Doncaster Microscopical and Scientific Society

The annual meeting of members was held at the Guild Hall on Wednesday night. Mr. J. M. Kirk presided.

Mr. H. H. Corbett was unanimously elected a member of the society.

Mr. M. H. Stiles, honorary secretary, read the report, which said that the programme of the past session was one of the most varied they have ever had, but the attendances were poor.

The financial position of the society had continued to improve, the income being £20 10s. 11d. and the expenditure £14 13s. 11d. The balance had increased from £11 5s. 1d, to £14 13s. 11d.

The Chairman said it was easy work and a pleasure to be president of the society. Three of them had the honour and pleasure of starting that society in 1880. Two of them were then present, and their hearts were in the work yet. Within a few days they were joined by another gentleman, who was present, so that three of the originators of the society were now at work, and they made up their minds that a microscopical society should exist in the town, and it had existed for a number of years and had done a work of which they might be proud. They had fostered science certainly among themselves.

Personally, he had learned what little science he knew through the society, and others could trace a great deal of their knowledge through that society. They had encouraged in different ways and had done what they could to encourage the public, and their efforts to instruct the public had been at their own expense. They did not grumble at that. They had had conversations, which had brought honour to the society. If the society had not held them, they would not have been held.

They brought the Gilchrist lectures and several distinguished lecturers at their own expense, and one could not help feeling some little pride in the society. They were the mainspring of the mayor’s exhibition at the Mansion House, and altogether his connection with the society had been one of his very greatest pleasures.

In leaving the presidency he had to nominate a gentleman who he was sure would do quite as much as he had done, and perhaps he would give a little more energy to it. He proposed that Mr. W. Roberts., the senior vice-president, be the president for the next year.

Mr. Stiles seconded the proposition. He said his acquaintance with Mr. Roberts began with his connection with the society, and it had been a very pleasant one. He had the greatest possible pleasure in seconding the nomination, and he was sure that Mr. Roberts would fill the position with credit to himself and the society.

Mr. Winter said he was exceedingly obliged to the members for the great honour they had done him. He considered that it was no small honour to be president of that society, and he must say that all the scientific knowledge he possessed, which had d been of infinite value and pleasure to him, he had obtained through his connection with the society, and he felt it to be a  proud moment of his life that he was called to take that very honourable position. (Applause)

On the motion of Mr. Stiles, seconded by Mr. Winter, the following were elected vice-presidents: – Rev. W. R. Weston, Dr. J. M. Wilson, Mr. J. G. Walker, and Rev. G. Smith.

The committee were appointed as follows: – Rev. T. E. Lindsay, Messrs. G. Winter, Atkinson, J. M. Kirk, Nicholas, and Bisat.

The Chairman said they know that the real work of the society fell upon the secretary, and he had pleasure in proposing the re-election of Mr. Stiles, who had managed to keep a nice balance in hand.

Mr. Winter seconded, and Mr. Robert as supported, the latter stating that from the commencement Mr. Stiles had been the life and soul of the society, and had proved a most able secretary and treasurer.

Mr. Stiles, in reply, said it had been a labour of love to him, and he would be pleased to take office another year, though he must say that at times he had felt that he wished someone else would take the post.

This concluded the public business.

[Doncaster Chronicle, 1 November 1889]