Amongst the many buildings claiming notice is the Town Hall in Swanston-street, a large and imposing structure of dark blue cut stone; the interior is equally imposing, and fitted up at considerable expense. The Exhibition Building in William-street is one of considerable beauty, not less remarkable for its artistic design—a minute model of the Crystal Palace—than for the rapidity with which it was constructed. It was open as an exhibition for the works of art and industry about to be sent to the Exhibition of Paris, for about two months. It is now used for many purposes, such as concerts, balls, bazaars, and flower-shows, and, we trust, will long remain an ornament to the city, and an interesting souvenir of 1854.
We find the following societies within the city, each of which has a large and well-adapted building for the particular object of the Institute, being well supported, tending much to the advancement of literature and art:—The University Council and Educational Board; the Chamber of Commerce, with a very splendid hall, in Collins-street; the Philosophical Society; the Victorian Institute, for the advancement of Arts and Sciences; the Mechanics' Institute; the Philharmonic Society; the Benevolent Asylum; the Lunatic Asylum; the Emigrants' Aid Society and Immigrants' Home: these are under the control and direction of independent and separate councils, composed of the leading members of the state and colony.
