A well-deserved compliment has been paid to Mr. Alderman 

 Samuelson, the Chairman of the Arts and Exhibition Sub-Committee, 

 by giving a commission to Mr. Stirling Lee, the eminent sculptor, for a 

 marble bust to be placed in a suitable position in the Gallery. 



The subject of a collection of casts illustrative of the progress of art, 

 similar in kind to those at the British Museum, at South Kensington, 

 and at the Archteological Museum at Westminster, has occupied the 

 attention of the Committee. It is scarcely fair that little or nothing 

 should exist out of London which can give to our artisans any insight into 

 the progress of art, or furnish examples for their improvement in taste 

 and skill. Collections of this class do exist, but they are not free and 

 accessible to the public. This Committee are of opinion that the time 

 has arrived when a vigorous effort should bo made to remedy this 

 deficiency. The sum contributed by Sir Andrew Walker setting free the 

 amount set apart from the City Fund by the Council for the erection of 

 the Art Gallery, seems reasonably and suitably applicable for this pur- 

 pose, and it is hoped that this project will recommend itself for adoption 

 during the current year. 



Notwithstanding the increased accommodation obtained by the exten- 

 sion of the buildiners, several of the departments are seriously crowded 

 for want of room. The fine ethnological collection which is of the most 

 interesting character, containing many objects which it would be difficult 

 or impossible now to procure, is waiting space for development, and a 

 great portion of the Mayer Collection requires more room for its proper 

 display. 



The Library also is rapidly gaining upon the space provided, both in 

 regard to the storage of books and the accommodation of readers. The 

 introduction of newspapers into the Brown Reading Room has been felt 

 as a great boon, by the working class especially. It has been found 

 necessary to double the original provision, and thus to encroach on the 

 space for readers of books. Some relief has been obtained by trans- 

 ferring the magazines to the Picton Reading Room, which draws away a 

 considerable number and thus gives more accommodation. 



Reference was made in the last Report to the proposed establishment 

 of branch reading rooms in different parts of the City. This has now 

 been carried out with complete success. From the statistics below it 



