Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924), Tuesday 24 December 1867, page 1


THE ILLUMINATIONS AND DECORATIONS.

It is a difficult task to give anything like an ade quate description of the very numerous and. dazzling illuminations which met the eye, turn where it might, over the boroughs of Ballarat West and East on Monday night. Unfortunately for the Ballarat illuminations, the moon was at the full, and her pale light somewhat interfered with the effect which the gas and other lights was designed to make Notwithstanding this drawback, and that of the an propitious wind which would occasionally extin guish or cause a flickering of the gas jets, particu larly on tall buildings, the spectacle was magnificent. The view from the intersection of Armstrong and Sturt streets was one not easily surpassed. On either hand was the vista opening into Armstrong street, with its brilliant lights, and also its arches of garlands and flowers, while towards the past was the gorgeous display of lights in Sturt street, Bridge street, and still further away. In the distance was distinguishable the Eastern Town-hall, with its innumerable lights; the Fire Brigade tower, also a very conspicuous object; while lights of lesser magnitude could not fail to arrest the eye as it wandered over the intervening space. The arch at the intersection of Bridge and Sturt streets, with its transparencies so elevated, was an object of no inconsiderable interest. The brilliancy of the charmingly lighted Gas Office added to the splendor of that vista. The diflsient circles of colored lights at intervals in Bridge street aa far as the Exhibition Mart taken with those adorning several chop fronts, presented an euchimius; view The Eih'.bi ioa Mart itself was literally studded wi'h colored lanterns a.1 rouud its Euramit and a!eo under the verandah; in

deed similar lights wore pendant from arches on the verandahs in the ictire of Uridgi- street, and in m my ii:slances in Main street, HuwlTray, Victoria, Peel,

and Willj t>treets, Tho iSturt street avenuo with its

many-colored Chinese lanterns, &c., leato.med among the trees was an attractive scene. And continuing the view vrestward t:.e eye Was at once attracted by an elevated luminous otjact. This way the illumina tion ou the tower of Captain W. C. Smith's residonce, and tint of o;her re>i<ients iu the vicinity. In the intervening space the Ii"ire Brigade was a prominently lighted structure, but to north-west a brilliant spec tacle like a pi!l>ir of fire mot the gaze. This was a pyramid ot Iantfcrn3 at Mr Trench's residence. The Black Hill bonfire wna a fine sight iadt-cd; from one point of view it eclipsed the bonfire ou Mount- Warrenheip, which was lighted before the darkness estiu, The Buninyong Mount fire burned with greater brilliancy; but the firstnamed was nearer and more diffused. The bonfire on the White Flat burned with great brilliancy, but its low-lying poution rendered it letB attractive than the others. Lydiard street, with its stately banking edifices, all magnificently arrayed in a dress of light, and the street hung with a line of Chinese lanterns formed a really splendid eight. The streets, though densely crowded in parts, particu larly in Bridge street, did not offer any material bar rier to progress in viewing its various objects of at traction, The passage of vehicles in that locality was not unattended with danger, and in order to obviat-- that, the police, after nine o'clock, stopped the passage of vehicles through that part of the town. 'lho surging crowd that wended its way through the chief thoroughfares did so good liumor tdiy, and in no instance that camo under our notice was there ar,y ciubIi or danger in the different stie ts traversed. Iu the narrow street*, as mkht bo ex pected, there was some jyslling, hut that whb trivial, and on getting into the widor thoroughfares there was no ruth to peril the weaker members of the community.

Tuesday, 10th December

THE LEVEE.

The levee was fixed for 11 o'clock on Tuesday morning in the Alfred Hall, and excepting the Ex hibition building in Melbourne. no place in Victoria can afford such a magnificent reception-hall. By prodigious industry on the part of Messrs Boulton and Fyfe, the contractors, and their workmen, and by constant energy and public spirit on the port of the Royal Reception Committee and their ge neral manager, Mr C D. Cuthbert, the creation of this splendid memorial of Prince Alfred's visit had been achieved in time for the Royal levee. In this way the hall has received a splendid and fitting inauguration, and for as long as the building lasts its grand opening ceremonies will be remembered as a kind of Royal imprimatur upon that which the heartiest and most generous loyalty has accom plished with a pluck and rapidity that show the old dash and self-reliant spirit of the gold-fields metro polis to be as vigorous as ever. An outline of the capacities of the hall will assist our readers in realising the spectacle presented at the levee. The building is on the model of a large ancient basilica, and it might be called a secular cathedral, if such a phrase be permissible. It is divided by lofty pillars into a nave and side aisles, the length of the building being 170 feet, and the width 74 feet, the nave having a width of 40 feet and each side aisle a width of 17 feet. At the western end, where the main entrance is, a handsome gallery and orchestra have been erected where the seats rise at an angle that gives to all positions a fine view of the main

