The lecture theatre has now been opened, and I have taken it on myself to be the first to give an address in this newly-opened Theatre. I think this occasion is opportune to tell you something of its history and, in so doing, to demonstrate some of its facilities.

For many years the Council of our Society has considered the possibility of the Society having a Lecture Theatre of its own. Many of our Past-Presidents and Councils have expressed the desire and have made explorations but, though the wish was there, we did not see the means. Recent increases in the activities of the Society, the creation of Sections and Groups, each with its own Lecture Programme, added a new emphasis. Moreover, the problem of the hiring of halls has become increasingly difficult when one remembers that the Programme in London alone now includes more than 60 lectures.