The pleasure at the honour that you have done me in electing me to the high office of the Presidency is, I must confess, saddened when I remember that this great distinction has come to me before its appointed time. Ian Richmond's death has been spoken of and written about. His death was indeed untimely and has robbed the Society of one who gave promise of being a great President; for he was a humanist in the best sense of that much misused word: one whose studies and whose life enhanced the dignity of man. He was wise in council and deep in his love of the Society. Therefore, when I was elected to his place, I was glad and relieved that there were many experienced and well-tried members of the Society on the Council to support me. In particular I would like to offer my special thanks to Professor Sheppard Frere, who as Senior Vice-President had much business to carry out, and whose kindness I shall always remember with gratitude. My election also caused a vacancy in the Directorship, a post of great responsibility and importance. It is, therefore, with particular pleasure that I am able to welcome Dr. Nowell Myres as my successor. His great administrative experience as well as his scholarship are what the office requires most and it is a joy that he has, as it were, come home just at this time.