body of the hall. The building is lighted, by sten cilled clerestory windows by day, and by hundreds of star jets of gas by night. A large number of the windows open, and thus by these apertures and ventillation spaces in the floor, a satisfactory free change of air is obtained even when large numbers are congregaud within the building. The floors are all of planed pine, and the framework is of hard wood, much of which was of living trees in the adjacent forests at the time the foundation posts of the hall were fixed in their places a few weeks ago. This one fact will at once indicate the rapidity with which this really splendid building has been erected. Besides the hall itself there are large spaces covercd in around for supper-rooms, lecture-rooms and other purposes. One ot these extras is a retiring room and annexes, for the private use of the Prince, which were first appropriated to his use on the morn ing of the levee. His Royal Highness' room is square, and is papered with a pearl grey ground and gilt Honors, the furniture being a drawing room suite in blue rep, while a few good engravings and chrom lithographs enliven the walls. One of the most noticeable articles of furniture in the room was an extra piece in the form of a chair, supplied by Mr Robins, of Armstrong street. This was a needle-work chair in maroon, by a Ballarat lady, on which were worked, in beads, two Royal coats of arms—one on the back and one on the seat. The work was very handsomely done, and looked extremely well. The framework was light

wood, and, altogether, the chair was a pretty addi tion to the furnishing of the apartment. The deco rations of the hall have been a work of great labor und skill on the part of Mr J. K. Baird and his aide, although exception has justly been taken to same of the details. The red, white, and blue colors for the nave and aisle roofs of iron were far too course and gaudy for good taste; and thaks to the remon strances ofMr J. G. Knight, of the Melbourne Exhibition, the main roof has been toned down to something more like what an artist's eye can delight in. The sides and ends of the hall are papered in large panels of buff and blue, with sten cilled borderings, and the tall pillars of the nave are similarly colored. At either end circles and the monogram A have been added; but up on the

dais at the east end the decorations have lavished their tenderest and wisest care. The dais is an elegant triumph of local decorative art, and the eye dwells upjii it with growing pleasure. It occu pies the whole width of the nave, and four car peted fcteys rise to the height of about two ftet from the hull lluor. Ttie canopy is a square construction eurinouuted by an azure dotne ligtited op by four raoii of silver cording. Spiral columns of gold and white capped witti trosted gold support the pedi ment along whose fagades run classical scrolls in gold, purple, and blue, the bottom line beiag con> posed of vine leaves and bunches in white and gold, beiow which depends an ambtr^jdged fringe ol scolloped ctitneoa cloth. Tiie interior of the canopy ia hung with crimeoa and amtict drnpe-}', and the back is ornamented by the lijyal firms, Oa the wall on either side outside the canopy are placed in circles the urtna of the boroughs of Ballarat and Ballarat East, which are not only appropriate, but eleg-mt additions to the square panels there, harmonising admirably with ttie general desinu of the ornamentation:! in the

vicinity. Upon the daia beneatii the canopy were placed the two chairs that stood uuon the dais at the Melbourne Treasury when the Prince made hie first emry inco tlie Victorian metropolis, and he hind tbern were placed three or (osr other chairs. So early as ten o'clock the hall b«gan to fill rapidly with visitors. The whole of the nave was filled

with chairs—save a passage-way up the mijdle, I " hich was laid with carpeting right up to the ciai:*. ' The KeatB in the nuve were appropriated lo the j

ladies who had curds of a-inwtion to behold the ! levee. Barricades of wood ab.iut four leet htj^h. divided the nuve frnnti each r.ule, and within the northern aitle the genue;nea to be presented tool;

up their places, 'i'hwje who hud tptcial entree 1 tieketa occupied the ei.d of the dais, and others a

position farther to the rear in the same iiialc. As ; each gentleman was presented he passed by the dais

to the eppotite aisle, and left t!,e building or re- ! mained rb suited his pleasure or convenience. Po licemen were present to keep order, in which they were assisted by the emonly-attired Sub-n.arshal8 Vance, Greece, Moore, and Cuthtiert, in their silver

