SHORT HISTORY OF ESSEX FIELD CLUB. 15
constitutes probably the largest collection of topographical
photographs and prints in the County comprising, as it does,
over 6,400 items mounted in more than 40 albums
Mr. Miller Christy, who had just succeeded Mr. Rudler as
President of the Club, proposed, in May, 1905, the issue of an
annual "Year Book," and also the preparation of a special
"Red Book," for the information of persons contemplating
membership. The two proposals were adopted ; the "Year
Book" was issued in 1905, 1906, 1908, and 1911, after which
year "Supplements" to it were issued in 1912, 1913, 1914 and
1915, when their publication ceased altogether owing to difficulties
connected with the Great War.
In May, 1905, the Council emphatically protested against
a provisional order, made by the Local Government Board, con-
cerning the Essex County boundaries, whereby ten Essex parishes
were to be transferred to Hertfordshire ; organised opposition
from the County succeeded, and Parliament refused to confirm
the provisional Order.
On December 9th of this year (1905) a Complimentary Dinner
was given to William Cole and his two brothers at the Royal
Forest Hotel, Chingford, and an Address, accompanied by a purse
of no guineas, was presented to William Cole in recognition of
his many services to the Club ; the Fund was subscribed by 169
members and others.
In June, 1906, the recently formed "Red Hill Explorations
Committee," which had been organised jointly by the Club and
the Essex Archaeological Society, applied to the Council for aid,
and £10 was granted as a contribution in aid of the research in
contemplation ; it was understood that all objects of interest
found were to be apportioned between the Club and the Archaeo-
logical Society. Unfortunately, dissensions arose which resulted
in the Club withdrawing its support from the Explorations Com-
mittee at the beginning of 1909. It is greatly to be regretted that
some amount of bad feeling was engendered on both sides by
these differences.
A "Special Memoir" on the Geology of Essex, to be written
by the late Mr. T. W. Reader, F.G.S., who had notes on the sub-
ject available, was mooted in July, 1907, but the idea did not
mature.
In December of the same year, the Club organised an impor-