i88o-i88i.] 45 



undertakings shows how difficulties beset and harassed each 

 project at its outset ; but persevering effort has invariably sur- 

 mounted the difficulties, and the results were more than compen- 

 sation for the toil. As a rule, it has been found more difficult 

 to obtain reasonable terms from individuals than from societies, 

 and I have no doubt, that the authorities of our present library 

 and museum, would generously facilitate the suggested scheme, 

 particularly as it would be one of the very best methods of 

 realizing more fully, the original intentions of the founders of 

 the respective institutions. It is by no means necessary that 

 the functions of those societies should cease. They should be 

 affiliated, hut not absorbed^ by the proposed central institution^ 

 and relieved from the responsibilities attached to the mainten- 

 ance of property, they would be more free to prosecute their own 

 system of usefulness for the common good. To relinquish this 

 duty would be disastrous to the success of the scheme. It only 

 remains for me now to show what is necessary to give effect to 

 the proposal. By the adoption of the Act an income of about 

 _;^2,3oo per annum would be secured from the town rates at one 

 penny in the pound, which could not be exceeded under any cir- 

 cumstances whatever. This sum would not be more than a 

 charge of 2^d per head, per annum, for each inhabitant of the 

 town, who would have free access to the museum, art gallery, 

 and the use of the lending and reference libraries. Compared 

 with the secured advantages, or with what is spent on tobacco, 

 snuff, and intoxicating drinks, the cost would be a mere bagatelle. 

 Having secured this income of ;^2,3oo per annum, it will accrue 

 during the time that must be taken to make all necessary 

 arrangernents for securing property, providing the building, 

 fittings, and stock. The necessary capital can be had from the 

 Treasury, secured by the rates, and repayable at five per cent, 

 for thirty-five years, which would still leave a sufficient margin 

 for the annual cost of maintaining the institution. When thus 

 properly placed before the public, the project would forthwith 

 be supported by generous contributions of money, books, pic- 

 tures, and other works of art, objects of natural history, &c., &c.. 



