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18
THE TOWN HALL.
During 1912 improvements were made additional to those effected
during 1911, and as early as March the Architect presented an estimate
of £250 for redecoration of the Great Hall ceiling, walls, dressing-rooms,
and corridors, improvement to the inlet ventilation, and the provision
of a proscenium curtain.
The heating of the municipal offices has not given much satisfaction
during the year, and in June the Architect and Engineer made enquiry
thereon; this resulted in choked flues being cleared of obstruction, the
boiler coated in asbestos, and the Clerk's and Engineer's offices were
fitted with four radiators each, in September, at a cost of £38.
The roof attic and the outlet ventilators were thoroughly cleaned out.
The Tobin inlet tubes were removed, and a direct stream of fresh air is
now admitted behind the hot-water pipes, which is thus warmed before
entrance. It was found that the Tobin tubes have been used by the
audiences as depositories for orange peel, nutshells, programmes, and
hymn books, and they had become entirely blocked in this way.
The provision of wings to the drop-in windows now provides
additional fresh air without draught. The attention given this year
and last to the redecoration and cleansing of this public hall has
rendered it a place creditable to the Council, and one to which the
ratepayer need not be now afraid to take himself and family.
On 14th October, 1912, a full length portrait in oils of Mr. G., Eedes
Eachus (the late Engineer of Edmonton) was placed in our Council
Chamber. This is a unique distinction for an official, bnt was well
merited.
FREE LIBRARY.
This library was opened in 1897. The cost was £5,000, which was
chiefly borne by Mr. Passmore Edwards. Mr. Farmborough is the
Librarian; and the Management Committee, elected annually, consists
of ten Councillors and ten gentlemen chosen by the Council. There are
no ladies on the Committee.
THE CENSUS OF 1911.
The enumerated population of the United Kingdom was found to
be 45,211,888, distributed as follows :—
England 34,045,290 Ireland 4,381,951
Scotland 4,759,445 Wales 2,025,202