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 

 instalment of ^ioo, 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 ^240 per annum. 



On behalf of the Committee, 



WILLIAM HOBSON, 



Chairman. 

 November 2 fid, 1891. 



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