ANNUAL REPORTS. 
161 
On the question of the best site for the United Institution, 
a difference of opinion exists, which has prevented further 
progress towards the end in view. 
The chief work of the Institute for the year was the 
holding of small Exhibitions for the purpose of encouraging and 
stimulating local talent in Art and Horticulture. 
As mentioned in last year’s Annual Report, two of these 
Exhibitions were held simultaneously on the 23rd, 24th, and 
25th January, and two were held in a similar manner, on 5th and 
6th of June. 
The last two months of the year were devoted to prepara- 
tions for the Centenary Exhibition of February, 1897, a report 
of which will be ready shortly, but will be included in the 
proceedings of next year. 
Reports with Appendices on the Exhibitions held during 
the year have been prepared and will be published in this year’s 
proceedings. 
It is sufficient to remark here, that although these Exhibi- 
tions were not successes financially, they have at least brought 
the Institute in closer contact with the public than hitherto, 
and have induced many of our young people to pay attention 
to Art and Horticulture. 
As stated at the last Annual Meeting the Board enclosed 
the land belonging to the Institute with a strong iron fence. A 
small garden has also been laid out in front of the building and 
a hedge planted inside the fence. 
In November it was found necessary to re-paint the front 
and corners of the Building. 
A sum of $33.60 was spent on the roof and in erecting and 
keeping in repair the bamboo fence which had been put up pre- 
vious to the receipt of the new iron fence. 
The total cost of these additions and repairs and of keeping 
the Building and grounds in proper condition was $778.75. 
Owing to the want of apparatus for regulating the electric 
current the Lantern could not for some time be used for lectures, 
but thanks to the assistance of the Superintendent of the 
Trinidad Electric Light and Power Company, this difficulty has 
been overcome and the Lantern is now at the service of members 
for the purpose of illustrating their lectures. 
