# PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1965
Last year, 1965, the sixth since the regeneration of the Society, was markedly successful. The membership, which was 160 at the close of the first year, passed the 400 mark. It reached a total of 439 — 388 ordinary and 51 life members. In a community like Hongkong where so many come and go so frequently it is natural that we should lose a number of members each year. Our gains, however, have each year exceeded our losses, and the Society continues to grow. Last year we lost 61 members. Of these some resigned on leaving the Colony, but 37 failed to pay their subscriptions after the extended period of grace and ceased to be members. On the other hand we gained 89 new members of whom 3 were life members. One of the three new life members, I am very sad to relate, died last week — Colonel Dowbiggin who had become a life member, and a very keen one, at the age of 81. I regret also to record the death of another life member Dr. T. Y. Li — who in 1962 gave an address on Chinese Seals which was printed in the Journal for that year. He died in September last year shortly after he had been announced to deliver an address on "Bamboo and its Relation to Chinese Culture". We deeply feel the loss of these good friends and loyal supporters.
The lectures continued to be well attended and of a high standard. All except two were given by local members. The list comprises:
January 11
Major J. R. L. Caunter
“Birds of Hong Kong”
February 15
Dr. S. G. Davis
“Archaeological Discovery In and Around Hong Kong”
March 1
April 12
Mr. H. D. R. Baker
“The Five Great Clans of the New Territories”
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Dr. Patricia Marshall
“Mammals of Hong Kong”