220 RECORDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM. 



between rolled steel joists, the whole surmounted again by en- 

 caustic tiles set in cement. The staircase leading from one hall 

 to the other is easily graded, and consists of a steel framework, 

 filled in with coke concrete, rendered in Kean's cement, with slate 

 treads on top, a cast-iron ornamental railing carrying a polished 

 cedar hand-rail. There are four pillars along each side of the two 

 halls, those of the lower with slightly ornate capitals. The ceiling 

 is divided into large white panels, bordered around the steel 

 joists with stamped steel mouldings (Wunderlich), delicately picked 

 out and tinted in low-toned colours. In the upper hall the pillars, 

 instead of possessing capitals, carry cast-iron scroll brackets, which 

 assist in supporting the glass lantern. The lantern proper is com- 

 posed of metal framing and plate-glass with louvres, the supple- 

 mentary inner and horizontal portion of ground glass. The ceiling 

 on each side of the lantern is horizontal in oblong panels surrounded 

 by arched sides to the walls, the former broken up into small 

 square panels; the whole composed of Wunderlich stamped steel, 

 suitably tinted. The roof is built of Oregon, covered with copper 

 sheeting. 



Fire Appliances. 



The Metropolitan Fire Brigade still continues its supervision 

 of the fire extinguishing appliances, as of old, and it is almost 

 superfluous to say the latter are in good order, and ready for 

 instant use. 



Under the superintendence and instruction of a member of 

 the Brigade (Fireman F. Brooks, of the Head Station), regular 

 periodical drills of the whole Staff were held. Instruction is 

 confined to the rapid and effectual use of what may be termed 

 "first-aid" appliances, such as the building is supplied with, 

 including ladder work. Each member is first taught separately, 

 and then so many in a squad are instructed how to work together. 

 Our Officers are all assigned stations throughout the Museum, so 

 many to each hydrant, etc. ; thus, on an alarm of fire, no loss of 

 time would occur or confusion arise. A printed list of the stations, 

 and the names of those assigned to each, is suspended in every 

 office and workroom throughout the building. 



New Oases. 



Contract work of this nature, carried out during 1901, or to be 

 put in hand through funds voted for that year, was as follows: — 



The first instalment of the new Conchological cases was placed 

 in position, as foreshadowed in my Report for 1900. It was 

 decided after the passing of the 1901-2 Estimates, to provide an 

 additional six cases of this nature, to be ready during the current 

 year. Another wall case for the Geological Hall, and two addi- 

 tional cases for Fish, to be placed on stair landings near the 

 entrance to the Fish Gallery were sanctioned. The casing of a 



