The painted work in the Newsrooms and corridors has been thoroughly 

 cleaned and will last another year or two. It has now lasted more than 

 twice as long as wonld have been possible before the introduction of the 

 Electric Light. Experiments are being made to provide for the more 

 efficient ventilation of the Reading Rooms. It was found out accident- 

 ally by the police that the locks thronghont the building were the same 

 as those in two other public institutions, and all the locks have con- 

 sequently been remodelled or entirely renewed, and several portions of 

 the premises have been made additionally secure. 



The Snrvej'or's Report on the exterior of the building disclosed a 

 rather serious state of affairs in many respects, the main points being the 

 decay of the mortar used in the construction of the walls, the leaky con- 

 dition of the roof, and the insufficient damp course put in in the first 

 instance. The whole building is being re-pointed and the damp course 

 attended to, and the roof will be pnt into thorough repair in the spring. 

 These matters will involve considerable expense, but the Council may 

 rel}' on the necessary repairs being carried out as economically as is con- 

 sistent with the building being put into a state of thorough repair. 



The Librarian's Report and the exhaustive statistics which are 

 appended to this may be referred to for detailed information as to the 

 working of the Institution. In conclusion, the Committee desire to 

 express their l)est thanks to all donors of books, magazines, and Museum 

 objects during the past year. They are also glad to place on record their 

 appreciation of the work done by the Chief Librarian and his staff. 



On behalf of the Committee, 



GEORGE BOTTOMLEY, 



Chairman. 

 October 30th, 1902. 



