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so in years to come — and the Committee have also received several 

 other minor gifts These valuable contributions point to the popu- 

 larity of the Art Gallery and to the educational and recreative 

 advantages it affords to the town. The present Gallery is now full, 

 and the Committee wish to suggest that the Council, in the midst of 

 its other schemes for the benefit of the town, do not lose sight of 

 the necessity of providing a home for the generous gifts already 

 promised. Such valuable gifts to the town by her generous citizens 

 and friends, amounting in value to some thousands of pounds, fully 

 repay the cost incurred in providing room for them, and such provision 

 will add but little to the present cost of maintenance. 



The building is in a good state of repair, and the charges for 

 its maintenance have been but slight, while the ordinary establishment 

 charges have been kept at the lowest possible level consistent with 

 efficiency. The amount to be asked for from the Council is larger than 

 usual, but this amount is exceptional, and is accounted for by the heavy 

 charges necessary under the head of Insurance for the special loan 

 collections. Owners of valuable pictures naturally expect their loans to 

 be fully safeguarded when lent to public Galleries ; and, bearing in mind 

 the advantages reaped by art students and the public generally by 

 the sight and study of valuable pictures otherwise inaccessible, the 

 Committee think the money is well spent. 



It only remains for the Committee to add the expression of their 

 satisfaction with the great interest and intelligence with which the 

 Curator, Mr. Crowther, fulfils his duties, and the able way in which he 

 is supported by his staff. 



On behalf of the Committee, 



WILLIAM BExMROSE, 



Chairman. 



October 27th, 1898. 



