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November 2, 2020

¶ 1 Leave a comment on paragraph 1 0 June 18, 1853.]

¶ 2 Leave a comment on paragraph 2 0 THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS

¶ 3 Leave a comment on paragraph 3 0 487

¶ 4 Leave a comment on paragraph 4 0 Throne-room, attended by the Duchess of Sutherland, Mistress of the Robes; the Countess of Desart (in Waiting); the Viscountess Canning, The Viscountess Jocelyn, and the Duchess of Norfolk, Ladies of the Bed-

¶ 5 Leave a comment on paragraph 5 0 chamber, and a brilliant suite

¶ 6 Leave a comment on paragraph 6 0 ^{wore a} train of blue silk moire antique, brocaded in blue  and white flounces, trimmed with white tulle and blonde, blue ribbons and bouquets of small pink roses and lilies of the valley; the petticoat was white satin, covered with white tulle, and trimmed with white tulle blonde and lilies of the valley. Her Majesty’s head-dress was of diamonds and feathers.

¶ 7 Leave a comment on paragraph 7 0 The Foreign Ministers were first introduced, when several presentations took place. The general circle was numerously attended. The following being among the more noticeable presentations: -The Countess of Newburgh, on succeeding to her title and estates, by the Duchess of Norfolk; Lady Emma Stanley, by her mother, the Countess of Derby; Lady Margaret Butler, by her mother, the Countess of Glengall; Lady Littler, on her return from India, by Viscountess Hardinge.

¶ 8 Leave a comment on paragraph 8 0 THE STATE BALL.

¶ 9 Leave a comment on paragraph 9 0 The Queen gave, on Wednesday evening, at Buckingham Palace, a State Ball, which was very numerously and brilliantly attended. The invitations amounted to about 1900, and comprised the Royal Family and Royal visitors, the whole of the diplomatic corps and foreigners of distinction staying in this country, the Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Judges of the Courts of Common Law and Equity, the Queen’s Aides-de-Camp, the officers and ladies of the Royal Household, and a very large party of the nobility and gentry.

¶ 10 Leave a comment on paragraph 10 0 This was the first State entertainment since the re-decoration of the Grand Ball. The ceiling has been painted in oil, and paneled with a great variety of geometrical forms, and adorned with shields of arms, heraldic badges, the insignia of the national orders of chivalry of the three kingdoms, the badge of the Prince of Wales and the monogram of the Queen and Prince, with wreaths of flowers, and the various mottoes interspersed, all contributing to the general very beautiful effect. The Ballroom and Throne-room were appropriated for dancing, and in both apartments a temporary haut pas had been erected, on which were placed seats for the Queen and the Royal guests, with rich draperies at the back of white silk, embroidered with coloured flowers, and trimmed with silver fringe. In the Yellow Drawing-room, the Queen and Prince Albert received the members of the Royal Family. The Green Drawing-room was used as a refreshment-room during the evening, and a state supper was served in the dinner-room.

¶ 11 Leave a comment on paragraph 11 0 Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cambridge and the Princess Mary arrived at half-past nine o’clock, attended by Lady Suffield and Sir William Davison.

¶ 12 Leave a comment on paragraph 12 0 Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent was accompanied by her Serene Highness the Princess Adelaide of Hohenlohe, and attended by Lady Anna Maria Dawson, Sir George Couper, and Lord James Murray.

¶ 13 Leave a comment on paragraph 13 0 His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, K.G., was attended by Lord William Paulet.

¶ 14 Leave a comment on paragraph 14 0 Their Royal Highnesses the Hereditary Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and the Duchess Caroline of Mecklenburg- Strelitz, arrived at a quarter before ten o’clock, attended by Lady Caroline Cust, Baroness Wenchstein, and Baron Luhe.

¶ 15 Leave a comment on paragraph 15 0 Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, attended by Baroness de Wangenheim, Baron Seebach, and Captain Baron Treskow, joined her Majesty and her august circle in the Yellow Drawing-room.

¶ 16 Leave a comment on paragraph 16 0 The Queen wore a dress of pink silk, covered with pink tulle, ornamented with pink satin ribbons, and bunches of pink roses, and dia- monds. Her Majesty’s head-dress was formed of a wreath of pink roses and diamonds.

¶ 17 Leave a comment on paragraph 17 0 Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent wore a dress of sky blue, brocaded with silver and trimmed with point lace. Her Royal Highness’s head-dress was formed of crimson velvet, point lace, feathers, and diamonds.

