A Dangerous Ceiling.—A few days ago it was quietly reported that a portion
of the ceiling of the new statuary court of the new Art Gallery had become
loosened, and that a small fall had taken place, but fortunately without
damaging the exhibits. It is now learnt that a very large portion of the
ceiling—that portion immediately underneath the room in which the series
of public lectures are being given—fell down about two weeks ago, and
plasterers working on scaffolding are now busy in repairing it. It
appears, further, that the defective work is not confined to the space
indicated, but that the ceiling has become loose all over the court, and
authority has been given to replace it with new work. This will be a
costly job, and as the work was carried out with loan money there will be
some difficulty in obtaining further Parliamentary authorisation should a
fresh sum require to be voted. Unless, therefore, a substantial balance
remain over from the allotted sum voted it will be necessary for the
trustees and the Minister to find the money out of the annual grant from
revenue—not an easy matter in these times of deficit. To what cause the
failure of the ceiling is due has not been officially allowed to transpire.
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