37
(2)
previous to the search made in June accounts it is thought for the large number of white ants that were then found. Although there were so many signs of white ants in the building (there being no less than 164 trails discovered) but comparatively little damage had been suffered during the previous six months. Bone tar, to which it is said these destructive insects have a great antipathy, has been freely applied to every part of the building where their presence has been discovered, and it is hoped that in future the expense of repairing their ravages will be materially decreased. Since date of last report the whole of the exterior of the building has been washed and the plaster and woodwork renovated; the Ball-room suite, together with the passages and entrance-hall, have also been colour-washed, and the whole of the building with the exception of parts of the Theatre interior may now be said to have a very presentable appearance.
When the last search for white ants was made the Ball-room floor was found undisturbed and in good order, thus shewing the beneficial effect derived from the substitution of Iron pillars for wooden ones in the Museum which is immediately below the Ball Room.
No further structural defects have been discovered during the last twelve months, and the Committee have every reason to be satisfied with the general condition of the building.
THE THEATRE.
The damage done by white ants during the last year has been but trifling so far as the interior of the Theatre is concerned, but all attempts to oust them from the roof of the Western wing of the building have had but slight effect. In the latter the ants attacked two king posts over the Theatre Proscenium and so injured them that they had to be taken out and new ones substituted. It is satisfactory to note that no further movement has taken place in the brick pier on the Eastern side of the stage referred to in last report, and as far as a careful examination can shew there appears to be no cause for further anxiety as to the safety of this part of the building. The interior of the Theatre greatly needs colour-washing, and the Committee intend to have this done so soon as funds will permit.
(3)
In March last His Excellency the Governor, through the Colonial Secretary, informed Mr. Dorabjee that he could no longer be allowed to sell spirituous liquors in the City Hall during theatrical performances without a license, and by so doing deprived those who resort to the Theatre of a convenience that had been allowed to the public since November 1874.
The season 1879-1880 was in some respects a busy one, performances having been given by the Amateur Dramatic Society and the Choral Society, but as usual the larger portion of the earnings have been derived from travelling companies. The income derived from the Theatre during the time under report was $3,445, as against $2,120.50 obtained during the previous twelve months.
THE LIBRARY.
As in previous years this part of the building has suffered more than any other from the ravages of white ants. The South-East pillar in the Library was the only point of importance attacked. Fresh trails were there found about three feet from the floor but no live ants. The pillar has been well saturated with bone tar and no serious danger need be apprehended.
A valuable addition to the Library took place in April last, when the Hongkong Club presented 527 volumes, many of them being of more modern date than most of those already standing in the Library. The following are the names of the other Gentlemen who have contributed books to the Library during the last year:-R. C. Wilcox, Esq., 2; Rev. J. Paul, 6; Right Reverend Bishop Burdon, 1; H. L. Dennys, Esq., 8.
As on former occasions the Committee have to return their best thanks to the proprietors of the Daily Press, China Mail, and Government Gazette, for free copies of their respective journals supplied during the last twelve months. It is to be regretted however that other publishers in the Far East have not forwarded copies of new works to the Library, and consequently it contains but few volumes of recent date.
The number of readers during the twelve months ending the 30th June, 1880, was 1,917, as against 2,333 the previous year.
Dec.
37
(2)
previous to the search made in June accounts it is thought for the large number of white ants that were then found. Although there were so many signs of white ants in the building (there being no less than 164 trails disonvered) bat comparatively little damage bad been suffered during the previous six months. Bone tar, to which it is said these destructive insects have a great antipathy, has been freely applied to every part of the building where their presence has been discovered, and it is hoped that in fature the expense of repairing their ravages will be materially decreased. Since date of last report the whole of the exterior of the building has been washed and the plaster and woodwork renovated; the Ball-room suite, together with the passages and entrance- hall, have also been colour-washed, and the whole of the building with the exception of parts of the Theatre interior may now be said to have a very presentable appearance.
When the last search for white ants was made the Ball-room floor was found undisturbed and in good order, thus shewing the beneficial effeot derived from the substitution of Iron pillars for wooden ones in the Museum which is immediately below the Ball Room.
No further structural defects have been discovered during the last twelve months, and the Committee have every reason to be satisfied with the general condition of the building.
THE THEATRE.
The damage done by white ants during the last year has been but trifting so far as the interior of the Theatre is concerned, but all at- tempts to oust them from the roof of the Western wing of the building have had but slight effect. In the latter the ants attacked two king posts over the Theatre Proscenium and so injured them that they had to be taken out and new ones substituted. It is satisfactory to note that no further movement has taken place in the brick pier on the Eastern side of the stage referred to in last report, and as far as a care- ful examination can shew there appears to be no cause for further anxiety as to the safety of this part of the building. The interior of the Theatre greatly needs colour-washing, and the Committee intend to baye this done so soon as funds will permit.
(3)
In March last His Excellency the Governor, through the Colonial Secretary, informed Mr. Dorabjee that he could no longer be allowed to sell spirituous liquors in the City Hall during theatrical perform- auces withont a license, and by so doing deprived those who resort to the Theatre of a convenience that had been allowed to the public since November 1874,
The season 1879-1880 was in some respects a busy one, perform- ances having been given by the Amateur Dramatic Society and the Choral Society, but as usual the larger portion of the earnings have been derived from travelling companies. The income derived from the Theatre during the time under report was $3,445, as against $2,120,50 obtained during the previons twelve months.
THE LIBRARY,
As in previous years this part of the building has suffered loss than any other from the ravages of white ants. The South-East pillar in the Library was the only point of importance attacked. Fresh trails were there found about three feet from the floor but no live ants. The pillar has been well saturated with bone tar and no serious danger need be apprehended.
A valuable addition to the Library took place in April last, when the Hongkong Club presented 527 volumes, many of them being of more modern date than most of those already standing in the Library. The following are the names of the other Gentlemen who have con- tributed books to the Library during the last year:-R. C. Wilcox, Esq., 2; Rev. J. Paul, 6; Right Reverend Bishop Burdon, 1; H. L. Dennys, Esq., 8.
As ou former occasions the Committee have to return their best thanks to the proprietors of the Daily Press, Ching Mail, and Govern- ment Gazelle, for free copies of their respective journals supplied during the last twelve months. It is to be regretted however that other publishers in the Far East have not forwarded copies of new works to the Library, and consequently it contains but few volumes of recent date.
The number of readers during the twelve months ending the 30th June, 1880, was 1,917, as against 2,333 the previous year.
Dec.
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