¶ 18 Leave a comment on paragraph 18 0 Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge’s dress was black net over black silk, trimmed with black bugles, the stomacher adorned with pearls and diamonds. Her Royal Highness wore a splendid tiara of large pearls and diamonds.

¶ 19 Leave a comment on paragraph 19 0 Her Royal Highness the Princess Mary wore a dress of blue tulle, embroidered and trimmed with silver, the stomacher of diamonds. The Princess had a wreath of flowers round her head, diamond ear-rings, and a pearl necklace.

¶ 20 Leave a comment on paragraph 20 0 Her Royal Highness the Hereditary Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg- Strelitz wore a dress of pink satin covered with tulle, and trimmed with silver, the stomacher adorned with pearls and diamonds. The head-dress was composed of flowers, pearls, and diamonds.

¶ 21 Leave a comment on paragraph 21 0 Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha’s dress was of gold moire antique, trimmed with gold lace, and having the stomacher of diamonds. Her Royal Highness’s head-dress was formed of Tillies, green and gold leaves, and diamonds.

¶ 22 Leave a comment on paragraph 22 0 Her Royal Highness the Duchess Caroline of Mecklenburg-Strelitz wore a dress of pink satin, covered with tulle, having two deep flounces of white lace: the front was ornamented with white roses and green leaves diamonds being inserted in the middle of the roses. The stomacher was adorned with diamonds, and the head-dress composed of white roses and diamonds.

¶ 23 Leave a comment on paragraph 23 0 Her Serene Highness the Princess Adelaide of Hohenlohe wore a white dress, trimmed with blush roses and silver ribbons. The Princess wore round her head a wreath of blush roses.

¶ 24 Leave a comment on paragraph 24 0 The general company began to arrive soon after nine o’clock, those having the entree alighting at the garden entrance, and the other visitors alighting at the principal entrance in front of the Palace. All the guests were ushered up the Grand Staircase, through the Green Drawing-room, into the Picture Gallery.

¶ 25 Leave a comment on paragraph 25 0 At ten o’clock, her Majesty and his Royal Highness Prince Albert quitted the Yellow Drawing-room, and passed through the Grand Saloon, preceded by the Marquis of Breadalbane, K.T., Lord Chamberlain; the Duke of Norfolk, K.G., Lord Steward; Lord Ernest Bruce, Vice-Chamberlain ; the Earl of Mulgrave, Treasurer of the Household; and Lord Drumlanrig, Comptroller of the Household.

¶ 26 Leave a comment on paragraph 26 0 The Queen and Prince Albert, with their illustrious circle, were conducted by the Lord Chamberlain, and the other Officers of the State, into the Ball-room, where Mr. Boose’s quadrille band was stationed in an elevated orchestra.

¶ 27 Leave a comment on paragraph 27 0 Her Majesty opened the ball with his Royal Highness the Hereditary Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, in a quadrille.

¶ 28 Leave a comment on paragraph 28 0 The Throne-room was also appropriated for dancing; a second quadrille band being stationed in an orchestra erected for the purpose. The dances succeeded each other without intermission till half-past twelve o’clock, at which time her Majesty and his Royal Highness Prince Albert, with their Royal visitors and guests, were conducted to supper, preceded by the great officers of State, and. attended by the principal officers of the Household.

¶ 29 Leave a comment on paragraph 29 0 Supper was served in the dinner-room, on a range of tables running round three sides of the apartment. Opposite to the entrance was erected a large buffet covered with crimson, on which were displayed a magnificent assemblage of articles of gold plate and vertu, vases, jewelled cups, salvers, the shield of Achilles, and a great variety of beautiful specimens of artistic excellence and skilful workmanship. These were relieved with beautiful flowers, and wax-lights in gold candelabra, introduced with great taste. The service of the supper-tables was also entirely of gold plate, and displayed some magnificent centre-pieces, plateaux, epergnes, vases, and candelabra, many of them designed by, and executed under, the superintendence of the first artists.

¶ 30 Leave a comment on paragraph 30 0 THE KING AND QUEEN OF HANOVER.

¶ 31 Leave a comment on paragraph 31 0 Their Majesties the King and Queen of Hanover arrived off Woolwich on Thursday afternoon, in the Black Eagle, Admiralty yacht, from Ostend, which port their Majesties left at an early hour the same morning.

