8
THE ESSEX FIELD CLUB.
The first President was Prof. Raphael Meldola, F.R.S., F.C.S.,
F.I.C, etc., who was elected at the Foundation Meeting in 1880.
Later, Professor Meldola again occupied the Presidential Chair; and
it is only right that the Club should acknowledge, in the warmest
manner, the great debt of gratitude which is owing to him. By his.
excellent Inaugural Address and by many subsequent papers, he in-
fused into the Society an intelligent scientific enthusiasm, and imparted
to the meetings a high character which has continued during the whole
life of the Club. Prof. Meldola's position in the scientific world enabled
him also to engage the interest of many eminent naturalists, whose
communications and help have raised the tone and usefulness of the
Club's proceedings.
The succeeding Presidents were : Professor G. S. Boulger, F.L.S.,
F.G.S. (1883-84), Mr. Thomas Vincent Holmes, F.G.S., F.A.I. (1885-
1887), Mr. Edward A. Fitch, C.C, F.L.S., F.E.S, (1888-91), Mr, Henry
Laver, J.P., M.R.C.S., F.L.S., F.S.A. (1892), Mr. Frederic Chan-
cellor, J.P., F.R.I.B.A. (1893-94), and Mr. David Howard, J.P.,
F.I.C, F.C.S. (1895-1900). Each of these gentlemen, in turn,
rendered excellent services to the Club; but, in view of the special
circumstances, prominence should be given to Mr. Howard's period
of office, inasmuch as the settlement of our Essex Museum on its
present firm footing was due very largely to his wise counsels and
great experience as a business man.
In 1901 (the twenty-first year of the Club's existence), Professor
Meldola again accepted the Presidential Chair, which he occupied
for two years. At the Annual Meeting in the former year, he
delivered the admirable residue of the Club's work, already men-
tioned.
The next President (1903-4) was Mr. F. W. Rudler, I.S.O.,
F.G.S., whose lucid statement of the position of our Museums in his
second Presidential Address merits the Club's warm thanks.* He was
succeeded by Mr. Miller Christy, F.L.S., who still holds office.
As, by the Rules, retiring Presidents become Permanent Vice-
Presidents, the Club still benefits by their knowledge and experience.
It is a notable and gratifying fact that all our eight former Presi-
dents are still honoured members of the Club, and all have done
and are doing their best for its welfare.
The first Treasurer of the Club was Mr. H. J. Barnes, who gave
a very large amount of attention to its financial affairs in its early
days. He was succeeded in 1882 by Mr Andrew Johnston, J.P.,
always a warm friend of the Club, who held office for five years
(1882-87). He was succeeded in 1887 by Mr. Thomas Royle, F.C.S.,
who was greatly assisted, during his absence abroad, by Mrs. Royle.
In 1889, Mr. Alfred Lockyer undertook this arduous office, and
carried it on for six years. In 1896, Mr. W. C. Waller, F.S.A.,
became Treasurer, and to him, during his five years of office, the
Club owes much for his perseverance and skill during a period of
considerable stress and difficulty. In 1901, Mr. Howard took office
and the Club still has the benefit of his services.
As Auditors, Mr. Walter Crouch, F.Z.S., and Mr. John D. Cooper
have for many years given the Club the benefit of their experience.
The principal Secretaryship has been held continuously by Mr. W.
Cole from the beginning. In 1882, Mr. B. G. Cole was appointed
Assistant Hon. Secretary, and has held the office, also from year to
* See Essex Naturalist, xiv, pp. 1-21.