THE TOWNS OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 



21 



slope in a sheer descent, joining this main city-artery at right angles. The banks, the 

 hotels and the newspaper offices are in this busy traffic-way, named Hunter Street, and 

 above them nestle dwelling houses, looking out across the Hill the site of the public park 





.Nnl'.llYS 1IKAI), .\K\\VASTLE. 



and recreation-ground down on the bold coast-line, and away to the ocean beyond. In 

 Newcastle, as in Launceston, the hill-face is terraced with roofs, and one's garden-gate 

 may swing level with the chimney-pots of the adjoining houses. 



The town is famed rather for its commercial importance than for its beauty. Utility 

 is the foremost consideration, and the whole city is eloquent of its staple product. 

 There are no public buildings in Newcastle worthy of the importance of the town, or 

 commensurate with its prosperity. The Customs Office is commodious and neat, and the 

 Asylum for Imbeciles finely situated on the Hill. The banks are rather substantial than 



