REPORT OF THE COUNCIL FOR 1958
213
The Council wishes to bring to the attention of members the desir-
ability of increasing membership of the Club. The number of members
has remained relatively static for several years, as also has the Club's
income from subscriptions, and in a world of rising costs an increase
in members and thus in income, is fast becoming a financial necessity.
The Council therefore asks members to introduce new members to the
Club from amongst their friends who are in sympathy with the Club's
objects.
The usual high standard of the Essex Naturalist has been maintained
and it continues in its dual role as a scientific journal and an able
publication of popular interest. Its appearance so late in the year was
due to non-recurrent difficulties entirely beyond the control of the
Editor, Mr. C. B. Pratt. The Council once again reminds members that
the continued production of the Essex Naturalist depends very largely
on the Club's members exercising their privilege of submitting notes and
papers for publication.
The Epping Forest Museum continues to fulfill its function as an
educational institution, 14,000 persons having visited it in 1958. The
rearrangement of existing displays and the provision of new material
have made heavy demands on the Honorary Curator. The constant
interest in the Museum of our Honorary Member, Mr. J. Ross, is
greatly appreciated by the Council.
On behalf of the Council, Mr. B. T. Ward attended a Conference on
County Naturalists Trusts arranged by the South Eastern Union of
Scientific Societies. Following his report the Council took the initiative
in calling a preliminary meeting to discuss the formation of a County
Naturalists' Trust for Essex. The Council places on record its apprecia-
tion of Mr. T. C. H. Bartrop who, at the Council's request, undertook
all the preliminary work in connection with this meeting.
During the year the Essex County Council approached the Club
with a request to give advice on the preservation of the ancient
boundary stones of Epping Forest. Dr. E. A. Rudge acted on behalf
of the Club Council in this matter and we are pleased to note that the
County Council are now taking further action.
At the Annual General Meeting in 1958, Mr. Richard Ward retired
as Secretary of the Club. Mr. Ward had discharged this onerous office,
first as Joint Honorary Secretary and later as the sole Secretary, for six
years. The Council wishes to record its deep appreciation for all that he.
and Mrs. Ward have done for the welfare of the Club since they first
took office in 1948. The Council offers them its grateful thanks. The
Council also wishes to express its appreciation of the loyal service to
the Club rendered by Mrs. S. G. Harley in her capacity as Field
Meetings Secretary since 1954, an office which Mrs. Harley wishes to
relinquish. Miss A. V. Bristow does not seek re-election as the Club's
Assistant Secretary; the Council wishes to thank her for her meticulous
minuting of its meetings.