¶ 32 Leave a comment on paragraph 32 0 The Duke of Cambridge met his illustrious relatives at Woolwich, and conducted them to London.

¶ 33 Leave a comment on paragraph 33 0 and Queen are accompanied by their three children—the Crown Prince Ernest, the Princess Frederica, and the Princess Maria.

¶ 34 Leave a comment on paragraph 34 0 In the suite of his Majesty are—Marshal Baron Malortie, Baron Von Hedimann, Baron Von Der Weuse, General Vonderdecken, and the Hon. Richard Somerset, son of Lord Raglan, private secretary to the King, The ladies in attendance upon the Queen are—the Baroness Von Decken, the Robes; the Countess Bernsdorff, Lady in Waiting; and Maid of Honour.

¶ 35 Leave a comment on paragraph 35 0 will be attended by the following officers as aides-de-camp

¶ 36 Leave a comment on paragraph 36 0 Captain Essendorff, Captain Retzensteen, and Captain Budden. Dr. Lex and Dr. Kaufmann, physicians to the King, will accompany his Ma- oc in attendance upon the youthful Crown Prince.

¶ 37 Leave a comment on paragraph 37 0  The King and Queen will occupy the residence of the Hanoverian Legation in Grosvenor-place during their sojourn in this country.

¶ 38 Leave a comment on paragraph 38 0 Some idea of the magnitude of the King’s retinue may be formed from

¶ 39 Leave a comment on paragraph 39 0 fact that it has been found necessary to engage between thirty and rorty beds in the neighbourhood, for the different members of the Royal suite.

¶ 40 Leave a comment on paragraph 40 0 The chief object of the King’s visit to England is to stand sponsor for the infant Prince. His Majesty has not visited England since he left this country with his father, on the demise of King William IV., in 1837.

¶ 41 Leave a comment on paragraph 41 0 The King of Hanover, it is hardly necessary to add, suffers from a total deprivation of sight.

¶ 42 Leave a comment on paragraph 42 0 His Excellency Baron Bentinck, the Netherlands Minister, was prevented by indisposition from attending the Queen’s Drawingroom on

¶ 43 Leave a comment on paragraph 43 0 A matrimonial alliance is arranged between the Lady Al- breda Fitzwilliam, youngest daughter of the Earl Fitzwilliam, and Mr. Fitzpatrick Vernon, eldest son of the Right Hon. R. Vernon Smith M.P. Matrimonial alliances are also arranged to take place between Lady Augusta Hare, daughter of the Earl of Listowel, and Captain Proby, nephew of the Earl of Carysfort: and between Lady Alice Lambton, sister of the Earl of Durham, and Lord Aberdour, eldest son of the Earl of Morton.

¶ 44 Leave a comment on paragraph 44 0 METROPOLITAN NEWS.

¶ 45 Leave a comment on paragraph 45 0 RESULTS OF METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS, TAKEN DURING THE WEEK ENDING THURSDAY, JUNE 16th.

¶ 46 Leave a comment on paragraph 46 0 Note.—The sign + denotes above the average, and the sign — below the average. The numbers in the seventh column are calculated on the supposition that the saturation of the air is represented by 100.

¶ 47 Leave a comment on paragraph 47 0 The reading of the barometer decreased from 30.00 inches at the beginning of the week to 29.76 inches by 9h. a.m. on the 12th, increased to 30.07 inches by 9h. a.m. on the 15th, and decreased to 30.05 inches by 3h. p.m. on the same day, and increased to 30.10 inches by the end of the week. The mean reading for the week, at the height of 82 feet, was 29.840 inches. The weather during the week has been variable and showery, and the mean daily temperatures have varied from 9° above to 70 below their average values. The mean daily temperature on the 11th was 67’70, and is the highest mean temperature recorded as having happened on that day since the year 1842, when it was 68*7°; the mean daily temperature on the 13th was 52.0°, and is the lowest mean temperature reached on that day since the year 1843, when it was 51’90. The mean temperature of the week was 59 8°. being 0*90 above the average of the same week in thirty-eight years. The highest reading of the thermometer occurred on the 11th, when it was 82*0°, and the lowest on the 15th, when it was 48^,6°. Their difference, 33’4°, shows the range of temperature during the week. The mean daily range of temperature during the week was 18*3°; the largest daily range was (26 3/4°) on the 11th, and the smallest (2 1/2°) on the 13th. During the thunder-storm which occurred on the 11th, between 6h. 45m. and 7h. 20m. p.m., the temperature decreased 6 1/2°. Several claps of thunder were also heard on the 14th, about 1h. p.m. Rain fell during the week to the depth of 1.37 inch.

