The Britannia Lnn—Transparency, a vessel bringing the " welcome news." Mr. Montgomery—Transparency, "Loyal and Free." Mr. Ferguson, draper—A large and handsome comic transparency, representing the riches of the province which have been squandered by Sydney, and which will be saved by Separation. T h e Old White Hart Lnn, corner of Bourke and Spring Streets, a handsome full-length figure of " Her Majesty on the Throne, signing the Separation Bill." Messrs. Heales and Carter (coach factory), Lonsdale Street, had every window in their establishment lit up, and each showing the A r m s of the colony, and such mottoes as these:—"Be Just and Fear Not," " Advance Victoria," " Prosperity to the City and Trade of Melbourne," " Sons of Freedom, Rejoice," " O u r Bonds are Broken," "Justice has Prevailed." A window in the residence of M r . Basford, Queen Street, exhibited a well-done caricature of Victoria and N e w South Wales. Sydney is enquiring after the health of the child Victoria, and is answered rather sarcastically, " Very well thank you ; ain't he growing ? " Alderman Dr. Greeves, of Little Collins Street, displayed two splendid representations, the " Royal A r m s " and a device illustrating the Separation of the colony. A wreath of evergreens, with garlands of flowers, was thrown from the chimney of the Hand-in-Hand Lnn, across Little Collins Street, and had a very pretty effect. Mr. John Bear's house at Collingwood (now Victoria Parade near Nicholson Street) was a complete blaze of light. Never before or since has there been a night of such revel in Melbourne, considering population and circumstances. F r o m an early hour the streets began to fill, and it would seem as if the whole Province had poured in its residents to the town. About ten o'clock it appeared as if Elizabeth and Collins Streets (Bourke Street was not of m u c h account) were rushed by a roaring, turbulent madding multitude, w h o tore along up and down, yelling, cheering and shouting, but doing no other harm. One half was intoxicated from drinking, and the other half quite as drunk from excitement, and they surged about an excited but not angry sea of h u m a n faces. M a n y carried fireworks along with them, letting them off en route, whilst others footballed blazing tar barrels, taking good care though not to handle the fiery ball. T h e police were all out on duty, but they were put to no trouble, for there was no rowing, or garotting, or robbing such as n o w disgraces modern assemblages. A s for colonial larrikinism it was still unhatched. T h e only apprehension was lest Melbourne would be accidentally burned down, but h o w it escaped was an enigma. However, though there was no public prayer for rain, about twelve o'clock some smart showers fell, a regular God-send in clearing the streets and preventing any calamity, though a large number did not go h o m e till morning. A DAY OF PRAYER AND PLAY.
The next day, Thursday, was specially set apart for religious worship: and the forenoon passed off in a very solemn manner. Throughout the day almost every house in town was closed, and as for business it was totally suspended, except of course, the " Refreshment" manufactories. It is hardly an exaggeration to write that an universal Te Deum was offered by the people. Divine services were held at the several churches, which were well attended by all grades of society, high and low, rich and poor, and a feeling of profound gratitude to Providence appeared generally prevalent. Amongst the sermons preached the most effective were those of Dr. Perry, the Episcopalian Bishop, at St. James' Cathedral, and the Rev. Rabbi Rintel, at the Synagogue. T h e afternoon was, however, through an incongruous transition "from grave to gay," devoted to different purposes, when religion was obliged to give way to worldly amusements of a very miscellaneous character. In the first place there was improvised horse-racing at the beach near Sandridge; and at 4 p.m. a series of sports came off on the present Parliament Reserve. They were promoted by Mr. Henry Linebam, the landlord of the White Hart Hotel. At ni<mt several tar barrels were lit in different parts of the city, salutes were fired, and the fireworks again flew amongst the many wayfarers. T h e theatre was opened, and brilliantly illuminated,