colored facings on light blue tunics. The keepers ! of order, however, had an easy task, for the men ■who Bought the honor of presentation appeared to

know how to behave themselves discreetly and even with a certain Bert of free dignity. Not the Duke and all his brilliant following could equal the rainbow splendor of the 800 or IOOO ladies that graced tho body of the hall, and filled the seats of tho gallery. Of courso there wefo gome whoso ho.'no linesi heightened tho beauty of others, but the colony could not supply a hightr average of feminino good looks, while the general elegance of the toilets spread over all a republican equality of paiety and grace that was cbaiming. As the special entree ticket-holders assembled, there were noticeable cler gymen, doctors, and principals of schools, in their academic robes, clergymen in niotely ecclesiastical gownB, and volunteers in their uniforms. The un professional groups wero attired in what passes for full dre:s. A few minutes after eleven o'clock, his Royal Highness arrived under nn escort of tho Bailarat troop if cavalry, tho Bailarat Rifles attend ing aB a guard of honor. The Prince wore his uniform as post-captain, and the ribbon and star of the Garter. He was accompanied by his Excellency the Governor attired as a K C.B, Lord Newry, the Hon. Eliot Yorke, Mr Haig, Mr Manners Sutton, his Excellency's aide-de camp, Colonel Anderson, the Chief Secretary, the Treasurer, the Minister of Public Works, and one or two other members of the Prince's or Governor's suite. Thy Mayors of Ballarat and Ballarat East received the distinguished party at the Prince's private entrance, and after a few seconds had elapsed the baud of the rifles, which was stationed in the orchestra, struck up the National Anthem, and tho Prince and his Excellency entered the hali, the whole company of ladies rising as the Eoyal party made their appearance. His Royal Highness and his Excellency went along the nave, preceded by the mayors, and followed by the mem bers of their suites and several volunteer officers. When the Prince had taken his place on the dais, with his Excellency on his righs hand—his suite, the Cabinet Ministers, the mayors and borough

councillors behind and on either hand, the presenta tion ceremonies at once commenced. Major Walhee noted as master of the ceremonies, and pronounced the name of each presentee in a full, clear voice, that was audible to the furthest end of the large hall. The special entrees were first presented, and then the others. The whole ceremony was gone through decently and in order. When the pr-ssutations were over, adjresaes by local bodies and !.thers were presented, but wera not rtaJ, the Prince promising to send replies in dua course. The wholj business was over by noon, and the Royal and Vioe-iigal party at onco retired by the way it came, the band playing the National Anthem, and tho whoi3 company standing. As the Prince walked down the nave he bent his head to tho ladies, a? if feeling that whole batteries were being discharged point-blauk at whort range upon him—as in sooth they were, hia mo-iest and self-possessed demeanor all through the csremonies having, ko doubt, won all

the ladies' hearts. We will venture to believe that

his Royal Highness also, after witnessing the splendid reception of Monday, and the array of beauty and fashion in ono of tho fino;t halls in Australia on

Tuesday—to say nothing of what followed upon tnese spectacles during his stay here —will have come to the conclusion that the smart men who write for the Saturday Review were not absolutely correct when they spoke indiscriminately of Australia as being composed of adventurers upon a basis of convictism. We subjoin the list of the presentations at the levee.

Allanby, Rev. C. G. Alexander, Mr R. Anderson, Mr A. Adeney, Rev H. W, H. Armstrong, Mr Chas. Ardlie, Mr W. Allan, Mr R. Ainsley, Mr E.

Bassano, Mr T. B. Bickett, Mr J. M. Bath, Mr T. Brown, Mr C. Baker, Mr G. T. Bristol, Mr R. C. Bright, Mr A. G. Burns, Rev E B. Boyle, Mr Arthur. ihrnurd, Mr YV. II. Bland, Sir K. II. Bielsield, idr 8. Birtchnell, Mr S. L. Bul!e:i, Ur F. D. 13'iggf, .Mr C. H. OiilfsKU. U-ilby, Mr H. II. Bunco, Dr R. Black, Mr Hugh Bolam, Mr W. Bishop, Mr J. Boyd, r JiS. Butler, Dr U.S. Bivdvri.ll, ilr Win. Bruua, Mr L. E, Bird, Rev B. S. Bauvbus, Mr W. JI. Bititn, zir W. II. Hoyd, Mr Chas. Binks, R=v W. L, Bsrnsteiu,

Mr J.

