The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1854-06-27 00:00:00

OPENING OF ST. GEORGE'S-HALL.

A WEEK or two ago, we had the satisfaction of an- I
Pouncing, exclusively, that this magnificent edifice would
be opened in the course of the approaching autumn, by a
splendid inaugural ceremony, which would be graced by
the presence of Her Majesty the Queen, and her Royal
and illustrious Consort. Since that period the preparatory
arrangements have made considerable progress, under the
judicious management of the committee. Externally, it
will be seen the completion of the work is making rapid
progress. The handsome stone balustrade which sur-
rounds the enclosed area, with its numerous interrupting
pedestals, are all but completed ; and most of the Janus,
or double-faced granite columns, have been fixed. Of
these, two are placed at the bottom of the basement flight
of steps leading to the noble portico at the south end of
the building ; and other two are erected at the south-
eastern angle of the enclosure. These pillars, which,
from their massiveness, appear somewhat dwarfed in
height, are the posts on which are to be hung the ponderous
and beautiful bronze gates which, opening, will give access
to the hall. Similar gates and columns are being pre-
pared for erection at the north end of the edifice. On the
eastern side of the enclosing area, opposite to the railway
station, two colossal cubes of sandstone are firmly em-
bedded on either side of a roadway. These are pedestals
intended to carry two lofty granite columns, each sur-
mounted by a golden globe, emblematic of the widely
extended commercial relations of the port and the com-
munity of Liverpool. Other pedestals, situated in different
portions of the curtain-wall, are suited for the reception
of other symbolical representations of our national and
municipal pursuits.
The operations for completing the interior are proceed-
ing with energy and speed. The beautifully-arranged
mosaic floor is nearly completed, and adds greatly to the
general magnificence of the hall. It may be described as
consisting generally of three circular devices, the central
and larger one having its interior compartment occupied
by a brilliantly executed emblazonment of the Royal
arms, surrounded by annular designs, conspicuous among
which are a series representative of Neptunian and com-
mercial triumph, executed in yellow and brown encaustic,.
exterior to which are rings of geometric design in bril-
liant colours. To the north and south of this central
design there are subordinate figures of similar form, the
centres of each being occupied by the shield and arms of
Liverpool, also in brilliant colours. Exterior to the
circles, the floor is tesselated in comparatively sober tones,
of colour, so arranged as to form a harmonious internote
with the bright and telling tints predominating in the
narrow dais or raised platform which surrounds the prin-
cipal floor, and cuts it off from communicating with the
walls. The erection of the organ is well advanced, and so
far as can be judged of from its present aspect, it will, in
general design and in details, fall with good effect into

the arrangement of the purely Italian style of the hall. The
richly decorated and commodious concert-hall is also in
an advanced state of preparation, occupying the upper
portion of the building at its northern end. It will be
furnished with a handsome orchestra, but no organ, and
is surrounded by a tastefully arranged gallery.
Much has been done in forwarding the works within
the last few weeks, and still a considerable amount of
labour remains to be effected; but the committee is urgent,
and the contractors unremitting in their efforts for its
accomplishment, and no doubt need be entertained that
all will be in order for the inauguration. On Monday a
meeting of the St. George's-hall Committee was held,
when a general outline of the proceedings intended to
take place at the inauguration was brought under consi-
deration. Mr. J. H. Turner intimated that the Mayor
was then in London, awaiting Her Majesty's decision as to
opening the hall in person. The services of Sir Henry
Bishop have been secured as musical conductor. In the
event of Her Majesty being present at the opening of the
hall, of which little doubt is apprehended, the. following.
arrangements have been decided upon :—Her Majesty and
suite will enter the hall by the northern front, and, passing
along the corridors, will issue into the hall by a passage
under the grand organ. A space will be kept clear up the
centre of the hall, displaying the richest part of the
encaustic pavement, over which Her Majesty will pass to
the end of the hall, where, upon a raised dais, will be
placed chairs of state for the Royal party. Persons admitted
to the hall will be seated on forms running its length,
and in the galleries at each side. An excellent view of
Her Majesty and suite will be secured by this arrange-
ment, which will leave the centre free for the passage of
the Queen to the end of the hall. It is calculated that
upwards of 2,300 persons can be accommodated on the
occasion.
The musical performances will commence as
Her Majesty enters, rs, and the pieces selected are the " Hal-
lelujah Chorus ,
, the" Coronation Anthem," and "God
save the Queen." At the conclusion of the National An-
'
them,Her
refreshmentswesiltY willl
provided,
rr
oe tviirded, and
e to the grandduri
during
thuryre repast theoom,where
hall will be cleareds, to Her Majesty to see without
interruption the
!portions and elaborately
' finished details of the fine hrll

ARTLEy.—Mr. J. B.
engineer toas4locia.ted with his
PRESENTATION TO MR. J,
ginß
Hartley, of this town, besides being
ne Liverpool father, Mr. Jesse Hartley, as enerPool Dock
Trustees, holds the appointment of en
Dock Company. The Hull Dock Compgain;eYnto the Hull
sent that gentleman with a massive and richly
intend to pre-
three-branch candelabra, of the Alhambra patternamenle
testimonial is valued at 100 guineas, is highly finished,e
and is remarkable for its chasteness and novelty of design,
A similar compliment is also to be paid to the secretary of
the Bull Dock Company, Ur, Wm, Henry Liam,

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, AND GENERAL COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER.

they can be had at a reasonable price.—lmport'
for the week, 1559 bales, viz., 116 Mediterranean
Ports, 263 Portugal, 1150 East India, and 30
Irish.—English Wool is much depressed ; Irish in
good demand, at 111 d. to 111 d. for mixed parcels.