* GENERAL REPORT. 



In the Art Department the sudden death of the Chairman of the Sub- 

 Committee, Alderman Philip Rathbone, has overshadowed all else. His 

 wide and catholic art-culture and taste, and his strong individuality, were 

 so woven into the history, daily work, and life of the institution, that it 

 seemed as if the ruling spirit of inspiration and guidance had gone for 

 ever. But Mr. Rathbone had been able to impart some little of his own 

 enthusiasm and his unique love for Art as Art to his fellow workers ; and 

 perhaps what is still more important, he had succeeded in placing our 

 Permanent Gallery and our Autumn Exhibition in a position of pre- 

 eminence which secures for them the support of the artistic world ; and 

 the continued success of both of these departments testify how solid and 

 real his work was, and how well his task was fulfilled. 



Technical Education is taking a more real part in the educational 

 work of the City, and as its aims are better understood and its results 

 are seen and felt in the increased wage-earning power it places within 

 the reach of our artizans, our classes are being more largely and seriously 

 availed of. Much of the teaching of the pretty and minor Arts, which 

 at first seemed the popular interpretation of Technical Instruction, has 

 given way to the study of that Science and Art which in these days are so 

 important to the success of almost every handicraft. 



The Nautical College continues to make headway, but is hindered in 

 its progress by the Board of Trade requirements not necessitating any 

 systematic course of study. But a change in this respect may be shortly 

 expected, as the persistent efforts which the Sub-Committee has made 

 to secure a higher and more complete education for the officers of our 

 Mercantile Marine is about to bear fruit. 



WILLIAM B. FOR WOOD, 



Chairman. 