Caselli, Mr H. It. Cutbbert, Mr Jao., junr. Clough, Mr. Carpenter, ilr T. Craig, Mr J. Curtis, Mr Jas. Cuilib'rrt, Mr Thos. Ureber, Mr W. S. Cornish, Mr Thoi. Ciiolmers, Mr II. B. Christy, Mr Divid, Croker, Mr E J Cummings, Mr J. Cummings, Musttr J. Cjx, Mr II. T. C. Ciissold, Mr S. T. Cruiko'i ink, Mr G. Caaipbtli, li.v. A. Charleswortb, Mr B. Ciaston, Mr F. M. Cummins, ttov. R. T. Clurke, Mr H. Cutbbtrt, Mr H. Cow-in, Mr T. Christie, Mr L. S. Craig, Mr W. Cooler, iir T. C-iirng, Mr K M.

Downes, Mr F. C. Dixon, Mr T. Dickson, Mr T. Duihie, Mr D. H. Davies, Mr H. Dick, Rev. J. Dyke, Mr A. Daniel, Rev. G. Dowling, Mr C. C, Dyte, Mr C., M.L A. Dodds, Mr Jas. Duncan, Mr Gilbert. Doane, Mr J A. De Saxe, Mr S. Dumaresq, Mr A. W.

Eastwood, Mr E. Ellis, Mr G. \V. Elliot, Mr M. Eai' ling, Dr W. H. Eddy, Mr Jas.

Farrington, Mr C. M. Fraser, Rev. D. Fisken, Mr A. Fluy i, liev. W. Finn, Mr i\ T, Fry, Mr J. FoutcUer, Mr 0. Fiold,MrR. Fhhor, Mr C.

UruenwooU, Kev. Ji. Uro^nlield, Lieut. A M. Gil cluis:, Mr Arclid. Gallon-ay, Rov.D. B. A. Gribble, Mr E. V. Greene, Mr T. Gillies, Mr D., M L. A. Guthrie, Sir C Gibson, Mr (J. \V. Gibbi, Mr R. B. GiU-liridt, Mr Angus. Gsrdiuer, Sir >Vm. Qray, Mr

J. W.

Hickie, Rev W. Hastie, Rev T. Harvie, Mr W. Ht'ai'iy, 11c EJ. Hill, Mr II. (SuptriatemlenS of Police). Hale, Mr G. A. Hunr, .Vir J. Hulsliouse, Mr T. L. Humffray, Mr J. B, Henderson, K_"? \V., wad Litiuenuat Billr.rat Rin^era. llill, Air Albert. Iliilue, Mr T. il=uJerson, Mr —. llum p^i/e, Mr \V. II. Hsrdy, Mr Jobn. Ualley, R'jv J. J. Hk'ijaus, Mr W. J. Harrison, Mr H. N. Hermuo,

Rev S.

Ivey, Lisut. J. Ire, Mr F.

James, Mr John Jones, Mr J. II. Jones, Mr Robert. Jiinus, Mr C. E, M.L A. Jones, Mr Joseph, Jebb, Mr J. T. Jacobs, Mr C. Jnlmstoo, LU-uc. Jakins, Dr. J lyce, Mr A. Jenkina, Mr

J. a.

King, Mr A. H. Kiul, Mr A. A. King, Mr T.

Lock, Mr K. II. Lovrtlur, Mr J. Lung, Mr Thomas. Learmonth, Mr Thomas. L:e, Air P. L-jvitt, Mr G. LMselanfl, Mr W. Lsxis, air R. Lutie, Mr C. J. Ljwcnstcia, Mr A. L'juib, Mr

Jninea.

Mitchison, Mr F. R Matthews, Mr T. II. M'Coy, Mr R. U. (M.A.) Milts, Mr F. G. M'Phtrnon, Mr Du«p.M. iiliddieton, Mr Joseph. Mewton, Hev. J. M'Doirall, Mr James. Morrison, Mr John Clarke. Morton, Mr G. G. Miller Mr J. Mo:-rc-, Mr G. M.'Cormick, Mr W. H. Mclntosh, Mr Jas, M'Leod, Mr N. R. Middl- ton, Mr M. A. G. Moore, MrT. Morrell, Mr J. Maek'iy, McG. G. Moore, Rev. J. Moore, Lieut. Mui'.day, Mr J. Mu9grove,

Lieut. M'Gee, Mr W. S.

Neeaham, Profeasor Nicholson, Dr.

