only recognised authority on automobilism in the United Kingdom.
In the following year the membership grew apace, and on December 31, 1899, the roll was as follows:—Founder members, 287; life members, 21; ordinary, 187; ordinary town, 47; ordinary country, 41; supernumerary, 3; a total of 586. The chief event of the year was the holding at midsummer of a show of motor vehicles, in the Old Deer Park, Richmond. Races, time tests, and hill-climbing trials were conducted in connection with the exhibition, which extended over a period of eight days. The labour of organisation had been considerable, the show committee having held no fewer than forty-three meetings; but public prejudice was still strong enough to make the undertaking a financial failure, and it resulted in a loss of no less than 1,600l.
More satisfactory were the other functions of the year, for in addition to several tours a series of brake tests was carried out on Petersham Hill, in the presence of Local Government Board inspectors; an exhibition of motor vehicles was held at Dover, in connection with the meeting of the British Association; and a conference of manufacturers of motor waggons was organised to discuss the suggested raising of the tare limit. The anniversary of the coming into operation of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896 was celebrated on November 14 by a run to Sheen House.
Greater activity than ever characterised the year 1900, during which the membership rose to 710. In four Club tours alone a distance of 1,19634 miles was covered, while the year will ever be memorable for the organisation of one of the most remarkable demonstrations in the history of locomotion. This was the famous Thousand Miles Trial from London to Edinburgh and back; it was strikingly successful, and did much to remove the public apathy. Day exhibitions of the competing vehicles were held in seven large towns en route, and a week's exhibition of the successful cars followed at the Crystal Palace. A trade show of motor-cars under the ægis of the Club, but