¶ 48 Leave a comment on paragraph 48 0 Lewisham, June 17th, 1853. James Glaisher.

¶ 49 Leave a comment on paragraph 49 0 Health of London.-—During the week ending June 11, the number of births registered to the metropolitan districts was 1508: of these 740 were boys, and 768 were girls. In the eight corresponding weeks of the eight preceding years the average number was 1286. The number of deaths registered in the week was 1007, which is still a decrease upon that of the week preceding. In the ten corresponding weeks of the ten preceding years the average number, corrected for increase of population, was 976, and thus the actual is still in excess of the estimated mortality by 31. The results of the present week are not generally different from those of the preceding, and are as follow:—To zymotic diseases 228 deaths are referred (their average is 193): of these 53 were due to typhus (its average is 65) ; to diarrhoea, 23 (its average is 14); to hooping-cough, 58 (which is an increase of 26 upon its average). To dropsy, cancer, &c., 51. To diseases of the brain, nerves, and senses, 104: of these 19 are due to apoplexy, 14 to paralysis, and 32 to convulsions. Tubercular diseases exceed their average by 19—the number of deaths due to their influence this week being 206: of these a large proportion belong to consumption—no less than 163 (which is an increase upon its average of 27). To diseases of the heart and blood-vessels, 44 (their average is 32). To diseases of the lungs and other organs of respiration, 136 (an increase of 30 upon their average): of these, 54 are due to bronchitis (in excess of its average by 21); to pneumonia, 62 (in excess of its average by 13). To diseases of the stomach, &c., 58. It will be perceived that fatal cases of typhus, consumption, and pneumonia have increased during the week, whilst those produced by diarrhoea, &c., and bronchitis, are on the decline. To violence, privation, cold, and intemperance, 24. Of these the Registrar- General remarks— “ It is a lamentable fact that no less than four deaths were recorded in the week as produced by want. They occurred in the Marylebone and Strand Union Workhouses, as follow:—A man, aged 49 years; a cabman, aged 50 years; a labourer, aged 61 years; and a cabinetmaker, aged 60 years.” ——

¶ 50 Leave a comment on paragraph 50 0 Hon. Artillery Company.—H.R.H. Prince Albert,, the Captain-General and Colonel of this ancient volunteer corps, has presented the artillery division with new carriages and limbers for their six- pounder guns. On Friday the division mustered at the Artillery-ground, and marched with horses to the Tower, for the purpose of fetching the guns and carriages. After the horses were hooked in, the division left the Tower by the chief entrance, the guards turning out and paying due military honours to the guns. The party returned to the Artillery-ground via Aldgate, Leadenhall-street, Cornhill, Princes-street, and Finsbury- square.

¶ 51 Leave a comment on paragraph 51 0 Asylum for Female Orphans, Lambeth.—On Monday last, a special general court was held in this old and valuable institution, for the election of ten candidates, which proved to be a most enlivening and affecting scene; manifesting as well the zeal of the public in endeavouring to avail themselves of its benefits, as presenting at the same time the sorrowing and sometimes disappointed widow, or friend, and the tearful and touching countenances of the assembled orphans. On scarcely any previous occasion have the guardians so eagerly exercised their privileges of voting, the result being that the ten successful orphans were returned with 12,666 votes, while the four highest unsuccessful children polled the unusual number of 3609.

¶ 52 Leave a comment on paragraph 52 0 Dinner to Mr. Duffy, M.P.—This gentleman was entertained on Wednesday evening by a party of his friends, including Messrs. Swift, M.P. (chairman); Brady, M.P.; Lucas, M.P.; M‘Cann, M.P.; and Kennedy, M.P., at the Freemasons’ Tavern. In addition to “The Health ” of the hon. gentleman, various other toasts were given, including “ The Memory of O’Connell,” and “ The Health of Smith O’Brien, Meagher, &c.”

¶ 53 Leave a comment on paragraph 53 0 The Chiswick Flower Show.—A brilliant sunny afternoon attracted on Saturday last a large assemblage of company to the second fete of the Horticultural Society. The show of flowers was varied and interesting, but that of fruit was the best. The grapes were very excellent, and the strawberries gigantic. There were almost 7000 people on the ground, and they continued to arrive until the descending rain and the retreating crowd induced many to stop short of their destination.

