WELLINGTON.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 195, 14 June 1860, Page 3

WELLINGTON.

Opening of the Wellington Odd Fellows’ Hall. —This Hall, the foundation stone of which was laid by the Governor on the 21st May, 1859, was opened on the 24th ult. —the Queen’s birthday. There was a grand procession during the day, and in the evening about 250 gentlemen sat down to dinner in the main room.

The Hall stands on a plot of ground recently reclaimed from the sea, having its main frontage to Lambton Quay. The site measures about 100 feet square, in the centre of which the Hall is placed on piles, having their foundation on rock which forms, the bed of the harbour. The north, east, and south .sides of the Hall are plain in appearance ; but the west side, which is the principal front, has a fine appearance. It is in the lonic style, and measures 76 feet in length, and in height, to the top of blocking course of entablature, 25 feet. The portico—measuring in, width 26 feet, in depth 9 feet, and in height to apex of pediment 32 feet—is supported by four fluted columns, 18 feet high, of the lonic order. The building is entered through a small entrance hall. The ceiling of the principal room is curved, rising in the centre three feet six inches, and divided longitudinally into seven compartments by moulded ribs which rise and terminate on the plaster cornice, which latter is supported by pilasters formed of figured New .Zealand woods varnished. Three enriched centre-pieces, in plaster, decorate the and elegant chandeliers are suspended. The walls are formed into compartments by wood work (dadoes and pilasters), the compartments being arranged in panels, with wainscot paper and scroll work. The dimensions and number, of rooms in the building are,; —

The building throughout is mainly constructed of wood, the principal exceptions being that the ceilings are plastered and the roof covered with galvanized iron. The total cost of the whole, when finally completed, fencing, &c., will not be less than ,£2500. The whole of the work has been executed by che artists and artizans of Wellington, and will, whether for design or elaborate workmanship, bear favourable comparison with other public buildings in other towns of this

colony. On 7'hursday, the 31st ult., a ball 'was held in honour of the opening of the building, which was attended by a large number of the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood.

Supeeme Couet. —The criminal, sittings of this court commenced on Friday the Ist inst., his Honor Mr. Justice Johnston presiding. Only four cases came before it, and none of them of any interest or importance. Mr. Johnston in his charge said, “ I do not feel justified in inferring from that fact only (the absence of cases) that the amount of crime is omo.ll.?- ..Ho said there was great need for general convict and lunatic establishments, properly conducted ; for a change in.the system of imprisonment for .small debts incurred without fraud ; and for laws of insolvency or bankruptcy. The civil sittings of the court, held on the Bth inst., were adjourned till, next quarter, there being no cases for trial.

The Revision Couet has- concluded its sittings. The New Zealand Advertiser remarks —“ Mr. John Knowles, the clerk to the Superintendent, instead of- attending to the duties of his office, was in daily attendance at the Court, making frivolous-', and vexatious objections to those claimants, who were not prepared to vote black., was white at the hid ding of his masters.. Not one, half the persons entitled to vote - are on. the Electoral Roll. The course pursued by the Government, therefore, is. calculated to have the effect of virtually placing in the. hands of the representatives of Auckland the entire legislative power of the General Assembly, to counteract which in 1854. au Act was specially past by the Provincial, Council. Then a fear, was expressed that unless the Electoral Rolll was made as full and complete as possible, the Southern Provinces would be swamped ; now: regardless of former professions, of Southern] interests, and. the. claims of Wellington, the

aim is to diminish the roll to prevailing orthodox, narrow, and “ constitutional ” dimensions, and thus to reduce the number of our representatives iu the General Assembly.

Main hall .. 60 X 30 ft. Gallery to do. Two anti rooms . 30 X 12 ft. . 12 X 30 ft. Entrance hall X 10 ft, Two lodge rooms . 29 X 18 ft, Two front offices 18 X. 18 ft. Two upper rooms .. . 18 X 18 ft. One kitchen. . 18 X 10 ft