Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 3, 1892.djvu/139

Rh step in this direction has been made by the Council in unanimously adopting a resolution: "That the time has arrived when it is advisable, in the best interests of the Society, that a paid Secretary be substituted for an Honorary Secretary." The Council believe that by appointing a permanent paid official they may be able at no distant date to complete the scheme of organisation which they have in hand.

Unfortunately, at this juncture the Council had to face the loss of Mr. Gomme's services as Director, and of Mr. Foster's services as Honorary Secretary. Mr. Gomme has served the Society first as Hon. Secretary, and subsequently as Director, ever since its formation in 1878, and two years ago he informed the Council of his wish to resign owing to his inability to devote so much time to the work. At the request of the Council he continued to occupy his old post, and when he informed them again this year of his wish to resign, they felt they ought not any longer to resist his decision. Mr. Foster has served the Society for six years as Honorary Secretary, and upon his resignation the Council passed a cordial vote of thanks to him for his very considerable services, and they feel sure that the Society will endorse this vote.

The resignation of Mr. Lang as President is also another source of regret, and the Council feel that the Society owe him a great debt for giving them so long the benefit of his name and of his assistance.

The roll of members remains practically stationary, and the Society has to lament the loss of Earl Beauchamp, one of its Vice-Presidents, and formerly one of its Presidents, and of the Earl of Powis, one of its Vice-Presidents.

The Council wish to impress upon every member of the Society the urgent need of more help in money and work. Help in both these directions is absolutely essential if the organisation of the Society is to be extended; and it would be indeed lamentable if, after so many years of encouraging progress, there should be any failing of the necessary help