¶ 54 Leave a comment on paragraph 54 0 British Beneficent Institution.—The fourth anniversary festival of this excellent charity—the object of which is to afford permanent incomes to the widows and unmarried daughters of military and naval officers, clergymen, members of the learned professions, professors of the fine arts, bankers, merchants, and others—was held at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street, on Tuesday evening, when about 150 gentlemen sat down to a dinner, which, for excellence and variety, obtained the unqualified commendation of the guests. The chair was ably filled by Lord Bateman; who was supported by Sir Felix Agar, Lord Erskine, the Rev. Robert Montgomery, Captain Dickson, the Rev. J. Brown, and several gentlemen, members of the Stock Exchange, who are liberal supporters and subscribers to the institution. The noble chairman, in proposing “ Prosperity to the Beneficent Institution,” said that twenty- iour ladies, who had once been in better circumstances, were now the recipients of the society’s bounty. Among them were many widows and orphans of those who had served in the army and navy, and the daughters of those who had been unfortunate in commercial pursuits. The noble Lord made an eloquent appeal on behalf of those who, having been tenderly nurtured and brought up, suffered more acutely than any other class from misfortune and the terrors of approaching destitution. The appeal was most liberally responded to—the list of subscriptions and donations amounting, before the close of the evening, to nearly £1700.

¶ 55 Leave a comment on paragraph 55 0 The Conservative Land Society.—-The third quarterly general meeting of the members of this society was held at the Free-  masons’ Tavern, on Wednesday. The report of the executive committee stated that upwards of 4500 shares had been issued during nine months, representing a capital of £225,000; on which £35,000 has been paid. The number of shares on the order of rights is 879. The number of estates bought is ten; of which one has been allotted, and three are ready for allotment. A public drawing then took place for rights of choice on the society’s estates, when forty-three shares were drawn; and it was announced that twenty-one would be placed on the order of rights by seniority.

¶ 56 Leave a comment on paragraph 56 0 National Society for Promoting the Education of the Poor.—The annual general meeting took place on Wednesday, in the Central School-room, Westminster. The Archbishop of Canterbury presided ; and, in opening the proceedings, said, by the exertions of the society, numbers of schools had been established, and many children educated. This proved that the society were proceeding according to their charter, ana were pursuing the object in view—the education of the poorer classes. Their education was conducted upon the principles of the Established Church. That principle, he was convinced, was the best: if they attempted to provide education upon any other principle, they would altogether fail (Cheers). The formal business was proceeded with; the auditors were re-elected; and the report was read. The ballot was then taken for members to serve on the committee, and the four vacancies supplied. On the report being read and approved, Lord Redesdale moved— “ That, the formal business being concluded, this meeting do now adjourn.” Archdeacon Denison opposed this, which led to a long and “ untoward ” debate. Ultimately, the motion of Lord Redesdale was carried by an immense majority, only about half a dozen hands being held up in opposition ; and the proceedings terminated.

