6 
the Institution, the Museum and Corridors, have been repainted and 
decorated at a cost of £67. Lighter tints have been chosen, and 
the Museum and its approaches are hence much more bright and 
cheerful. Next year the Committee hope to deal with the Library 
in the same way. The whole of the roof has also been thoroughly 
overhauled and made watertight, and the glazing has all been re- 
puttied and perfectly repaired. Additional locks have been put on 
the Museum cases, and the electric communications about the build- 
ing remodelled and put into perfect working order. These matters 
have entailed considerable outlay, but the Committee are satisfied 
that the money has been well spent. The triangular piece of 
ground in the Strand which has long been an eyesore has also been 
asphalted and redrained. A purchase of specimens for the Museum 
from the collection of the late Rev. Urban Smith, of Stony 
Middleton, has absorbed £24, and lastly, the Committee have been 
enabled to add asecond sum of £100 to the Sinking Fund they 
have formed for the repayment of the £500 they have had on loan 
since the foundation of the Institution. The Committee believe that 
although they have been enabled to take all these matters in hand, 
the efficiency and utility of the Institution have in no way suffered. 
As usual, the Librarian’s Annual Report to this Committee, 
which contains many statistics of interest, is appended. The Com- 
mittee desire to add that the Institution was never in a better 
condition, or more highly appreciated than at the present time, and 
they feel that much of its prosperity is due to its present efficient 
management. 
On behalf of the Committee, 
WILLIAM HOBSON, 
CHAIRMAN. 
OcToBER 30th, 1888. 
