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The P.G.M., assisted by Messrs. Mathews, Michel, Quin, Lumsden, and W. Hinds, went through the usual formula, and the stone was pronounced to be "well and truly laid." Mr. Meredith, the architect, next exhibited a plan of the future building, and its handsome appearance and goodly proportions elicited rapturous cheering. T h e P.G.M. Bro. Kerr addressed the assemblage in a lengthy and interesting oration, and thus concluded :— " Friends and Brethren,—We have this day laid the foundation of a building, within the walls of which it is intended to provide the rising generation with the blessings of a sound and liberal education, which shall afford in all time coming a rallying point for the defenders and supporters of the Protestant Faith, and a stronghold for the maintenance of Civil and Religious Liberty to all classes of H e r Majesty's Subjects. M a y the Grand Architect of the Universe, of His kind Providence, enable us to carry on and finish the work w e have n o w begun, and m a y H e preserve it from decay and ruin to the latest posterity." A h y m n was sung and the Doxology followed, after which the Rev. A. M . Ramsay, a Minister of the Presbyterian Church of the Province unconnected with the State, invoked the blessing of Almighty G o d on the day's work, and very fervently prayed for the prosperity of an undertaking having for its object the spread of education and the maintenance of pure and undefiled religion. A collection was m a d e in aid of the Building Fund, and .£26 is. contributed. T h e National Anthem was then chanted, an explosion of "Kentish fire" followed, and the proceedings, which were distinguished by good order and m u c h enthusiasm, wound up with three cheers for the Queen. O n the 24th April, 1848, (also Easter M o n d a y ) the building was formally opened with a very successful ball, at which 400 persons attended. O n the 15th August in the same year another very agreeable re-union took place. T h e principal room, afinespacious apartment, was tastefully decorated. Three fine chandeliers swung from the ceiling, and a gorgeous star illuminated with lamps, surmounted by a crown and the Royal monogram V.R. T h e floor was fantastically chalked by a Mr. Lightwood with the arms of the province in the centre, and "Advance Victoria" in a scroll underneath. T h e attendance was numerous, several of the visitors adopting fancy costumes, amongst the most remarkable of which were those of Dr. O'Toole, the Lass o' Gowrie, Flower girls, Italian peasants, and bandits. There was a sprinkling of Masons and Oddfellows in regalia, and there were the two Misses D., w h o were pronounced to be the evening belles. A Mr. Easeman conducted the orchestra, dancing commenced at 9.30, the supper was sumptuous, and there was not a single drawback to mar the universal satisfaction imparted. A n d so as one year disappeared to be replaced by another, the Hall continued to be the arena of many pleasant festive fore-gatherings and public meetings, as well as a convenient rendezvous for religious celebrations and demonstrations. For more than thirty years the Protestant Hall fulfilled the purpose of its projectors so effectually that in January, 1882, the old building was removed with the intention of substituting a more suitable edifice. T h e new hall was accordingly proceeded with, and it is a creditable architectural achievement. Its estimated cost was about £6000, and the subjoined description is compressed from a Melbourne newspaper:— " T h e foundations are of bluestone, and the superstructure is in brick cement. T h e building is twostoried, and in the Italian style of architecture. T h e lower windows are arched, and neatly relieved by pilasters with insticated basements. T h e upper windows are headed with square pediments, with trusses and enriched panels, and between them are pilasters in the Corinthian style. Surmounting all are a large modillioned cornice and balustrade, and from the corner springs a tower 70ft. high, with a mansard roof and a platform enclosed in an ornamental iron railing. T h e interior of the ground floor is divided into a number of rooms appropriated to various purposes. A stone staircase leads up to the hall on the first floor—a capacious apartment 70ft. by 42ft. and 24ft. high. A platform has been erected at one end, and a gallery at the other. T h e building is expected to be self-supporting, for the rents for the use of the hall and the meeting-rooms will bring in a considerable annual revenue."