¶ 57 Leave a comment on paragraph 57 0 The Asylum for Idiots.—The ceremony of laying the first stone of this truly national institution took place on Thursday, on the estate Earlswood, near Red-hill, Surrey. The great popularity of the undertaking, coupled with the presence of Prince Albert, drew a large company of friends from the neighbourhood, and by special train from London. On the arrival of the Royal train, Prince Albert was received, amidst loud acclamations, by the secretaries, the Rev. Dr. Reed and Dr. Conolly, and conducted to a spacious marquee, crowded with a fashionable company, and fitted up with great taste. In the circle formed round the Prince we observed, besides the gentlemen in attendance, the Bishop of Winchester, Lord Robert Grosvenor, Viscount Ebrington, Col. Grey,T. 8. Cocks, Esq., M.P., M. T. Smith, Esq., M.P., Lord Calthorpe; Drs. Forbes, Little, and Maxwell; Mr. Alderman Wire, Sir G. Carroll, Mr. Twinin Mr. Betts, Mr. Gibbs, the Rev. H. Christmas, M. A., S. B. Bergne, Professor Ransom, and a large number of clergy and gentry. The Prince having laid the stone, a pleasing incident occurred, in the presentation, by about two hundred ladies, of purses containing £5 5s. each; and these were succeeded by about twenty gentlemen, who deposited on the stone one hundred guineas each. Among these names we noticed that of Mr. Peto, M.P.; R. Fox, Esq.; John Monk, Esq.; Sir G. Carroll, and Dr. Andrew Reed, the founder of the charity. The total amount of money raised we shall be able to report next week, when we hope to be able to present a Sketch taken by our Artist on the spot. The Prince, in a brief but admirable speech, expressed his high satisfaction at the flourishing prospect of the institution, and the earnest wishes entertained by her Majesty and himself for its prosperity. The Prince took his departure at four o’clock, and the company returned to town, to close the proceedings of the day by dining at the London Tavern. In the evening a dinner, in celebration of the charity, was held at the London Tavern, when the Right Hon. Lord Wodehouse presided. After the usual toasts, his Lordship proposed “ Success to the Asylum,” and placed its benefit on a reasonable basis—that of its being for the advantage of the helpless, and having every prospect of success. The history of idiots was, in fact, as instructive as that of scientific discoveries. Their education had been conducted with a sense of the beautiful—this attribute in objects had been too much neglected in English education—and this institution had, strange as it might seem, a tendency to correct this error. Dr. Reed, the secretary, made then what he justly called the best speech of the evening, a report of the subscriptions received at the dinner, and announced as having been realised at the laying of the stone— the sum of which amounted to £10,000, or more.

¶ 58 Leave a comment on paragraph 58 0  The Lord-Lieutenancy of Middlesex.—On. Thursday evening the Deputy-Lieutenants of Middlesex entertained at Lovegrove’s Hotel, Blackwall, the Marquis of Salisbury, as Lord-Lieutenant of the County; and the Colonels of the several regiments of militia belonging to the county and to the Tower Hamlets. Mr. Pownal, as chairman of the bench of magistrates, presided. Lord Salisbury, in acknowledging the compliment of his health, said that the success which had attended the levy of the militia in the county, was not to be attributed to any exertions of his, but to the consciousness of the people, that they had rights to defend and liberties to enjoy, and to their determination to continue in the same condition. Several other toasts of a loyal and complimentary character were also drunk, when the festivities of the evening terminated.

¶ 59 Leave a comment on paragraph 59 0 Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.—On Thursday, the 152nd festival of this institution was celebrated; when the Lord Bishop of Manchester preached an eloquent and impressive sermon, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, in presence of the Corporation of London, and a numerous body of prelates, clergy, and laity, and a collection was made in aid of the funds. His Lordship took for his text the 28th verse of chapter xii. of St. John’s Gospel. This sermon was followed by a meeting at Willis’s Rooms, presided over by the Lord Primate, having the same object. Mr. Collard and several other friends of the society addressed the meeting.

¶ 60 Leave a comment on paragraph 60 0 Royal Geographical Society.—The last meeting of this society for the session was held on Monday at the Theatre of the Royal Institution, Albemarle-street; Sir Roderick Murchison in the chair. Among the papers read to the society was a description of Chusan, by Sir John Davis, Bart., which island is important from its geographical position, being in 36° north latitude. The President directed attention to the Expedition proposed by Mr. Ernest Hang to ascend the Victoria River in North Australia, thence to penetrate to the east towards the Gulf of Carpentaria, and the country behind the present so rapidly increasing colonies of Eastern Australia. Two of the Aborigines who had lately arrived in this country were present, under the care of Dr. Hodgkin and Mr. Cull; and Mr. Brierley’s beautiful sketches of the country about the Cape York Peninsula were greatly admired. (We shall shortly engrave portraits of  the Aborigines). Mention was next made of the departure of Mr. Albert Robinson, who, in his yacht, was about to proceed to Greenland to investi-

¶ 61 Leave a comment on paragraph 61 0  gate the mineral resources of that country.

¶ 62 Leave a comment on paragraph 62 0 The Royal Society.—On Saturday evening last, the Earl of Rosse, as President of the Royal Society, gave his fourth and last conversazione this season, at his Lordship’s mansion, Connaught place.

¶ 63 Leave a comment on paragraph 63 0 Merchant Taylors’ School.—-On Saturday the examination, award of prizes, and election of scholars to St. John’s College, Oxford. took place at the Merchant Taylors’ School. The chief classical prizes were obtained by T. F. Donkin, D. M. Gardner, and A. E. Graham. The chief mathematical prizes for the year were obtained by Alexander J. M’Caul and William G. Longden. Mr. W. W. Wilson obtained the head master’s Hebrew prize, and also the . prize for history. The manner in which the pupils acquitted themselves of this trying duty reflects great credit on the training of the school.

