Proceedings at Meetings of the Royal Archaeological Institute.
July 5, 1872.
Mr. Octavius Morgan, M.P. and V.P., in the chair.
The Chairman adverted with great regret to the recent decease of Sir Thomas E. Winnington, Bart., one of the Council, who had rendered the Institute great service. His house at Stanford Court was full of objects of archæological interest, and the singular series of family pictures painted on the walls of a room at the top of the house was in itself worth a visit. Sir Thomas had brought many objects for exhibition at the meetings of the Institute, and in many ways contributed to the success of their monthly, as well as their annual meetings. His death was a great loss to the Institute; to his own family it must be much heavier, and he hoped the meeting would pass a vote of condolence to Lady Winnington on the occasion. This having been formally proposed by Mr. Parker, was unanimously agreed to.
The Chairman then introduced the Rev. E. Kell and Mr. F. Lankester as representatives of the Mayor of Southampton, who was prevented attending by an attack of gout. The Rev. E. Kell assured the members that the Institute would be cordially welcomed at Southampton, and spoke at some length upon the many objects of archæological importance with which the town and neighbourhood abounded.
Mr. J. T. Wood drew attention to the excavations in progress at Ephesus, and exhibited photographs showing some of the results which had been obtained, and a plan of the excavations. Among these were a group of architectural fragments and portion of a sculptured colunm, which showed without doubt that the site of the celebrated Temple of Diana had been reached, the column being one of the columnæ cælatæ described by Pliny. A great deal had been effected; all doubts as to the site of the temple had been solved; but there was still much more to be done, and funds were wanted. He ventured to submit that it was a case in which Government aid should be given, and trusted the meeting would follow up the action of the Society of Antiquaries in the matter, and memorialize the Government for assistance. Professor Donaldson eulogised the energy and skill shown by Mr. Wood, and spoke highly of the importance and value of the work. He moved that a memorial be addressed by the Council of the Institute to Her Majesty's Government, soliciting a vote in aid of the continuance of the explorations.
The Chairman, thinking that an excellent case had been made out in favour of a grant from Government in aid of the excavations, submitted the proposal to the meeting, and it was carried with acclamation.
