6 
till it becomes possible «to light the whole building with the electric light. 
The Committee will be very glad when that time arrives, so that the public 
may be able to read by a better light, in a purer atmosphere. The 
Committee will also then be able to devote much of the money now spent 
on cleaning and bookbinding to other objects of the Institution. 
It will be noticed, on reference to the subjoined accounts, that the 
Committee have, during the past year, been able to set apart the last 
instaiment of £100, towards the repayment of the £500, which was 
borrowed for special purposes when the Institution was founded. This is 
a matter for much congratulation, for the Committee are not only relieved 
of the debt, but have no longer to provide for the yearly interest. The 
establishment charges are about normal, and have been kept as low as is 
compatible with efficiency, the only important addition being the connection 
of the building with the National Telephone Exchange, which, beside being 
a great convenience, is an additional security in case of fire. When the 
amount voted to the Book Committee is all expended, nearly £600 will 
be found to have been devoted exclusively to the Library, a department 
which the Committee deem to be the most important of all they have 
in charge. 
The Chief Librarian’s report, and the exhaustive statistics which 
accompany it, will give any additional particulars which may be required 
as to the inner work of the Library. To the numerous donors whose 
generous gifts from time to time increase the value of the Institution, the 
Committee desire to tender their hearty thanks, and they wish once more 
to place on record their entire satisfaction with the way in which the various 
members of the staff discharge their duties. At their meeting this day, 
they took into consideration an application from the Chief Librarian, and 
unanimously resolved to raise his salary from £200 to 4240 per annum. 
On behalf of the Committee, 
WILLIAM HOBSON, 
CHAIRMAN. 
November 2nd, 1891, 
of Ye 
Ce YOY Se 9 