¶ 64 Leave a comment on paragraph 64 0 United Law Clerks’ Society.—The twenty-first anniversary festival of this institution was held on Monday evening, at the Freemasons’ Tavern; the Hon. Mr. Justice Coleridge presiding The report stated that the society had granted to members in sickness out of the general fund a sum of more than £3000. The usual loyal toasts having been drunk, a collection of £400 was made, and the company separated.

¶ 65 Leave a comment on paragraph 65 0 The Ballot.—A public meeting was held on Monday night in the lecture-hall of the Literary Institution, Greenwich, in aid of the ballot movement. The chair was occupied by Montagu Chambers, Esq., M.P. A petition to the House of Commons in favour of the ballot was adopted, and a ballot local committee appointed. The meeting separated with three hearty cheers for the success of Mr. H. Berkeley’s motion in the House of Commons.

¶ 66 Leave a comment on paragraph 66 0 Representation of the City of London.—A numerously- signed requisition from the inhabitants of the ward of Billingsgate, has been presented to Mr. Alderman Sidney, urging him to call a special meeting, to take into consideration the present defective state of the representation of the city of London in the Commons House of Parliament. The Alderman has appointed Monday next, the 20th inst., for a meeting to be held of the inhabitants of the ward at Fellowship Hall.

¶ 67 Leave a comment on paragraph 67 0 St. Barnabas’ Church, Pimlico.—The anniversary feast of the dedication of this church was celebrated on Saturday, in the usual manner. A sermon appropriate to the occasion was delivered by the incumbent, the Rev. R. Liddell, from Acts iv., 36 37, in the course of which he adverted to the conception, the completion, the maintenance, and the disembarrassment of the building, observing, on the latter point, that, within the last two years, between £3000 and £4000 of liabilities had been liquidated, and now the church stood entirely free. At the conclusion of the sermon, the Holy Communion was administered. About 400 of the poorer members of the congregation afterwards dined together in the school-rooms, which were tastefully decorated for the occasion; the expenses of the feast being defrayed from the offertory for the day, which is exclusively devoted to that purpose, and to a subsequent entertainment for the children. The Rev. Mr. Liddell presided; and proposed the health of the Rev. W. E. Bennett, the founder of St. Barnabas; and the toast was drunk with great enthusiasm.

¶ 68 Leave a comment on paragraph 68 0 The Whittington Club and Metropolitan Atheneum.— Wednesday night a public general meeting of the members of this club was held at the club house, for the purpose of considering its present condition, and of taking such steps as might appear necessary for placing it upon a permament and enduring basis. The chair was taken by Mr. Mechi. Several gentlemen addressed the meeting in support of the resolutions passed ; assuring the public that the institution was worthy of support, from the physical,’moral, and social benefits it had conferred. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings.

¶ 69 Leave a comment on paragraph 69 0 Hackney Carriage Licenses.—There have been nearly 500 cabmens’, omnibus drivers’, and conductors’ licenses stopped at the annual  licensing, at Scotland-yard, this year. A great number had also resigned, in consequence of their apprehensions relative to Mr. Fitzroy’s new Hackney Carriage Bill. The applications for fresh licenses were also very considerable, and evidently by a superior class of men. The greatest care is taken in the inquiries as to previous character.

¶ 70 Leave a comment on paragraph 70 0 Mr. Hale’s War Rockets.—The solicitor acting on behalf of Mr. Hale received a letter a few days ago from Mr. Waddington, the Under Secretary of State, conveying information that the Government had abandoned all further proceedings against Mr. Hale, and were willing that he should select one of four officers named to make a reasonable yet liberal valuation of the property seized. The abandonment of the prosecution against Mr. Hale will not be matter of surprise, as it was never intended, as Lord Palmerston stated, to press hard upon him, but to elicit if they were manufactured for any of the foreign refugees in this country. It is said that the two most important witnesses who could have been called, if the case had been carried out, have left this country to watch the present aspect of events on the Continent.

¶ 71 Leave a comment on paragraph 71 0 Great Western Railway.—On Thursday a special meeting of this company was held at the Paddington station, when the various bills now before Parliament promoted by the company, were approved, in compliance with the Wharncliffe order of the House of Lords.