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 a second 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, il 



