esq., Mr. Brett took occasion to intimate that although that gentleman did not take any prominently active part in the management of the institution, he had, in several ways rendered assistance, and the retention of his name on the roll, would, no doubt, be welcomed by the members. He also paid the annual subscription to the Society of Arts, which gave the institution certain advantages by its being in union therewith. Mr. Burton’s re-election was unanimous. The whole of the vice-presidents were also re-elected.
On the proposal to re-elect the treasurer, Mr. Brett reminded the meeting of his previously expressed unwillingness to stand in the way of any member who might be ambitious for the office, but at the same time so long as the members continued to repose confidence in him and he had time and ability to devote to the duties, he would not say nay to their solicitation. As one of the oldest members, he naturally felt an interest in the institution, but he also had what might be called a pecuniary interest, in common with the younger members. If, as he believed, the property was worth £500, and the number of members was 125, each member would be a shareholder to the extent of £4 15s. [Hear, hear!] The re-election of the treasurer was unanimous, as was also that of the secretaries, Messrs. Putland and J. Davis. A vote of thanks to the past officers, some general conversation followed, in which the condition of -
