208 Timehri 
from the Government and Town Council a very moderate rent for a tower which 
we had specially constructed for them at our own expense as a fire watch and sig- 
nal station. On the principle, I suppose, that from him who hath little much 
shall be taken, this rent had remained unpaid for many years, nor would an 
attempt to press for arrears be likely to be received with enthusiasm. Still 
Providence at last has tempered the wind to the shorn lamb and we have to 
thank the Town Council for its kindly recognition of the educational work of the 
Museum by remitting the taxation on part of that building. 
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SOCIETY. 
After the united efforts of Miss Murray and myself had removed a certain 
ancient and decrepit door-mat, bristling no doubt with microbes, to which the 
Society had long clung for some sentimental reason, many changes poured in 
during the year. A suggestion book was started and proved fruitful in ideas. 
A permanent electric lighting installation was placed in the Museum and more 
recently extended to the economic section. Lights were also placed at both 
entrances. Two bicycle stands were provided. Both of these additions we owe 
to private benefactors. Four notice boards now announce the identity of the 
building to a forgetful world. A second stairway now leads to the upper galleries 
and affords an extra entrance to the Museum. Ladies’ and gentlemen’s dressing- 
rooms are nearly completed with proper equipment of lavatories, and the former 
gentlemen's room is being arranged as a smoking and card room. The want ofa 
quiet corner for an occasional chat has long been felt, and will be thus :uppled. 
The Secretary’s room has been thrown open and provides a large, well-lighted, 
and airy but more or less secluded corner, where in the intervals of the infrequent 
meetings of committees, ledies and others can play draughts, chess, or other 
games for which materials are forthcoming. Three writing places with note- 
paper and envelopes with the Society’s heading have been provided. The 
Society is the fortunate possessor of a complete set of the beautiful publications 
of the Arundel Society reproducing the master-pieces of religious art. Many of 
these have now been arranged around the galleries and the remainder are in a 
good position in the entrance hall of the Museum. We are endeavouring to 
secure a series of lectures onthe schools of painting and subjects represented. 
This alteration has involved the relegation to a less conspicuous position in the 
Museum of five interesting engravings, the presentation of a former President, 
dealing with company promoting in various stages from the office of subscription 
through the gilded halls of high finance to Massaruni Penal Settlement. No 
doubt it will continue to be as efficacious a deterrent in its new position as it has 
been in the old. 
LANTERN LECTURES. 
The Society owes its thanks to Mr. Leechman for manipulating the magie 
lantern at two lantern lectures by the Hon. Sir T. Crossley Rayner on West 
Africa, and by Mr. T. A. Pope on Egypt and India. We are counting upon the 
assistance of h’s clever pen for future numbers of “ Timehri.”’ We have also to 
thank His Excellency Sir F. M. Hodgson and the Chief Justice, Sir Henry Bovell, 
for presiding, and we appreciate highly His Excellency’s presence at this our first 
general meeting of the year. On Monday, 30th January, we shall have the unique 