O'Connor, Mr D. O'Meara, Mr J. O'Donnol!, Rev. F. 0'C;nncll, Mr M. F. Usbomo, Mr T, Oliver, Mr Laniel. Oddie, Mr J.

Philippa, Rev. T. M. 15. Pasooe, .Mr J, R , jan Potter, Rsv. J . Palmar, air II P. I'apenbacen, Mr P. Pooley, Mi' W. T. P.ittersou, Mr (i. YV. F.

Rodier, Mr W. B. Hand ill, Mr J. F. Rosonblum, Mr B. '1'. Russell, Rev. G. J. Reed, Mr Joseph Richards, Mr J. Hy all, Mr 15. BSub-Iuepeetor Police. Reid, Mr F. A. Hobertson, Mr \V. UanH, Mr (J. Robertson, Mr D. Robaou, Mr John, Russell, Mr E.

Sadler, Mr J. Sleep, Captain J. T. Smith, Can

tain W. C. Scorer, Mr C. Southward, Mr J. Saunders, Mr J. M. Sadlnir, Mr II. 15. Smith, Mr II. Scott, Air II. Sulton, Rev. W. . Shiels, Mr Jno

Stricklanl, Mr 1£. J. Sleight, Mr j. Stewart, Dr J. Salmon, Mr Jno. Shaw, Mr J. R. Showman, Mr J. Strongman, Rev. J. M. Smith, Rev. A. M. Sturey,MrH. Surplice, Mr W. II. Scott, Mr A. Swift, Roy. A. Spencer, Rev. G.

Turner, Mr A. T. Turner, Mr E. Thomas, Mr H. Taylor, Mr J. G.

Uptoa, Mr E.

Victor, Mr J, Vaughan, Mr C. Vickers, Mr Ji Vance, Mr W. J.

SYallicr, Rev. R. T. Williamson, Mr J, Wright, Mr C. Wauiisa, Mr Thos. D. Welsh, Mr P. W. Wynne, Mr E. A, Windham, Mr J, E. Whit combo, Mr W. P. Walker Mr II. C. Were, Air J. 11. Walker, Mr C. Wood, Mr G. E. Wardlaw, Mr 11. 11. Wimpole, Liout. F. Whitelaw, Mr T. Wood, Mr W. WilliamB, Mr G. Wiakowski, Mr J. Whittaker, Mr J hn. Walker, Mr Hoace. Welsh, Mr U, A. Watson, Mr U. M> Walker, Mr Jan. Wilkins, Mr T.

Ytutig, I'.'.v. W. Young, Mr J. C.

Addresses were presented as follows :—

From the Ancient Order of Druids, Royal Lodge No 10, signed by James H. Spark, A.D.; Thomas Stanley, V. A ; William Silverlock, secretary.

From the Ancient Order of Foresters, signed by James Bell, D.C R.; Robert Wreford, D.S.CR; W. R. Watson. D.T; Robert Macintosh, D.S,; Wm Heard, D.B.

From the burgeBseacf the Borough of Clunes.

From the Liuagareo lload District Board, sigued by tho chairman, sir Henry Oiark,

From the Ballarat Mining Board.

From the Ballarat Caledonian Society (tho pre senters also presenting a march, with words in

Gaelic').

.From the Borough Council of Creawick.

From the --Students ot the Ballarat College, signed on behalf of their fellow atudent-s by C. J Hendorsun, class V , division I ; James Class, clas3 V., divinion 11 ; W. Anderson, cla>2s IV.; W. L. Duaantoy, class III. j li. Simpson, class II.; W. A. Martin, clans I.

From tha iJall-.rat We-t lure Brigade, signed by Jauji-a M'Dowall, captain; Thomas 8. Cranston, lieutenant; J-.'hn Hij/gins, treaeurur; Wm. Grahim.

hon. sec.

From tho Independent Order of Oddf Hows, M.U., signed by Georga Culo, Prov. G.M.; Hichurd K:nt. Prov. D.G.M.; William Wewstcr, Pr.v. C.S.

From the Jews of Ballarat, signed by Chas. Dyte, president of the congregation.

Addresoes were also presented by tho Pioneer and Excelsior Tents of the Independent Order of Rechabites, and the Borough Council of Mary boiough. By permission, after the levee, the members of the Ballarat Fire Brigade presented an address to his Royal Highness, at Craig's hotel, signed by Charles Dunn, captain, Carl I?ranzt lieai

tenant, Richard Geilhofer, hon, secretary. The Chinese residents also presented, by permission, an address at Craig's hotel.