REPOET FOR THE YEAR 1900. 147 



which has been erected over the workshops, the latter forming 

 the basement. When handed over to the Trustees, the first 

 requirement will be to erect cases, and then to remove the 

 Ethnological Collection from its present quarters. As soon as 

 possible after this, it is proposed to have the present Ethnological 

 Hall pulled down, and the now existing portion of the South 

 Wing connected with the main Museum building. The upper 

 gallery is destined to contain the Anthropological and Ethnological 

 specimens, and the ground floor will be utilised for the extension 

 of the Mammalia and Osteology. 



With the aim of providing a detailed plan of the various 

 drainage, water, and gas-supply pipes throughout the premises, I 

 was engaged for some time with the Clerk of Works (Mr. E. H. W. 

 Rumsey) in tracing them out. In consequence of the various 

 demolitions, alterations, and additions of new services during 

 recent years, this proved by no means an easy task, but was 

 ultimately accomplished. 



At the annual inspection of floors, roofs, sub-floor spaces, and 

 ventilation air-ways, no trace of further ravages by Termites was 

 discovered, and all structures were found to be perfectly dry and 

 well ventilated. The special preparation with which the under- 

 surface of the floor and joists of the Ethnological Hall was coated 

 at my suggestion, four years ago, was found to be quite fresh, and 

 appeared to have saturated the wood perfectly. 



During the progress of arranging the new Fish Gallery, a 

 little consideration convinced Mr. Waite and myself that certain 

 structural additions were requisite to prevent any chance of 

 accident should the gallery ever be overcrowded. It must not be 

 forgotten that this gallery, has never before been used for public 

 purposes. The iron ballustrade appeared to be too low and slight, 

 and to remedy this it is proposed to stiffen it with additional 

 standards, raise the hand-rail, and till in the open iron-work with 

 strong wire guards. A representation was accordingly made to 

 the Department of Public Works, and it is hoped that these 

 additions will be carried out early in 1901. 



Messrs. Hocking Bros., contractors, having completed their 

 contract for the erection of the ornamental stone wall along 

 College-street, it became necessary to cut down and regrade the 

 grass plot facing thereto. The same firm also erected a flagstaff 

 over the private entrance to the Museum. 



Fire Appliances. 

 The charge of these appliances, as in the past, still continues in 

 the hands of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Three lengths of 

 new fifty-foot hose were supplied to take the place of a similar 

 quantity condemned, tested and placed in position ready for 

 use. The two new half galleries of the South Wing were also 

 supplied with hydrants and hose. As an additional precaution, 



