liv REPORT OF THE COUNCIL 



Vol. v., part 2 of the Transactions is now in the press, and 

 will b.e issued in due course. It is hoped now that better 

 conditions are returning, those papers and reports which have 

 necessarily been standing over may be shortly published. 



While the competition for the Hancock Prize was distinctly 

 encouraging a couple of years ago both as regards number and 

 quality of essays, there has since been a distinct falling off. Only 

 five essays were received this year, the work of which, with 

 two exceptions, was moderate. The prize was awarded to 

 Mr. F. E. Johnstone of Blackhill for an excellent paper dealing 

 with the bird life of the Upper Derwent district. To the 

 examiners, the Rev. J. E. Hull and Mr. Geo. Bolam, the 

 thanks of the Council are offered for their careful report. 



The Endowment Fund has been augmented by a legacy of 

 ^i,ooo from the late Dr. Clement Stephenson. 



Economy has been studied with regard to finance in the face 

 of increasing expense ; this expense is chiefly by way of salaries, 

 wages and fuel. Thanks to careful watchfulness the Hon. 

 Treasurer is enabled to present a satisfactory balance sheet. 

 Although the quantity of fuel granted under the Coal Control 

 was limited, the price has been greater. A scheme for 

 improving the heating of the Museum and reducing the 

 quantity of fuel required is under the consideration of the 

 Council. 



In view of the great increase in the cost of labour and 

 material the question of the insurance of the buildings against 

 fire has had the careful consideration of the Council, and it 

 was decided to increase the amount to ^30,000. From 

 time to time during recent years the collections have been 

 •augmented by various accessions ; many of these are now 

 unique and could not be replaced, while it is scarcely possible 

 to assess their value. As a precautionary measure, therefore, 

 the insurance on the contents of the Museum has been raised 

 to ;^4o,ooo. 



