NELSON INSTITUTE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 39, 13 February 1873, Page 2

NELSON INSTITUTE.

The annual meeting of the members of tho Nelson Institute was held last night, when all the office bearers of last year were re-elected with one exception, Mr. Pollock being appointed vice-president in the place of Dr. Irvine, who had resigned, and Dr. Boor elected a member of the Committee in the room of Mr. Pollock. Arrangements were made for an Exhibition to be held shortly in aid of the funds of the Institute. The following report was read and adopted : — REPORT. In presenting the Annual Eeport and Balance Sheet to the members, the Committee regret their inability to congratulate ihe Institute upon any increase in the number of its members, the return showing a decrease of nine members as compared with the previous year. This may

be accounted for by the fact that there are now several circulating libraries in the town. It will be seen by the Balance Sheet now produced, that the amount due to the Treasurer last year has been reduced by upwards of £10. LIBRARY. Eeferring to the arrangements made by the Committee with the Nelson Scientific Association, th 9 Committee have to report that they have received 22 volumes of valuable and interesting works, these have been added to by the Committee during the year; and they are glad to state that they have just received a shipment of books ordered by them from England, and which are now in circulation, making a total addition to the library since last year's report of upwards of 80 volumes, many of which will be found very valuable as works of reference. The total number of books aud periodicals in circulation shows an increase on previous years, although, as before stated, the subscribers are numerically less. With a view to economy, the Committee decided about twelve mouths ego to discontinue subscribing to the various newspapers published in New Zealand, and the Committee are glad to be able to state that with few exceptions they still continue to be received at the Eeading Room. MUSEUM. The following presentations have been made to the museum: — A collection of chemical substances and products from the museum at Wellington. A collection of photographs of Roman silver rolics excavated by Prussian soldiers during the late war between Prussia and France, presented by MX Wiesenhavern. A seahorse, presented by Mr. Tregea. Remains of skeletons of moa and native dog by Mr. Greenfield. Samples of woven New Zealand flax from Dr. Hector. Samples of soap stone or Steatite, presented by Mr. J. Ross of Collingwood. Samples of Steatite, sawn, with sawdust from the same, by Mr. Johnston. The Committee regret that no opportunity has been afforded them of having the remaining portion of the col- | lection of birds set up. HOUSE. The Committee have little to report. The spare rooms are still occupied as be- ! fore. The sum of 355. only has been ex- | pended upon the building, which is at present in a fair state of repair; some repairs will be required to the roof from time to time, but the committee think nothing extensive will be needed for the current year. Some portion of the outer walls requires immediate attention, but the repairs will not cost more than £3 or £4. Jno. Percy, Hon. Secretary.