1889-90] ? 93 



which contained some free comments on them. The mover, 

 referring" to our recommendation for a Composite Committee 

 said it was the duty of the Council alone to put up the building i 

 and " when this duty was discharged, they could open the doors 

 and have a large Committee jor the carrying out of the work 

 when it was once commenced on a sound foundation" This 

 was stated by the Council in 1883, or s ^ x years ago. The large 

 or Composite Committee has not yet been formed. We must, 

 therefore, assume that it is because in the opinion of the 

 Council the scheme is not yet u commenced on a sound founda- 

 tion? an opinion in which the generality of the ratepayers 

 may have their misgivings. For myself, I think we have made 

 a reasonably good start. The suggestions recommended that 

 the Town Council's scheme under the Act 



"should be framed with the view of making the proposed institution Educational in 

 character, utilising the experience of other towns, and avoiding all unnecessary expense 

 and all temporary experiments. What is to be the permanent Municipal Institution 

 should be commenced at once, and all expenditure from the beginning should be 

 devoted towards the ultimate realisation of a central educational institution that will be 

 really worthy of the wealth, intelligence, and commercial importance of the capital of 

 Ulster." And that " the required building should include provision for at least a 

 Newsroom, a Lending Library, a Reference Library, a Museum, an Art Gallery. A 

 Public Hall or Exhibition Room capable of accommodating about I, odd people, and a 

 suitable Lecture-room to seat 500, should be added as funds will permit." 



The suggestions met with the ^general approval of the local 

 press, which emphasised the recommendation that the institution 

 should be Educational in its character. Fifteen days after we 

 presented our suggestions, designs were called for, and the 

 Town Surveyor's conditions informed architects that the 

 buildings should comprise " A large General Library and 

 Reading room in one, a Lending Department, a Select Library 

 a Picture Gallery, a Ladies' Reading-room, an additional 

 Picture Gallery or Lecture-room, with the usual offices, &c.'' 

 Unfortunately there was no Museum referred to, and the 

 Lecture-room was not provided in the selected plan. As soon 

 as the plans were exhibited their deficiencies were clearly and 

 fully pointed out, but no steps were taken to meet the objections, 



