(4)
# THE MUSEUM.
The Committee have every reason to be satisfied with the progress made in the Museum during the last twelve months. Many articles have been added to the collection, while the interest taken in the Museum by all classes of the community but especially by the Chinese has in no way abated, and the regulations in force as to its management have, so far as the Committee are aware, been satisfactory to all. Considerable correspondence has however passed between the local Government and the Committee with reference to the rules as to admission to the Museum;—His Excellency the Governor being of opinion apparently that if there is any limit as to the hours at which different classes of the community can visit the Museum, the latter cannot be said to be open free. The Committee on the other hand, considering that such rules should be made as would secure a fair opportunity to people of all nationalities of visiting the Museum, and after full consideration adopted the regulations objected to, but have now, after having the benefit of the opinion of the Chief Justice and the Bishop, slightly modified the previous rules. A copy of the new rules will be found in the correspondence published herewith. In order that the public may fully understand what has been done with reference to this matter it has been deemed advisable to attach to this report a copy of all the correspondence that has taken place on the subject between the 19th September 1879 and the 10th August, 1880.
The number of visitors during the twelve months ending the 30th June 1880 has been 134,551, of whom 118,132 were Chinese.
During the same period 36 persons have contributed articles either on loan or as gifts. The following are the names of the contributors: Messrs. J. White, J. Robinson, Joseph Ribeiro, J. Kirkwood, J. C. Hughes, C. Ford, J. B. Ball, P. H. Emanuel, A. Woblters, M. S. Tonnochy, H. H. Nelson, A. Schomburg, G. Rome, T. Hamlin, H. L. Dennys, H. E. Hobson, J. M. Jesus, C. H. Palmer, H. B. Guppy, M.B. R.N., T. I. Bowler, G. O. Rogers, H. Wharton, H. Cohen, Lau Ayau, Wm. McClellan, F. Degenaer, Kyle and Bain, Vass Tomes, C. Seimund, J. Seier, Highterary, Arnold Ellert, E. D. Woodford, Wm. Peterson, and Mrs. D. Palmeira.
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# ACCOUNTS.
As in former years the funds of the Institution have been materially assisted by subscriptions obtained from the Community. During the last year $680 has been subscribed by Europeans and $847 by the Chinese.
The fact that no money has been received from the Government since June last year accounts for the present low state of the funds and has of course necessitated the utmost economy in the way of expenditure. On the 30th June, 1880, there was in the hands of the Honorary Treasurer $1,379.39 to the credit of the City Hall, but as on that date a debt of $142.91 due to the estate of Yün Tim was outstanding the actual working balance might be considered to be $936.48.
The usual premia of Insurance have been duly met during the last year, and no debts of any magnitude, with the exception of $215.92 due for the last half-yearly search for white ants, are now outstanding.
W. KESWICK,
Chairman.
38
Dec.