REPORT. 



There is nothing of special interest to report during the year just 

 expired. The Institution has pursued its career of usefulness, 

 increasing as its treasures increase, and is at present in a thorough 

 condition of efficiency. 



The Committee regret they cannot report much further progress 

 towards the erection of the permanent Gallery of Art. 



The Council have sanctioned the outlay of ^610,000, provided the 

 interest and redemption fund can be met out of the penny rate levied 

 under the special act. Owing to the long unsettled dispute between 

 the Parish and the Dock Board, with reference to the rateable 

 liabiHty of the Docks, it is not possible to determine at present, 

 with accuracy, the amount of income available for any further exten- 

 sion. The property scheduled under the improvement act, forming 

 part of the site, has not yet been purchased. Notices to treat, 

 however, have been served by the Improvement Committee, and the 

 plans are in progress by the Corporation Architect. 



The following are the Statistics of the respective Departments : — 



EEFEEENCE LIBRAKY. 



During the past year, the average number of books issued and 

 returned has been 1,982 per day, the yearly circulation numbering 

 565,344 volumes, against 578,774 during the previous year. 



