MUSEUM LECTURES.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR.") SIR,—You will be greatly pleased to hear that there has lately been a considerable development in the Museum Lecture System Movement, in which you have taken so active an interest. A large number of bank clerks and officials in the City, having recently shown their great desire to obtain some of the benefits derived from these lectures, asked if some plan of having evening lectures at the British Museum could not be adopted. The Trustees, although most anxious to do anything in their power to assist the general scheme of lectures, found it im- possible during these times of financial pressure and the necessity for economy. They were obliged to point out that nothing could be done unless the expenses for opening the Museum in the evening, including attendants, lighting and lectures, were paid for.
This did not stop the enthusiasm of these City gentlemen, and gradually it was arranged that they would pay all the expenses themselves. This matter having been thus settled, the Trustees warmly agreed, and the first lecture took place on February 9th, and since that date there have been a great many others. The credit is due to the energy of several gentlemen belonging to the London County Westminster and Parr's Bank, but the move- ment, although still in its infancy, is spreading to other banks and offices. I hope before long a permanent association will be formed for carrying on this movement in the evening. It is marvellous that gentlemen who have to go through such a strenuous day's work should be so anxious to obtain these lectures in the evening; but having attended most of them myself, I must say that they are much appreciated and all looks well. I am sending you a copy of an article in the Bank Magazine which I know will interest you very much.—I am, Sir, Ormelcy Lodge, Ham Common, Surrey.
SUDRLEY.
[Splendid: and yet people say that Englishmen have no love of the arts and care nothing for culture !—Eo. Spectator.]
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