RAS-1964 — Page 10

# PRESIDENT'S REPORT

1963

The year 1963-1964 - the fourth year of the Society in Hong Kong after its revival - was a very successful one. The membership has steadily increased each year. At the end of the first year, we had 160 members, of whom 20 were life members; at the end of the second, 266, of whom 25 were life members; at the end of the third year, 280, of whom 33 were life members; and at the end of last year, the fourth, we had a total of 371, of whom 41 were life members. Since then, more than 30 have joined as ordinary members and 2 as life members.

The great increase in the number of members last year is doubly welcome in that it reflects the increasing interest of the younger generation in the objects and activities of the Society. It is a healthy and gratifying sign of the intellectual vitality of the young people of the Colony to see them join. We rely largely on them to ensure the future success of the Society.

During 1963, we had twelve meetings, all of which were very well attended. On several occasions, the capacity of the City Hall was fully taxed. The expedition to Tung Chung on Lantao Island was a highly popular feature.

The lectures given were:

January 21st
March 4th
March 25th
April 22nd

Professor S. H. Hansford
"Some Problems of Ancient Chinese Jades and Bronzes"
(Illustrated by colour slides)

J. D. Bromhall
"Underwater Photography in Eastern Seas"
(Illustrated by colour slides made by the speaker)

Dr. Maurice Freedman
"Social Anthropology and the Study of China"

Miss B. T. Chiu
"Flowers of Hong Kong"
(Illustrated by colour slides taken by Miss Chiu and Mr. F. A. Nixon)